Streaming services have very much become part of our lives. Whether you are a binge-watcher or someone who likes to enjoy movies and TV shows whilst 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, Hollywood, Bollywood, Arabic cinema and more, along with subscription costs and free trial periods.
POPULAR VIDEO STREAMING SERVICES IN THE UAE FOR 2022
DISNEY+
The long wait is almost over. In June 2022, Disney+ will finally arrive in the UAE, bringing with it a glittering array of content Disney+ shows and dramatically shifting the streaming landscape in the country.
All the top Disney Brands like Disney Animation, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic and Marvel will be available on the service. Want to save yourself a bit of cash? Register before the 8th of June and you’ll get a year’s subscription for the price of eight months.
- Disney+ UAE price: AED 29.99 per month (8th June onwards)
NETFLIX
When it comes to the video streaming services in the UAE, there’s no doubt that 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 also known for its growing portfolio of original content, including hit series like Stranger Things and Russian Doll. Customers also get a 30-day trial when they first subscribe to Netflix UAE, after which they’ll be charged for the service depending on the chosen plan.
- Free Trial: 30 days
- 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 streaming service in the UAE is Apple TV+! It focuses on original content by Apple, including shows, movies and documentaries, that too completely ad-free.
Some hit shows on Apple TV+ are The Morning Show, Ted Lasso and Servant. Plus, the platform picked up the very first Oscar for Best Picture for a streaming service “Code.” Whether you are a fan of sitcoms, sports documentaries, drama series or films, Apple TV+ has much to offer.
- Free Trial: 7 Days
- Apple TV Plus UAE price: AED 19.99 per month
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
Another option for video streaming in the UAE is Amazon Prime Video, 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 and Good Omens are just some 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 a popular option for viewers in the country.
- Free Trial: 30 days
- Amazon Prime Video UAE price: AED 16 per month or AED 140 per year
STARZPLAY ARABIA
StarzPlay Arabia is a service for on-demand streaming in Dubai and the UAE, which was available to customers even before Netflix. Whether it’s drama, action, comedy, family, Bollywood or Arabic content you’re after, StarzPlay Arabia has it all.
Watch everything from The Big Bang Theory to The Office on StarzPlay’s video streaming services in the UAE. You’ll also have access to loads of local content like the upcoming Urban Legends.
Football fans in the UAE have been switching to StarzPlay as they had acquired the rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the Coppa Italia.
- Free Trial: 30 days
- StarzPlay UAE price: AED 40 per month
OSN+
Popular streaming services in the UAE also include the new, revamped OSN+. Customers get access to globally popular series like Halo and Game of Thrones, other hit shows, blockbuster movies, sports as well as Arabic and Turkish offerings. OSN+ has long-term deals with major studios like HBO, NBC Universal, MGM, Paramount, Fox and Sony. So, you can expect the best shows!
As for local content, you will enjoy the Arabic adaptation of Suits and OSN’s first feature film, The Yellow Bus. Plus, there is abundant Filipino content.
- Free Trial: 7 days
- OSN+ UAE price: AED 35 per month
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 allowing users to watch Arabic shows and movies previously aired on MBC channels and other online-exclusive content. However, Shahid VIP offers a paid subscription, allowing users to watch ad-free videos and additional premium content.
MBC Shahid is touted as the number one Arabic video-on-demand service in the UAE and globally. The service has the most extensive library of series, documentaries, and movies that includes Arabic content and English and Turkish content with dubbing and subtitles.
You can also watch local football matches and exciting shows about global stars like Messi, Mohammad Salah and more with a special subscription.
- Free Trial: 7 days
- Shahid VIP UAE price: AED 25.67 per month
EROS NOW
Watch your favourite Bollywood movies, original shows, web series and music videos, and so much more all in one place on Eros Now. Owned by Indian production company Eros International, it’s one of the biggest services for movie streaming in the UAE for Bollywood and other Indian films in over ten languages, including Telugu, Kannada and Marathi, with a paid subscription.
Aside from these, Eros Now users also get access to original content that includes feature films, shows and web series. Popular movies on this video streaming service include Love Aj Kal, Bajirao Mastani, Cocktail, Shubh Mangal Savdhan and Ram Leela. At the same time, Eros Now Original Series like SideHero and Metro Park 2 are available for premium users.
- Eros Now Premium price: AED 11.99 per month
VIU
Viu is next on oust list of video streaming services in the UAE. The service was launched in the UAE in 2017 and steadily carved out a niche for itself. It has wide-ranging content, including Bollywood, Korean, Indonesian, Filipino and Arabic productions. Most content has English and Arabic subtitles.
There are two different memberships available on Viu. The basic tier is free. While the paid premium slab includes exclusive content, fewer adverts and access to all content 8 hours after release.
Please note that Viu currently operates in 16 countries.
- VIU Premium UAE price: AED 30 per month
SONYLIV
For the South Asian diaspora, SonyLiv is among the best video streaming service in the UAE. The platform has garnered a loyal following with more than 1,500 Bollywood and Hollywood movies as well as 70 popular shows. From the thrilling drama of Scam 1992 to the widely popular The Kapil Sharma Show, you can watch it all on the app.
Content isn’t limited to Hindi and English, as you can find Tamil and Telegu shows and films too.
- SonyLiv UAE price: AED 22 per month
BEIN CONNECT
For sports fans, BeIN Connect has become another popular streaming service in the UAE. Mainly 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 as well.
- BeIN Connect UAE price: AED 19 (Basic package)
IQIYI
A relatively recent entrant in the market, Iqiyi is dubbed the Netflix of China. This is one of the few streaming services in the UAE that 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: AED 18 (Basic package)
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+.
And that brings an end to Bayut’s guide to the popular platforms for video streaming in the UAE. You can watch these popular shows in Dubai on these streaming services. You’ll also love these unique cinemas in Dubai and the top cinemas in Abu Dhabi for an unforgettable movie-watching experience.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more articles on entertainment in the UAE.
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