Popular video streaming services in the UAE
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 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, dramatically shifting the streaming landscape in the country. Content from top Disney Brands like Disney Animation, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic and Marvel will be available on the service. You can find amazing shows like Ms Marvel, The Simpsons, Grey’s Anatomy, etc.
- Disney+ UAE price: AED 29.99 per month
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 streaming service in the UAE is Apple TV+! It focuses on original content by Apple, including shows, movies and documentaries, that too ad-free!
Some hit shows on Apple TV+ are The Morning Show, Ted Lasso and Servant. 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 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 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 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 you prefer drama, action, comedy, family, Bollywood or Arabic content, 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 local content like the upcoming Urban Legends.
- 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 and Arabic and Turkish offerings. OSN+ has long-term deals with major studios like HBO, NBC Universal, MGM, Paramount and more. 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 rated as the number one Arabic video-on-demand service in the UAE and globally, with the most extensive library of series, documentaries, and movies that includes Arabic, English and Turkish content with dubbing and subtitles.
With a special subscription, you can watch local football matches and exciting shows about global stars like Messi, Mohammad Salah and more.
- Free Trial: 7 days
- Shahid UAE price per month: VIP: AED 20.53 | Imagine: AED 51| Sports: AED 70.48 | Ultimate: AED 78.89
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 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.
There are two different memberships for 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
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 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: Basic package: AED 22 | Premium: AED 33
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 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.