Traditional cable television has suffered an accelerated decline with the arrival of video streaming services. For many viewers, there’s simply no going back. All thanks to the availability of speedier networks, rise of on-demand television, abundance of supported devices as well as simultaneous multiple device streaming.
Many entertainment giants too, have hopped on the bandwagon by offering their content on popular or exclusive streaming platforms. The competition, both price-wise and content-wise, has made some incredible high-quality award-winning content available on these platforms.
We break down the most popular streaming services currently available in the UAE.
Netflix
The unrivalled superstar of the streaming industry, Netflix offers the largest database of Ultra HD content in multiple languages. You can stream or download Netflix originals, feature films, TV shows, documentaries and a lot more on a number of supported devices.
Subscription cost
You get 30 days free. Thereafter, the fee is AED 29 per month for basic package (single screen), AED 39 per month for standard (2 screens) and AED 56 per month for Premium Ultra HD package (4 screens).
Amazon Prime Video
A relatively new venture in the UAE market, Prime Video subscription lets you stream all Amazon original content and a host of multiple language movies, TV shows and documentaries on up to 3 devices simultaneously. Also included in the subscription is free delivery on millions of eligible items as well as early access to deals on Amazon marketplace.
Subscription cost
You get a 30-day free trial. Then you can access a special introductory price of AED 12 per month till October 31, 2019. There’s a fee of AED 16 per month applicable thereafter.
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WAVO by OSN
WAVO offers English as well as Arabic movies and TV shows in addition to OSN live streaming channels. The platform is widely known for streaming popular shows for UAE viewers at the same time as they are broadcast in the US. The first 5 devices used to stream are automatically registered with WAVO for a minimum of 30 days and video can be streamed on 2 registered devices simultaneously.
Subscription cost
You get the first 14 days free. Thereafter, there’s a fee of AED 18.35 per month.
Starz Play
Starz Play is a multi-language platform streaming content in HD with selected 4K content. It also limits registration of 5 devices with 2 active simultaneous streams. Starz Play has rights to some of the most popular content in the UAE under its wing.
Subscription cost
There’s a 30-day free trial, then a fee of AED 40 per month.
Icflix
This UAE based streaming solution offers English, Arabic and Indian movies and TV shows with particular emphasis on Arabic content. Audio and subtitles are available in English, Arabic and French. Up to 5 different devices can be registered with the premium subscription with simultaneous streaming on all 5 devices.
Subscription cost
The basic package (limited content) is free. There’s a 30-day free trial, then AED 29.36 per month for the premium package. Icflix also offers preferential subscription rates in campaigns with local partners throughout the region.
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beIN Connect
beIN is particularly popular among football fans owing to its exclusive rights to live European football action, including the English Premier League, Spain’s Primera Liga, Italian Serie A and French Ligue 1. beIN also streams some of the world’s biggest sports championships live in addition to other global and regional content.
Subscription cost
You’re charged AED 14.68 for the daily plan, AED 36.7 for the monthly plan and AED 367 for the annual plan.
Eros Now
This one’s for Bollywood lovers! You can access over 2000 Indian language titles on Eros Now. You can stream music in addition to some of the biggest Bollywood blockbusters.
Subscription cost
The basic package (limited content and features) is free. There’s a 14-day free trial then AED 11.99 monthly, AED 27.99 quarterly or AED 119.99 annually for the premium package.
MBC Shahid
Available in pure Arabic, MBC Shahid is supplementary to the TV channel that gives access to content aired on the channel as well as other exclusive content. You will also find a great variety of free to stream Arabic content on this platform.
Subscription cost
The basic package (limited content) is free. There’s a 7-day free trial then AED 18.35 per month for Shahid Plus (premium content).
YuppTV
YuppTV features Hindi and other regional Indian language content in addition to dedicated sports and movie subscriptions.
Subscription cost
YuppFlix subscription starts at AED 29.99 per month. Language specific subscriptions start at AED 39.99 per month. Temporary sports series subscriptions are priced differently.
Apple TV+
Launching on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ promises 4K HDR exclusive content with revolutionary Dolby Atmos which can be shared and downloaded by up to 6 people at a time. You can also get a whole year of Apple TV+ free with the purchase of a new iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or Apple TV.
Subscription cost
There’s a 7 day free trial, then a fee of AED 19.99 per month.
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