Popular video streaming services in the UAE
Streaming services have become part of our lives. Whether you are a binge-watcher or someone who likes to enjoy movies and TV shows while dining, we all have our favourite platforms. Today, MyBayut explores the various options for UAE residents looking to stream the latest movies, TV series and programmes! From Netflix to OSN, here are the best streaming services in the UAE for TV shows and Hollywood, Bollywood and Arabic movies, along with their subscription costs and free trial periods.
POPULAR VIDEO STREAMING SERVICES IN THE UAE FOR 2023
DISNEY+
In June 2022, Disney+ finally arrived in the UAE, bringing with it a glittering array of Disney+ shows and dramatically shifting the streaming landscape in the country. Content from top Disney Brands like Disney Animation, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic and Marvel is available on the service. You can find amazing shows like Ms. Marvel, The Simpsons, Grey’s Anatomy and many more.
- Disney+ UAE price: AED 39.99 per month | AED 354.99 per year
NETFLIX
When it comes to video streaming services in the UAE, streaming giant Netflix first comes to mind. Netflix launched its services in the UAE in 2016 and has become the go-to for viewers looking for the next show to binge-watch.
Aside from an impressive catalogue of popular TV series, films and documentaries, Netflix UAE is known for its growing portfolio of original content, including hit series like Stranger Things and Wednesday.
- Netflix UAE price: AED 29 per month (Basic Plan), AED 39 per month (Standard Plan), AED 56 per month (Premium Plan)
APPLE TV+
Another popular UAE streaming service is Apple TV+. It focuses on original content by Apple, including shows, movies and documentaries, and it’s ad-free!
- Free Trial: 7 Days
- Apple TV Plus UAE price: AED 27.99 per month
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
Another option for video streaming in the UAE is Amazon Prime Video which launched in the country in June 2019. Customers get free access to Amazon Prime Video UAE as part of its premium subscription service, Amazon Prime.
The Grand Tour, Fleabag, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, The Boys and Good Omens are popular Amazon-original shows that viewers can catch on this video streaming service in the UAE. Other content on Prime Video includes Hollywood, Bollywood and other foreign films. The competitive Amazon Prime Video UAE subscription cost makes it especially popular among viewers.
- Free Trial: 30 days
- Amazon Prime Video UAE price: AED 16 per month
STARZPLAY ARABIA
StarzPlay Arabia is an on-demand streaming service in Dubai and the UAE that was available to customers even before Netflix. Whether you prefer drama, action, comedy, family, Bollywood or Arabic content, StarzPlay Arabia has it all.
Watch everything from Mad Men and The Big Bang Theory to The Office on StarzPlay’s video streaming services in the UAE.
- Free Trial: 30 days
- StarzPlay UAE price:
- Starzplay Entertainment: AED 29.22 per month
- Starzplay Sports: AED 199.99 per year
OSN+
OSN+, a popular UAE streaming service, offers a captivating selection of content to keep you entertained. From global blockbusters and critically acclaimed series like Halo and Game of Thrones to captivating Turkish dramas and the latest Arabic hits, there’s something for everyone.
Through long-standing partnerships with industry giants like HBO, NBC Universal, MGM and Paramount, OSN+ ensures you have access to the most sought-after shows and movies.
- Free Trial: 7 days
- OSN+ UAE price: AED 39.99 per month | AED 399.99 per year
MBC SHAHID
One of the first on-demand streaming services in the UAE, Shahid by MBC, boasts an extensive collection of Arabic content. Shahid is a free service that allows users to watch Arabic shows and movies previously aired on MBC channels and other online-exclusive content. However, Shahid VIP offers a paid subscription that allows users to watch ad-free videos and additional premium content.
MBC Shahid is rated as the number one Arabic video-on-demand service in the UAE and globally. It has the most extensive library of series, documentaries and movies, including Arabic, English and Turkish content with dubbing and subtitles.
- Free Trial: 7 days
- Shahid UAE price per month:
- VIP: AED 39.99
- Sports: AED 69.99
- Ultimate: AED 79.99
VIU
Viu is next on oust list of video streaming services in the UAE. The service was launched in the UAE in 2017 and has steadily carved out a niche. It has wide-ranging content, including Bollywood, Korean, Indonesian, Filipino and Arabic productions, many with English and Arabic subtitles.
Viu offers two different memberships. The basic tier is free, while the paid premium slab includes exclusive content, fewer adverts and access to all content 8 hours after release.
- VIU Premium UAE price: AED 240 per month
BEIN CONNECT
For sports fans, BeIN Connect has become another popular streaming service in the UAE. It is a must-have for all football fans who watch top leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, Seria A or the French Ligue 1.
They have expanded their offer to include films, shows and children’s content.
- BeIN Connect UAE packages:
- Together: AED 48 per month
- Premium: AED 110 per month
- Ultimate: AED 202 per month
IQIYI
Iqiyi is dubbed the Netflix of China as it focuses primarily on Chinese and Korean content. From dramas and movies to anime, you can find it all. The service offers subtitles in 10 languages, including Arabic.
- Iqiyi UAE price:
- Standard: AED 22.99 per month | AED 229.99 per year
- Premium: AED 36.99 per month | AED 369.99 per year
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN YOU WATCH HULU IN THE UAE?
Unfortunately, the Hulu streaming service is currently not available in the UAE.
CAN I GET DISCOUNTED DEALS WITH ANY OF THE STREAMING SERVICES IN THE UAE?
Yes, you can. Some streaming services in the UAE have partnered with local telecom operators to offer special plans and pricing. For instance, du customers can enjoy special offers on OSN+.
That concludes Bayut’s guide to the popular platforms for video streaming in the UAE. These streaming services allow you to watch popular shows in Dubai. You’ll also love these unique cinemas in Dubai and the top cinemas in Abu Dhabi for an unforgettable movie-watching experience.
Craving a cinematic escape? Enjoy popular movies hitting UAE cinemas in June 2024 on the big screen with refreshing drinks and tasty treats.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more articles on entertainment in the UAE.