⏱️ This week’s streaming news in MENA and around the world, in 5 min.

📺 France Télévisions partners with YouTube to expand streaming reach

👉 The French broadcaster announced a partnership with YouTube to distribute thousands of hours of news and content, aligning with its “streaming-first” strategy.

📍 The deal includes access to news programs, channel curation, original digital-first content, and the use of YouTube’s AI tools to combat misinformation.

💡 Broadcasters are leveraging platforms like YouTube, turning them into critical partners for reach, monetization, and audience engagement.

📊 elCinema releases Ramadan 2026 OTT insights report

👉 elCinema tracked 16.5M users, 44M pageviews, and 2.4M clicks across 28 streaming platforms during Ramadan.

📍 The data shows major disconnects: the most-clicked show scored just 3.5/10, while top-rated titles (up to 9.0) captured minimal attention, highlighting “hidden gems” vs. “viral but flawed” content dynamics.

💡 Platforms that better surface high-quality titles can unlock significant value, especially in peak periods like Ramadan.

🏡 Samsung TV Plus launches “House of Creators”

What happened?

👉 Samsung TV Plus introduced House of Creators, a new FAST channel aggregating top French YouTubers into a linear, TV-like experience.

Key details:

• The channel features 13 major creators across genres like food, true crime, science, and entertainment.

• Built as a generalist, family-friendly channel with scheduled programming.

• Available first on Samsung Smart TVs in France, with plans to expand to other connected TV platforms and ISPs.

• Positioned as complementary to YouTube, bringing creator content into a shared, lean-back viewing environment.

Why it matters?

🎯 By “linearizing” YouTube content, STV+ unlock discovery, co-viewing, and incremental reach on the big screen where algorithms are less dominant.

🎁 stc expands Netflix bundle in Saudi Arabia

stc extended its partnership with Netflix, making Netflix free for Baity fiber subscribers via stc tv.

MENA Telcos are increasingly acting as aggregators, making bundles a key driver of growth and retention.

📊 VideoWeek launches 2026 Video & TV Advertising Buyer’s Guide

VideoWeek released a new guide to help advertisers navigate the growing complexity of video and TV.

The report covers key topics like convergent TV, performance TV, and cross-platform strategies.

🇮🇳 HBO Max launches in India via JioHotstar

HBO Max is entering India through a distribution deal with JioHotstar, offering its full catalog via a dedicated hub on the platform.

Rather than going direct-to-consumer, WBD is leveraging a local partner with scale and market knowledge. In complex markets like India, distribution partnerships remain a faster and lower-risk path to reach audiences.

🇦🇺 Microdrama is gaining traction in Australia

Microdrama is becoming more important in Australia, with a dedicated panel at Cairns Crocodiles bringing together platforms, broadcasters, and creators.

Data from FlareFlow shows strong performance, with high engagement and around 20% of users paying.

🤖 YouTube expands AI deepfake protection tools

YouTube is opening its deepfake detection system to actors, creators, and public figures, allowing them to flag and request removal of AI-generated content.

The tool works as an opt-in system and builds on YouTube’s Content ID logic. As AI content grows fast, protecting identity is becoming a key priority for platforms.

🇦🇪 CABSAT rescheduled to October 2026 in Dubai

CABSAT, the largest broadcast event in MEASA, will now take place from October 5–7 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City, with an updated floor plan and expanded program.

The event will highlights key industry shifts, from virtual production and AI to microdrama formats. But we’ll all have to wait for it…

💄 Euphoria, with Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi and Alexa Demie (OSN+, 8 episodes): Five years have passed for the former students of East Highland High, and life for them has underwent serious changes.

🦾 30 years ago, Neon Genesis Evangelion premiered in Japan. Created by Hideaki Anno, the series follows teenagers piloting giant biomechanical robots to protect humanity from mysterious beings known as Angels. Blending action, philosophy, and psychological themes, it redefined anime storytelling, later gaining global recognition through streaming and becoming one of the most influential series in the medium.

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⏱️ This week’s streaming news in MENA and around the world, in 5 min.

📊 Wio launches cashback offer on streaming subscriptions

👉 Wio, a UAE neobank, launched “Binge All Month, We’ll Pay the Bill” for its Family customers, offering cashback on streaming subscriptions.

📍 Users can get cashback on platforms like Netflix, OSN+, STARZPLAY, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube Premium and Spotify if they meet a minimum spend, pay with their Wio card, and stay within the AED 150 cashback cap.

💡 Banks can help drive subscriptions and reduce churn, while users benefit from lower costs and easier access to multiple platforms.

🏟️ ESPN expands globally on Disney+

👉 ESPN is now available on Disney+ across 53 countries in Europe and Asia-Pacific, bringing its total reach to around 100 markets worldwide.

📍 Subscribers can access live sports, studio shows, and original content alongside entertainment, all within one app. The offering includes major leagues like NBA and NHL, college sports, and ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentaries.

💡 Adding sports helps increase engagement, attract new audiences, and reduce churn by combining entertainment and live content in a single ecosystem.

The Ipsos Ramadan 2026 Streaming Handbook is now available.

Based on data from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, this report shows how audiences watch, subscribe, and engage during Ramadan.

What insights will you get?

• The streaming landscape in MENA

• When and how people watch during Ramadan

• What drives subscriptions and churn

• How platforms compete and stand out

• Where people watch news during the day

• If microdramas are growing in MENA

Access the report overview to see the insights you can unlock, and how they can improve your content, pricing, and marketing for the rest of the year and for Ramadan 2027 👇

Get your report overview TODAY!

📱 ReelShort enters Southeast Asia with telco deal

What happened?

👉 ReelShort partnered with Advanced Info Service (AIS), Thailand’s leading 5G provider, to launch its first telco bundle in Southeast Asia.

Key details:

• The co-branded package gives AIS users full VIP access to ReelShort for just ~$1/month, vs ~$17 standard price.

• The offer includes ad-free viewing, daily episodes, and is bundled with 5G connectivity.

• ReelShort brings a large catalog (~3,000 titles), including dubbed and subtitled Thai content.

• Thailand is the first step in a broader expansion strategy across Southeast Asia.

Why it matters?

🎯 Microdrama platforms are now scaling through telco partnerships. Low pricing + distribution through operators can accelerate adoption in mobile-first markets.

💸 Yango Play supports its viewers in UAE

Yango Play launched a “Proud to call the UAE home” campaign, offering 30 days of access for just AED 1 to users in the UAE.

Streaming is also a way to follow the news, understand what’s happening, and stay connected, while still offering an escape with a series.

🌍 Paramount Skydance confirms Middle East backing for WBD deal

Paramount Skydance confirmed that funds from Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar are backing its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

The move highlights the growing role of MENA investors in global media, as sovereign funds continue to invest in major entertainment and technology assets.

🎮 Netflix expands into kids gaming with Playground app

Netflix launched “Playground”, a new app designed for kids under 8, combining games and characters from popular shows like Peppa Pig and Sesame Street.

The move shows how Netflix is going beyond video, building a broader ecosystem for younger audiences where watching, playing, and learning happen in one place.

🎨 Fremantle launches first native AI series with Art Awakens

Fremantle unveiled Art Awakens, a short-form series created by its AI studio Imaginae, using generative AI to bring iconic paintings to life.

The project shows how AI is starting to be used as a creative tool, opening new ways to tell stories while staying connected to traditional artistic content.

⚖️ Netflix faces legal pushback on price increases in Europe

A Rome court ruled that Netflix applied price hikes between 2017 and 2024 without sufficient justification, opening the door for potential refunds to users in Italy.

The decision shows how pricing strategies are coming under closer scrutiny, with regulators and consumers challenging how platforms increase subscription fees.

🇵🇹 Europe’s streaming industry gathers in Lisbon

StreamTV Europe will bring together platforms, broadcasters, FAST players, advertisers, and tech leaders for a three-day event in Lisbon from April 13–15.

The event reflects the need for closer collaboration across the ecosystem, as industry leaders meet to share insights, challenge strategies, and shape the next phase of streaming in Europe.

🦹‍♂️ The Boys, from Eric Kripke (Prime Video, 8 episodes): Homelander controls America through fascist terror, imprisoning dissenters in Freedom Camps. Butcher, Hughie, Annie and The Boys mount a desperate resistance against insurmountable odds to stop his tyrannical rule.

📺 21 years ago, The Office (US) premiered on NBC. Developed by Greg Daniels and adapted from the original UK series by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the show follows the everyday lives of employees at Dunder Mifflin, a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Using a mockumentary style and character-driven humor, it became a long-term success, later finding a second life on streaming and turning into one of the most watched and rewatched series globally.

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⏱️ This week’s streaming news in MENA and around the world, in 5 min.

📊 FlixPatrol launches its own Streaming Guide

👉 FlixPatrol, known for tracking Top 10 globally, is launching a Streaming Guide feature covering major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Paramount+, and SkyShowtime across selected European markets.

📍 The feature aggregates what’s new, trending, and leaving platforms, with advanced search and performance data.

💡 Owning both insights and discovery positions FlixPatrol not just as a data provider, but as a discovery layer on top of streaming ecosystems.

🤖 OpenAI acquires a media company

👉 OpenAI has acquired TBPN, a tech media platform known for its daily coverage of AI, startups, and builders.

📍 TBPN will continue to operate independently, keeping control over its content, guests, and programming. At the same time, it will integrate within OpenAI’s strategy team to help scale how the company communicates and engages with the ecosystem.

💡 As AI reshapes industries, owning the conversation becomes as strategic as building the technology itself.

As Ramadan is over, Ipsos is finalising a dedicated guide to explain why viewing habits changed during the holy month in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

And with the major conflict affecting the region, understanding audience behavior is more important than ever. It helps streaming platforms adapt their content strategies and better support their viewers.

What insights will you get?

• When and how people watch during Ramadan

• Where audiences watch news during the day

• What drives subscriptions and churn

• How audiences react to advertising

• Whether microdramas are gaining traction in MENA

• Ramadan-specific viewer personas

Interested in the Ramadan 2026 Streaming Handbook? Get in touch to receive full details on the scope and pricing👇

Get the full report details

❌ OpenAI steps back from AI video

What happened?

👉 OpenAI has shut down Sora, its video generation tool, pausing a high-profile partnership with The Walt Disney Company.

Key details:

• The shutdown of Sora reflects internal prioritization at OpenAI, with resources shifting toward core AI products like ChatGPT and automated agents.

• The Disney deal, which included access to IP and enterprise AI deployment, has been paused but not fully abandoned.

• Across Hollywood, AI is both adopted and resisted: creators experiment with it, while unions and talent push back against its long-term implications.

Why it matters?

🎯 For streaming platforms and studios, the question is no longer if AI will play a role, but how far it will go. The winners will be those who integrate AI to enhance creativity and efficiency, without undermining talent or content value.

🔈 OSN+ experiments with AI-driven promo storytelling

OSN+ released a new promo reel using an AI-generated song where lyrics and rhythm are synced with the content showcased.

The approach shows how platforms are starting to use AI not just for efficiency, but to rethink how content is marketed and experienced.

📈 Streaming revenues surpass $150B as platforms shift to monetization

Global streaming subscription revenue reached $157B in 2025, tripling in five years, and is expected to exceed $200B by 2030.

Growth is no longer driven primarily by new subscribers, but by extracting more value from existing users. Hybrid models (subscription + ads) are becoming central, especially in mature markets where user growth is slowing.

🎥 Vertical microdrama production is evolving with more flexible shooting formats

Industry creators are moving away from shooting directly in vertical (9:16), opting instead for wider formats that allow more flexibility in post-production.

What started as a fast, constraint-driven format is becoming more sophisticated, with production techniques adapting to balance speed, quality, and creative control.

🚀 Roku expands Howdy with a standalone mobile app

Roku has launched a dedicated mobile app for Howdy, its low-cost, ad-free streaming service ($3/month), making it accessible beyond Roku devices.

The move confirms Roku’s push to scale a low-price SVOD offer in a market dominated by free ad-supported content.

🎬 Mazda turns to original content to market its new CX-5

Mazda has launched a campaign built around 5 short films across different genres, distributed across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Hulu, and potentially cinemas.

Brands are moving closer to entertainment, using storytelling formats that can stand on their own rather than traditional ads.

🇺🇸 U.S. TV markets shut down as industry consolidation accelerates

NAPTE and the Realscreen Summit are being discontinued after their 2026 edition, as organizer Brunico Communications exits the U.S. events business.

While the events will stop, related publications like Kidscreen and Realscreen will continue, marking a clear transition from physical markets to more fragmented, digital-first industry interactions.

🔬 Scarpetta, with Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis (Prime Video, ): Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta returns to her position as Virginia’s Chief Medical Examiner, where she investigates a haunting murder with eerie reminders from her first big case decades ago.

🏰 15 years ago, Game of Thrones premiered on HBO. Developed by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss and based on the novels by George R. R. Martin, the series follows the power struggles between noble families across the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. Blending political intrigue, large-scale battles, and complex characters, it became a global phenomenon and redefined premium television, setting new standards for storytelling, production scale, and international reach.

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⏱️ This week’s streaming news in MENA and around the world, in 5 min.

📈 MBC SHAHID continues to grow as MBC Group reports strong results

👉 MBC Group reported +28.5% revenue growth in FY 2025, reaching SAR 5.4B, driven by the continued expansion of its streaming platform, MBC Shahid.

📍 MBC Shahid revenues grew +28% YoY to SAR 1.38B. Both subscriptions (SVOD +25%) and advertising (AVOD +27%) contributed to growth. The platform also improved retention, expanded internationally, and developed new formats.

💡 Losses are decreasing (SAR 78.7M vs. 129.1M last year), showing a clear path to profitability. For MBC, streaming is becoming the core of its business.

📱 Disney+ adds vertical video to improve mobile discovery

👉 Disney+ has launched “Verts,” a new feature that lets mobile users swipe through vertical short clips from its catalog, with creator content expected in the next phase.

📍 The feature sits in the app’s navigation bar and makes discovery faster and more visual. Users can swipe through scenes, save titles, or jump directly into full playback, with recommendations powered by an algorithm.

💡 For Disney+, vertical video is a way to increase daily engagement on mobile and prepare for short-form and creator-led content.

As Ramadan is over, Ipsos is finalising a dedicated guide to explain why viewing habits changed during the holy month in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

And with the major conflict affecting the region, understanding audience behavior is more important than ever. It helps streaming platforms adapt their content strategies and better support their viewers.

What insights will you get?

• When and how people watch during Ramadan

• Where audiences watch news during the day

• What drives subscriptions and churn

• How audiences react to advertising

• Whether microdramas are gaining traction in MENA

• Ramadan-specific viewer personas

Interested in the Ramadan 2026 Streaming Handbook? Get in touch to receive full details on the scope and pricing👇

Get the full report details

📊 Digital entertainment remains strong during times of crisis

What happened?

👉 A new regional analysis shows that during past crises, digital behaviors increased, with digital entertainment (including streaming) being one of the most resilient sectors.

Key details:

• During uncertain times, people shift to digital habits. Content consumption increases, and home-based entertainment becomes a priority.

• Streaming platforms benefit from higher engagement and better retention.

• Data shows that digital entertainment grew by +65% in previous crises, driven by more time spent at home and the need for easy, on-demand content.

Why it matters?

🎯 In these periods, streaming platforms that offer relevant content like news are better positioned to retain users and grow long term.

📰 SRMG brings its news brands into one network

SRMG has launched SRMG News, grouping all its news platforms under one structure, including Asharq News and several digital publications.

The move centralizes content, technology, and distribution, with a stronger focus on digital, video, and streaming news formats.

🎬 Google invests in microdramas for Google TV

Google and Range Media Partners are developing a slate of short-form vertical series, produced by top Hollywood creators, set to launch on the Google TV app.

The focus is on mobile-first with dozens of microdramas in development across genres like reality, romance, and youth culture.

💰 Amazon upgrades and increases the price of its ad-free tier

Amazon is rebranding its ad-free Prime Video offer as “Prime Video Ultra,” increasing the price from $3 to $5 per month starting April 2026.

The new tier includes 4K streaming, more concurrent streams, and higher download limits.

🎬 Disney sets new direction with streaming at the core

Disney’s new CEO Josh D’Amaro outlined his priorities, focusing on storytelling, technology, and stronger integration across the company.

The strategy puts Disney+ and streaming at the center, with a focus on more interactive experiences and a more unified “One Disney” approach.

🎬 Half of movies leaving Netflix disappear from streaming

A new analysis from Reelgood shows that 51% of movies removed from Netflix do not appear on any other major streaming platform.

Out of nearly 7,800 titles, around 4,000 were not picked up elsewhere, while free platforms like Tubi captured most of the remaining titles.

🇭🇰 HONG KONG: Filmart puts AI at the center of the industry

Hong Kong’s Filmart (March 17–20, 2026) is heavily focused on artificial intelligence, positioning it as a key driver of future growth for film and streaming.

The event features 28 sessions dedicated to AI, covering use cases across production, storytelling, and content creation, alongside emerging formats like microdramas and short-form video, with strong participation from tech players and AI startups.

🏴‍☠️ The Dinosaurs, with Morgan Freeman (Netflix): From the first dinosaurs to the last, this epic documentary series examines their 165 million years on Earth and the forces that shaped their evolution.

🏢 20 years ago, The Office (US) premiered on NBC. Developed by Greg Daniels and adapted from the UK series by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the show follows the daily lives of employees at Dunder Mifflin, a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Mixing mockumentary storytelling with awkward humor and relatable workplace dynamics, the series became one of the most influential sitcoms of its time and found a second life on streaming, where it continues to attract new audiences worldwide.

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⏱️ This week’s streaming news in MENA and around the world, in 5 min.

🤖 CANAL+ adds AI-powered search to its streaming app

👉 CANAL+ announced a partnership with OpenAI to improve content discovery in the CANAL+ App, with the new feature expected to launch in June 2026.

📍 Instead of typing keywords, users will be able to describe what they want to watch in their own words. For example: “a comforting romantic comedy” or “an epic historical series.” The app will then suggest relevant titles.

💡 This shows how AI is starting to change streaming navigation, making discovery faster and more intuitive.

🎬 Banijay and All3Media announce major production merger

👉 Banijay and All3Media have agreed to merge their production businesses in a deal valued at around $8 billion.

📍 The new group will bring together producers behind global hits such as Peaky Blinders, MasterChef, and The Traitors. Each company will hold a 50% stake, with Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti leading the combined company.

💡 By combining their catalogs, IP, and production studios, the two companies will compete more effectively in a global market driven by global streaming platforms.

This Ramadan, Ipsos is preparing a dedicated guide to explain why viewing habits change during the holy month in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

And with the major conflict affecting the region, understanding audience behavior is more important than ever. It helps streaming platforms adapt their content strategies and better support their viewers.

What insights will you get?

• When and how people watch during Ramadan

• Where audiences watch news during the day

• What drives subscriptions and churn

• How audiences react to advertising

• Whether microdramas are gaining traction in MENA

• Ramadan-specific viewer personas

Interested in the Ramadan 2026 Streaming Handbook? Get in touch to receive full details on the scope, timeline, and pricing👇

Get the full report details

📱 COL Group launches “Microdrama in a Box” app solution

What happened?

👉 COL Group will introduce a turnkey solution called “Microdrama in a Box” at Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FilMart).

Key details:

• The solution combines a ready-to-use microdrama platform with a catalogue of vertical series, allowing companies to launch their own app in about 30 days.

• The platform includes a vertical playback engine, gamification tools, advertising and subscription monetization options, and AI-powered subtitles.

Why it matters?

🎯 By packaging technology, content, and monetization tools into one solution, COL Group is making it easier for media companies to launch their own apps.

📦 Orange Maroc bundles streaming and music services

Orange Maroc has launched a new digital lifestyle bundle integrating OSN+, Anghami and Viu into its Yo Max 5G plans.

The packages combine mobile connectivity with access to films, series and music in one subscription.

📺 Banijay expands digital reach through Merzigo

Merzigo has partnered with Banijay Rights to distribute and optimize TV formats across platforms like YouTube and Facebook.

The deal aims to grow audiences for popular shows such as MasterChef, Mr Bean and Survivor through improved thumbnails, localisation, and short-form highlights designed for social media viewing.

🎬 Netflix eyes AI filmmaking tools with InterPositive deal

Netflix is reportedly paying up to $600 million to acquire InterPositive, the AI filmmaking startup founded by Ben Affleck.

The technology uses AI models trained on a production’s footage to assist with post-production tasks such as color grading, lighting adjustments and visual effects.

📉 MultiChoice plans to discontinue Showmax

MultiChoice announced it will discontinue Showmax streaming service after a strategic review of its streaming activities.

MultiChoice, now part of CANAL+, plans to concentrate on a new large-scale streaming platform designed for African and international audiences.

📱 Holywater expands vertical series with Wild Silence

Holywater Tech has announced a new vertical drama, Wild Silence, for its microdrama platform My Drama.

The series stars Maksim Chmerkovskiy in his first leading scripted role and follows two characters reconnecting with their past while isolated in a remote cabin.

🇺🇸 AUSTIN: SXSW brings tech, film and media together

South by Southwest (SXSW) takes place every March in Austin, gathering professionals across technology, film, music and media.

The event features hundreds of conference sessions, film and TV screenings, live music showcases and networking events, making it one of the largest global gatherings for creative industries.

🏴‍☠️ ONE PIECE, from Matt Owens and Steven Maeda (Season 2, Netflix): In ONE PIECE: Into the Grand Line, Luffy and the Straw Hats set sail for the extraordinary Grand Line - a legendary stretch of sea where danger and wonder await at every turn. As they journey through this unpredictable realm in search of the world’s greatest treasure, they’ll encounter bizarre islands and a host of formidable new enemies.

🏝️ 25 years ago, One Piece premiered in Japan. Created by Eiichiro Oda, the anime follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew searching for the legendary treasure known as the One Piece. Mixing adventure, humor and long-form storytelling, the series became one of the most successful anime franchises in the world and helped shape global fandom long before streaming platforms brought Japanese animation to a wider audience.

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⏱️ This week’s streaming news in MENA, in 5 min.

🎁 e& bundles TV and streaming in one plan

👉 e& has partnered with Samsung to launch “All-In TV,” combining a Samsung Smart TV and streaming services into one monthly telecom bill.

📍 The package includes platforms like STARZPLAY, OSN+ and Prime Video, plus installation and warranty, starting at AED 109 per month over 24 months.

💡 This ties devices and streaming into one contract, making upgrades easier while increasing long-term customer lock-in.

⬆️ Shahid upgrades its screensaver for Ramadan

👉 Shahid has launched a new Ramadan screensaver designed to go beyond promoting dramas.

📍 It now includes prayer times, short-form videos, live programs and family content, turning the TV screen into a daily Ramadan hub in KSA, UAE and Egypt.

💡 The goal is to move from a primetime drama platform to a daily companion that fits into viewers’ routines throughout the holy month.

This Ramadan, Ipsos is preparing a dedicated guide to explain why viewing habits change during the holy month in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The report will help streaming platforms understand audience behavior, validate content strategies, and maximize impact during the most important viewing period of the year.

What insights will you get?

• When and how people watch during Ramadan

• What drives subscriptions and churn

• How audiences react to advertising

• Whether microdramas are gaining traction

• Ramadan-specific viewer personas

Interested in the Ramadan 2026 Streaming Handbook? Get in touch to receive full details on the scope, timeline, and pricing👇

Get the full report details

🥘 Fatafeat celebrates 20 years with a Ramadan push

What happened?

👉 Fatafeat is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, starting with special Ramadan programming.

Key details:

• The lineup brings back popular chefs with shows like Matbakh Manal Al Alem: Ramadan Edition and Kitchen Tales: Ramadan.

• The channel is using Ramadan-themed branding and adding digital content such as recipes and short cooking videos.

• Programs will air across major regional platforms and streaming services.

Why it matters?

🎯 Fatafeat is using Ramadan to refresh its brand, boost engagement across TV and digital, and stay relevant in a competitive streaming market.

🌙 Ramadan 2026: TOD expands Arabic content

TOD has just rolled out its expanded lineup of Arabic dramas and lifestyle shows for Ramadan.

The slate includes Egyptian and Syrian series, along with TOD originals focused on cooking and family content, designed for Ramadan evenings.

🌙 Ramadan 2026: Yango Play grows its drama lineup

Yango Play has launched its Ramadan slate, including Manaa and Little Steps, its first Gulf original, plus additional series through ART Hekayat.

The platform is also increasing its visibility with a regional brand takeover with Lovin across Dubai, Cairo, Muscat and Kuwait during Ramadan.

🌙 Ramadan 2026: Viu focuses on 12 premium dramas

Viu has released 12 premium Arabic series for Ramadan, all available from day one.

The slate includes social dramas and thrillers such as Ali Klay, along with several Viu exclusives. The platform is prioritizing quality over volume to stand out during the peak viewing season.

🌙 Ramadan 2026: Sharjah TV launches 18 dramas

Sharjah TV has launched 18 Emirati, Gulf and Arab drama series, alongside over 100 entertainment and cultural programs.

The strategy mixes drama, heritage content and multilingual programs, supported by digital streaming on Maraya and interactive quiz shows, aiming to make Sharjah TV a daily Ramadan destination.

🌙 Ramadan 2026: Zee Alwan highlights star-led dramas

Zee Alwan has just premiered its Ramadan lineup, led by Ala Add El Hobb starring Nelly Karim and Sherif Salama.

The slate features well-known actors from Egypt and the Gulf across family dramas and comedies, aiming to attract viewers during the peak Ramadan season.

🇬🇧 LONDON: MIP LONDON opens 2026 marketplace

MIP LONDON will take place from 22–24 February 2026, bringing together media companies, studios and content creators at the IET London and The Savoy.

The event will host meetings, showcases and industry sessions, giving buyers and distributors a place to connect and do business alongside other screenings that week.

🚢 Dara, with Layla Al Muqbali and Abdullah Bin Haider (Dubai+): An Emirati officer and a British detective reopen the case of the sinking of the ship “Dara” off the coast of Dubai in the 1960s. Through the testimonies of passengers and the crew, the truth gradually unfolds one secret, two timelines, and a crime that remains unresolved.

🎯 20 years ago, Bab Al-Hara premiered during Ramadan. Set in 1930s Damascus, the series followed families navigating honor, loyalty and resistance inside a historic neighborhood. Blending heritage and social drama, Bab Al-Hara became a Ramadan phenomenon, dominating primetime for years and defining the era of appointment TV before streaming changed viewing habits.

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⏱️ This week’s streaming news in MENA and around the world, in 5 min.

🚁 The drone era hits the winter Olympics

👉 At the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, drones are changing how people watch live sports.

📍 Drones fly close to the athletes and move at the same speed, capturing angles that traditional cameras cannot get. The result is more dynamic shots, as if viewers are on the track with the athletes.

💡 Drones marks a new step in sports broadcasting, making live coverage more engaging and immersive.

🌍 Africa launches its first vertical drama academy

👉 Africa’s first academy dedicated to vertical micro-drama has officially launched.

📍 The program will train experienced filmmakers to create fast, mobile-first series in 90-second episodes, using AI tools to cut production time and costs. It targets creators across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, and the diaspora.

💡 African creators are strong on open platforms like YouTube, but still rare on paid vertical apps like ReelShort and DramaBox.

🇸🇦 Luma AI opens Riyadh office

What happened?

👉 Luma AI is opening a regional office in Riyadh to support HUMAIN Create and has been named the preferred generative AI partner for Publicis across MENA.

Key details:

• The Riyadh office will help develop Arabic-native AI models in partnership with HUMAIN, including tools trained on local language and regional data.

• Publicis Groupe Middle East will integrate Luma AI’s generative video and multimodal AI tools into its creative and production workflows across the region.

• Luma AI plans to hire local AI engineers, creatives, and commercial teams to support clients in Saudi Arabia and MENA.

Why it matters?

🎯 By combining Arabic-native AI models, large-scale infrastructure, and major agency partnerships, this move could accelerate AI-driven content and advertising production across MENA.

🏔️ Winter Olympics: TOD secures Milano Cortina 2026 for MENA

TOD is streaming the Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026 across the Middle East and North Africa (February 6–22).

Subscribers will get live coverage, replays, and expert analysis across major winter sports with multilingual commentary and 4K streaming.

🌙 Ramadan 2026: Shahid Unveils Its New Slate

Shahid has revealed its full Ramadan 2026 lineup, led by Al Hayba: Origins, bringing back the popular franchise with Tim Hassan.

The slate also includes Egyptian comedies, Gulf dramas, and historical series. Shahid aims to drive subscriptions during the most competitive season of the year.

🇬🇧 Sky adds Disney+ and launches streaming bundle

Sky will include Disney+ in its TV subscriptions in the U.K. and Ireland at no extra cost, under a new multi-year deal.

The agreement also introduces a bundle combining Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix, and Hayu in one package, making it easier for viewers to access streaming services.

📱 TikTok: Disney+ posts full High School Musical

Disney+ shared the entire High School Musical movie on TikTok to mark its 20th anniversary.

By putting the full film directly into the feed, Disney+ is using vertical video to boost discovery and re-engage fans, turning scrolling into a new way to promote content.

🎬 Microdrama: Holywater acquires Jeynix

Holywater has acquired AI-assisted VFX company Jeynix and is rebranding as Holywater Tech.

The deal brings advanced tools like face replacement, de-aging, and lip-sync in-house, helping the company produce higher-quality microdramas faster and at lower cost.

🇦🇪 DUBAI: Cinema Akil launches pre-Ramadan film showcase

Cinema Akil has unveiled a February program focused on connection, reflection, and togetherness ahead of Ramadan.

The lineup blends regional films and international classics, including romantic titles and family-focused stories, with screenings taking place at Alserkal Avenue and 25hours Hotel One Central.

⚔️ Badlands (Disney+): Cast out from his clan, a young Predator finds an unlikely ally in a damaged android and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.

🎯 39 years ago, Predator premiered in theaters. Directed by John McTiernan, the film dropped audiences into the Central American jungle, where an elite military team led by Arnold Schwarzenegger faces an unseen alien hunter. Predator blended action, sci-fi, and survival horror, introducing one of cinema’s most iconic extraterrestrial villains. It quickly became a cult classic and launched a long-running franchise that changed the sci-fi action genre.

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⏱️ This week’s streaming news in MENA and around the world, in 5 min.

🇺🇸 YouTube passed $60B in yearly revenue

👉 YouTube made more than $60 billion in revenue in 2025, from advertising and subscriptions combined.

📍 The platform reached 325 million paid subscriptions in Q4, including YouTube Premium and Google One. Advertising revenue alone hit $11.4 billion in Q4, showing steady growth year over year.

💡 YouTube now works like a global streaming giant, mixing ads and subscriptions at massive scale, and has become one of the strongest growth drivers for Alphabet.

🇫🇷 CANAL+ is building a global streaming power quietly

👉 While big U.S. streamers focus on mergers and cost cuts, CANAL+ is expanding step by step across Europe and Africa.

📍 CANAL+ secured new HBO Max distribution deals in Belgium and Austria and completed its $3B acquisition of MultiChoice. This gives CANAL+ access to 40 million subscribers across 70 countries.

💡 CANAL+ strategy is simple: own local distribution, invest in local content, and control the customer relationship.

This Ramadan, Ipsos is preparing a dedicated guide to explain why viewing habits change during the holy month in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The report will help streaming platforms understand audience behavior, validate content strategies, and maximize impact during the most important viewing period of the year.

What insights will you get?

• When and how people watch during Ramadan

• What drives subscriptions and churn

• How audiences react to advertising

• Whether microdramas are gaining traction

• Ramadan-specific viewer personas

Interested in the Ramadan 2026 Streaming Handbook? Get in touch to receive full details on the scope, timeline, and pricing👇

Get the full report details

🇨🇦 A Netflix–WBD deal could hit Canada and MENA

What happened?

👉 The potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix could reshape local streaming markets in both Canada and MENA.

Key details:

• In Canada, Crave (owned by Bell Media) depends heavily on HBO content licensed from WBD.

• In MENA, OSN+ faces a similar risk, as Netflix could eventually pull HBO and Warner Bros. titles and reconsider WBD’s minority stake.

Why it matters?

🎯 Local platforms in both regions may need to rely less on studio licensing and more on scale, bundling, and local content to stay competitive against global giants.

📺 Smart TVs: OSNtv is now built into Samsung Smart TVs

Samsung and OSN have launched OSNtv directly on Samsung Smart TVs across MENA, with no box needed.

Viewers can watch live channels and on-demand content straight from their TV, making it easier to access OSN without extra devices.

⚽️ SPORTS: TOD adds MultiView and FanZone

TOD has launched 2 new features to make live sports more interactive across MENA.

MultiView lets fans watch several live matches on one screen, while FanZone adds live polls, predictions, and quizzes during games, helping TOD move beyond passive sports viewing.

📱 SHORTS: Paramount+ moves into short-form video

Paramount+ is preparing a major short-form video push, inspired by TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

The plan would add large volumes of short clips to the app to boost mobile usage and attract younger audiences, following similar moves from Disney+ and Netflix.

📱 SHORTS: Watch Club launches a social microdrama app

Former Facebook executive Henry Soong has launched Watch Club, a new microdrama and social platform backed by Google Ventures.

The app targets young audiences with short drama series designed to spark discussion, reactions, and community features around each show.

📺 CREATORS: A YouTube format airs on French TV

Joyca’s YouTube series Joyca teste des lieux 1 étoile has aired in prime time on RMC Découverte, marking a first for French television.

The episode was shown on TV before being released on YouTube, showing how creator formats are now moving from digital-first to hybrid TV and online distribution.

🇸🇦 RIYADH: Local content is getter better

At the Saudi Media Forum, executives from MBC Group and Starzplay explained how global streaming platforms are raising the bar for local content.

They shared how competition from Netflix, Korean dramas, and Chinese short-form content is pushing Arabic drama to become more professional, more ambitious, and more data-driven, helping local platforms improve storytelling and better connect with audiences.

🇦🇪 DUBAI: Short-form storytelling takes the spotlight

The Content Market Webinars by DICM will host a session titled From Minutes to Moments: The Power of Short-Form Storytelling on February 11.

The webinar will feature Belal El Araby, who will share insights on micro-drama and short-form formats, drawing from his experience across films, series, and digital-first storytelling in MENA.

⛷️ The Winter Olympics (Feb 6-22): Watch the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 from the opening ceremony to breathtaking sport and celebrations of athletes from around the world.

🏔️ 70 years ago, the Winter Olympics were broadcast on TV for the first time. In 1956, the Winter Olympics took place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, becoming the first Winter Games to be televised. For the first time, audiences across Europe could watch winter sports live from their homes, marking a turning point in how global sporting events reached fans and setting the foundation for the media-driven Olympics we know today.

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Today, I’m looking at an (epic) bundle 👇

The new offer bringing together Shahid, Disney+, and OSN+.

Let’s start by saying the obvious: bundles are not new in MENA. But for years, the “bundle masters” in the region were telcos.

The reason is simple: direct carrier billing. Telcos already own the monthly relationship with users, which makes adding subscriptions easy and trusted.

What’s different here is who is leading the bundle.

This time, it’s not a telecom provider. It’s 3 streaming platforms.

With its new Epic Bundle, Shahid positions itself as the gateway, bringing premium local and international platforms under one subscription.

To understand what this really means, I tested the bundle end to end: subscription, payment, and activation.

The full breakdown and my analysis are available to The Lab premium members 👇

Read on to learn about:

1. The bundle explained: How the Epic bundle is structured.

2. The benefits for viewers: What subscribers really get from the bundle.

3. 💡 So What? Why this bundle matters for the MENA streaming market.

1. The bundle explained:

The journey starts on MBC Shahid:

Read more

⏱️ This week’s streaming news in MENA and around the world, in 5 min.

🇦🇪 Awaan is now Dubai+

👉 Dubai+ has launched in the UAE with more than 30,000 hours of family-friendly movies, TV series, live events, and sports.

📍 Dubai+ is a rebrand of Awaan, the former Dubai Media streaming service. The new version puts families first, with age ratings, parental controls, offline viewing, and more local and educational content.

💡 Dubai+ could be the future of streaming from MENA broadcasters: freemium, safe, and local content for families across the region.

📱 Dhar Mann enters microdramas with Fox and Holywater

👉 Dhar Mann Studios is moving into microdramas through a new multi-year deal with Fox Entertainment and Holywater. The studio will produce 40 vertical videos as an initial slate for the MyDrama app.

📍 The content will launch first on MyDrama, then be distributed globally by Fox. Dhar Mann keeps ownership and creative control, and can later share the content on his own YouTube and Instagram channels.

💡 Top creators, major studios, and dedicated apps are now working together to scale vertical series.

This Ramadan, Ipsos is preparing a dedicated guide to explain why viewing habits change during the holy month in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The report will help streaming platforms understand audience behavior, validate content strategies, and maximize impact during the most important viewing period of the year.

What insights will you get?

• When and how people watch during Ramadan

• How viewers discover content and choose a platform

• What drives subscriptions and churn

• Which content formats work best

• How audiences react to advertising

• Whether microdramas are gaining traction

• Ramadan-specific viewer personas

Interested in the Ramadan 2026 Streaming Handbook?

Get in touch to receive full details on the scope, timeline, and pricing.

Get the full report details

📺 COL Group launches a large-scale microdrama production studio

What happened?

👉 COL Group has launched full operations at its Hengqin–Macau production studio, a facility built to support large-scale production of microdramas and short-form series.

Key details:

• The studio covers 220,000 square meters, with 170,000 square meters dedicated to filming.

• It includes 94 indoor and outdoor sets designed for fast, repeatable microdrama production.

Why it matters?

🎯 Dedicated studios show the market is shifting from small teams to factory-style production built for volume, speed, and scale.

🇪🇬 SHORTS: Shofha launches “Shofha Shorts” in MENA

Shofha has launched Shofha Shorts, new microdramas that are exclusive to the Shofha app.

Each story can be watched in under 2 hours and is built around twists, cliffhangers, and strong drama.

📈 SOCIAL: Viu MENA reaches 1M Subscribers on YouTube

Viu MENA has grown its YouTube channel from 20,000 to 1 million subscribers, reaching more than 406 million organic views.

The growth was driven by a clear content strategy, strong execution, and a focus on scalable formats, showing how YouTube is becoming a key distribution channel for streaming brands in MENA.

🎬 ORIGINALS: WATCH IT announces first international series made in Egypt

WATCH IT has announced its first international original series produced in Egypt.

The series will be filmed in Egypt with an international cast and creative team, and will stream globally on HBO, while Watch IT keeps exclusive rights in Egypt and across MENA.

⚡️ FAST: Creator channels surge across free TV

Creator-led channels on FAST platforms have more than doubled since 2024, as platforms accelerate efforts to reach Gen Z and younger audiences.

This growth shows FAST platforms are scaling distribution faster than content creation, using creator channels as a fast, low-risk way to refresh lineups.

✍️ CREATORS: Substack launches a TV app

Substack has launched a TV app on Apple TV and Google TV, allowing newsletter creators to share videos and livestreams directly with their subscribers on the big screen.

This move is showing how creator platforms are following audiences from phones to living rooms.

🇸🇦 RIYADH: Saudi Media Forum returns for its 5th edition

The Saudi Media Forum will take place in Riyadh from February 2 to 4, bringing together more than 300 media professionals across hundreds of panels and sessions.

The event will focus on the future of media, with global speakers and a Future of Media Exhibition highlighting new trends, innovation, and partnerships in the industry.narrative.

🇬🇧 LONDON: MIP London expands its focus on AI in 2026

MIP London will position AI as a core pillar of its 2026 edition, taking place from 22 to 24 February,

The program will include AI roundtables, keynotes, and panels focused on practical uses of AI in content creation, production, and monetization.

💸 Steal from Sotiris Nikias (Prime Video, 6 eps): A typical day at Lochmill Capital is upended when armed thieves burst in and force Zara and her best friend Luke to execute their demands. In the aftermath, conflicted detective Rhys races against time to find out who stole £4 billion pounds of people’s pensions and why.

🎩 14 years ago, Downton Abbey premiered in the UK. Created by Julian Fellowes, the series invited viewers into the lives of the Crawley family and their servants, offering a richly detailed look at class, tradition, and social change in early 20th-century Britain. Downton Abbey quickly became one of the most successful and widely loved British dramas of its generation.

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⏱️ This week’s streaming media news in 5 minutes.

📺 Netflix Reaches 325M Subscribers, Plans $20B Content Spend

👉 Netflix finished 2025 with more than 325 million subscribers worldwide and plans to spend about $20 billion on content in 2026.

📍 Netflix also shared its ad results for the first time: ads brought in more than $1.5 billion in 2025. In 2026, Netflix plans to grow ads fast and add more licensed movies and series, while still investing heavily in its own Originals.

💡 Netflix is getting bigger on all fronts: subscribers, content, and advertising, making it one of the strongest players in global TV.

📱 Microdrama Apps Drive Streaming Downloads Boom in 2025

👉 Video streaming app downloads jumped in 2025, mainly thanks to the rapid rise of microdrama and vertical-series apps.

📍 According to Sensor Tower, global video streaming downloads grew nearly 40% last year. Microdrama apps more than doubled their downloads, while traditional streaming apps saw a small decline.

💡 Growth is strong, but total viewing time is not rising much, meaning these apps are taking time away from traditional streaming, not adding new time.

📺 BBC Starts Making Shows for YouTube

What happened?

👉 The BBC announced a major new deal with YouTube to create original content made specifically for YouTube’s younger, digital-first audience.

Key details:

• Content will include entertainment, documentaries, kids’ content, news, and sports, starting with the Winter Olympics.

• BBC content will carry ads outside the UK, creating a new revenue stream.

• The BBC plans to expand to up to 50 YouTube channels and invest in training the next generation of UK creators.

Why it matters?

🎯 Younger audiences spend more time on YouTube than on traditional TV. This move shows the BBC is shifting from using YouTube as a promo tool to treating it as a real distribution platform.

🏀 SPORTS: Smashi Sports Secures Exclusive Rights to Bahrain Basketball

Smashi Sports has acquired exclusive live streaming rights for the Zain Basketball Premier League, Bahrain’s top professional basketball competition.

This move supports the league’s growth and strengthens Smashi Sports position as a key platform for local and regional sports content.

🎮 ESPORTS: OSN Adds 7 New Esports Channels

OSN has expanded its TV lineup through a new partnership with eCLUTCH, adding seven dedicated esports channels to OSNtv.

This move helps OSN reach younger, Gen Z audiences and shows how pay-TV players in MENA are using gaming and esports to stay relevant beyond traditional TV content.

🎬 ENTERTAINMENT: Bilibili Anime Arrives in MENA via STARZPLAY

STARZPLAY has signed a new content deal with Bilibili to bring Chinese animation, known as donghua, to audiences across MENA.

This move strengthens STARZPLAY animation offer and targets younger, Gen Z audiences looking for new styles of storytelling beyond traditional series and movies.

📺 TECH: Sony and TCL Plan Home Entertainment Partnership

Sony and TCL have signed an agreement to explore a strategic partnership in home entertainment, focused on TVs and home audio products.

The goal is to build better smart TVs and home entertainment products for a world increasingly driven by streaming and connected viewing.

📺 FAST: Samsung TV Plus Passes 100M Monthly Users

Samsung TV Plus has crossed 100 million monthly active users worldwide, driven by strong growth in FAST channels and live events.

Available in 30 countries with more than 4,300 free channels, Samsung TV Plus shows how FAST is becoming a major driver of scale and engagement in the streaming ecosystem.

🇺🇸 MIAMI: Content Americas Wraps Up With Focus on Reinventing TV

Content Americas has just finished in Miami, bringing together global and regional players from the Latin American and U.S. Hispanic TV industries.

The event focused on how the TV business is changing, with strong attention on microdramas, shorter novelas, soccer stories linked to the 2026 World Cup, and new international co-productions.

🌊 Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2, from Rick Riordan and Jonathan E. Steinberg (Disney+, 8 episodes): After Camp Half-Blood’s protective border is breached, Percy Jackson embarks on an epic odyssey into the Sea of Monsters in search of his best friend Grover and the one thing that may save the camp — the legendary Golden Fleece. With help from Annabeth, Clarisse and his newfound cyclops half-brother Tyson, Percy’s survival becomes essential to stopping Luke, the Titan Kronos, and their impending plan to bring down Camp Half-Blood — and ultimately, Olympus.

🏝️ 22 years ago, Lost premiered on ABC. Created by J. J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof and Jeffrey Lieber, the series dropped viewers onto a mysterious island where survival, fate, and unanswered questions shaped every episode. Lost became a global hit, changing how audiences watched TV, fueling online discussions week after week, and proving that serialized storytelling could build obsession, loyalty, and long-term engagement at scale.

🧪 Fresh from The Lab:

Thanks for reading, enjoy your weekend! I’ll be back Monday with my MENA insights.

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✅ Streaming in Short – Weekly news updates on MENA and global streaming

✅ MENA Insights – Analysis of key streaming trends in MENA, backed by data

✅ Inside The LAB Talks – Real talk from the people driving the streaming media business.

✅ Event Wrap-ups – Smart AI summaries of industry panels and talks

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⏱️ This week’s streaming media news in 5 minutes.

🎬 Holywater Raises $22M to Scale Microdramas

👉 Holywater has secured the new funding as competition heats up between microdrama apps in the U.S. and beyond.

📍 Holywater operates My Drama (micro-drama), My Passion (genre books), and My Muse (AI-generated stories). The round was led by Horizon Capital and follows a recent strategic investment from Fox Entertainment.

💡 The competition is now about who can scale fastest and become the default app for microdrama.

🎬 Tunisian Filmmaker Wins $1M AI Film Award with Lily

👉 Tunisian filmmaker Zoubeir Jlassi has won the $1 million AI Film Award for his short film Lily, selected from more than 3,500 submissions worldwide.

📍 The award was presented during the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, in partnership with Google Gemini. Lily was chosen as the winner after jury review and public voting, alongside four other finalist films.

💡 This shows how AI tools are lowering barriers and giving new voices real visibility and scale.

🎙️ Netflix Moves Deeper Into Podcasts

What happened?

👉 Netflix announced a new push into original podcasts, launching exclusive video shows hosted by well-known talent.

Key details:

• Pete Davidson will host The Pete Davidson Show, a weekly video podcast starting January 30, filmed in a casual, at-home setting.

• Michael Irvin will host The White House with Michael Irvin, a twice-weekly sports talk podcast starting January 19.

Why it matters?

🎯 By creating original, talent-led shows, Netflix is testing podcasts as a new content pillar, designed to keep users coming back between big series releases.

⚽️ SPORTS: SRMG Launches G.O.A.T, a New AI-Driven Sports App

Saudi Research and Media Group has launched G.O.A.T, a new mobile-first sports app built to deliver fast, trusted, and data-driven coverage.

The app focuses first on football and the Saudi Pro League, combining live updates, breaking news, video highlights, and match insights in one place.

📊 MARKET: MENA Media & Entertainment Hits $48B in 2026

The MENA media and entertainment market is expected to reach $48.4 billion in 2026, up from $44.1 billion in 2025, according to Mordor Intelligence.

Growth is driven by streaming, gaming, and digital ads, with more investment in local Arabic content and a clear shift toward on-demand and Connected TV models.

📱 VERTICAL: TikTok Enters Microdramas

TikTok has launched a new “Minis” section that lets users watch microdramas directly inside the app, without downloading a separate service.

The feature includes vertical series using a freemium model. TikTok is also testing discounts, ad-revenue sharing, and even licensing deals to keep viewing and payments inside its ecosystem.

🤝 BUNDLE: Prime Video Adds Free Local TV in France and Spain

Amazon Prime Video has signed new deals in Europe to offer major local TV content at no extra cost for Prime members.

In France, Prime Video now includes M6+. In Spain, Prime members can watch live channels from national broadcaster RTVE.

🎮 GAMING: Peaky Blinders Comes to PUBG Mobile

PUBG Mobile has launched an in-game collaboration with the TV series Peaky Blinders, following a licensing deal with Banijay Rights.

The event adds themed missions, story elements, character skins, emotes, and even the show’s iconic music into the game until February 5, 2026.

What’s the next media and entertainment event you’re planning to attend? Just reply to this email and tell me!

🛡️ A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, from George R.R. Martin and Ira Parker (OSN+, 6 eps): A century before the events of Game of Thrones, two unlikely heroes wandered Westeros: a young, naive but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits await these improbable and incomparable friends.

🐉 14 years ago, Game of Thrones premiered on HBO. Created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, the series pulled viewers into a brutal fantasy world of power, loyalty, and betrayal. Game of Thrones became a global phenomenon, redefining event television and showing how big-budget series could drive culture, conversation, and subscriptions worldwide.

🧪 Fresh from The Lab:

Thanks for reading, enjoy your weekend! I’ll be back Monday with my MENA insights.

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✅ Streaming in Short – Weekly news updates on MENA and global streaming

✅ MENA Insights – Analysis of key streaming trends in MENA, backed by data

✅ Inside The LAB Talks – Real talk from the people driving the streaming media business.

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This week, I cover the $1M AI Film Award, a content creator moving into microdrama, and Disney+ pushing deeper into microdrama and AI.

🎬 $1M on the Line: Five AI Films Premiere This Week

👉 Five short films are competing for the $1 million grand prize at the AI Film Award, one of the biggest global competitions for AI-generated films.

📍 The nominated films, Portrait No. 72, Cats Like Warmth, LILY, Heal, and The Translator, will premiere tonight at the 1 Billion Followers Summit. The final winner will be announced on Saturday.

💡 This shows how fast AI filmmaking is growing, with real money, global exposure, and creator recognition at scale.

📱 From Social Media to Microdrama: Hannah Stocking Takes the Lead

👉 Content creator Hannah Stocking stars in Playback, billed as the first musical microdrama made for vertical video.

📍 Produced by Second Rodeo, the series will premiere in early 2026 on My Drama. It follows a songwriter who creates an AI version of herself that becomes famous, forcing her to fight for her real voice and identity.

💡 This shows how creators are moving into scripted microdramas, using vertical formats to reach mobile-first audiences in new ways.

Sports streaming has changed how fans follow leagues, teams, and athletes. Live matches still matter, but fandom now goes far beyond match time.

To understand where sports fandom is going, WSC Sports surveyed fans in the U.S. across Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.

Why does this matter for MENA?

Sports rights are spread across broadcasters, telco platforms, and local players. Audiences are young, mobile-first, and very active on social platforms. Live sports are easy to find, but consistent fan experiences across platforms are harder to deliver.

So the question is simple: Is sports streaming in MENA ready for the next era of fandom?

In my new whitepaper, I combine WSC Sports’ fan engagement study with The Streaming Lab’s analysis of the MENA sports streaming ecosystem.

Read the full whitepaper here

🤖 Disney+ Moves Into Microdrama and AI

What happened?

👉 Disney+ announced at CES that it will add short, vertical videos to Disney+ in 2026.

Key details:

• Disney+ will launch a vertical, scrollable feed.

• The content is made for mobile users.

• It will include short stories, sports clips, and news.

• Disney is also using AI to help create and personalize video ads.

Why it matters?

🎯 Disney+ is getting ready for an AI-native generation that watches content on mobile and likes short stories. By mixing microdrama-style formats and AI, Disney+ wants to become a daily app, not just a place to watch long shows.

📱 VERTICAL: Viu Launches Vertical Microdramas

Viu has launched Viu Shorts, a new vertical video section dedicated to microdramas.

The feature offers 1–3 minute episodes in multiple Asian languages and is built directly into Viu’s mobile app, using a freemium model alongside its long-form content.

🇯🇴 ROYA: 15 years

Roya Media Group marked its 15-year journey, built on independence, perseverance, and investment in local talent.

Now a full media group, Roya has expanded beyond TV to reach billions of views across platforms, with 2025 described as its strongest year and the start of a new growth phase.

🔁 BRAND: Shahid is now MBC Shahid

MBC Shahid has officially rebranded, becoming MBC Shahid.

The move strengthens the platform’s link to the MBC Group brand, while keeping the same service and experience. The goal is a clearer identity and bigger ambitions for premium storytelling and regional entertainment.

🎧 PODS: Spotify Boosts Monetization for Video Podcasts

Spotify is expanding monetization options for video podcast creators.

The platform lowered entry requirements for its Partner Program and now allows video podcasts hosted outside Spotify to earn money. Spotify says video podcast viewing has nearly doubled over the past year.

👾 TOP: Stranger Things 5 Enters Netflix’s All-Time Top 10

Stranger Things Season 5 has become Netflix’s No. 9 most-watched English-language series of all time, with 105.7 million views so far.

The season still has weeks of counting ahead and could climb higher on the ranking. Its strong launch also pushed all previous seasons back into Netflix’s Top 10, showing the franchise’s lasting global pull.

🇦🇪 DUBAI: 1 Billion Followers Summit Takes Over the City

The 1 Billion Followers Summit is happening in Dubai from January 9–11, 2026, bringing together 15,000 creators and 500 speakers with a combined reach of 3.5 billion followers.

The sold-out event focuses on the creator economy, AI, and short-form video, with major names attending and the $1M AI Film Award being presented during the summit.

🧪 Rick and Morty season 8, from Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, (Netflix, 10 episodes): To punish Morty and Summer, Rick puts them in a simulation. However, their experience inside the simulation leads to real life repercussions.

🏛️ 13 years ago, House of Cards premiered on Netflix. Created by Beau Willimon, the series pulled viewers into the ruthless world of Washington politics, exploring power, manipulation, and ambition. House of Cards became Netflix’s first major original hit and helped prove that streaming platforms could deliver prestige television at a global scale.

🧪 Fresh from The Lab:

Thanks for reading, enjoy your weekend! I’ll be back Monday with my MENA insights.

Not a member yet? Join The Lab 🧪 and unlock the full experience. Here’s what you get as a premium member:

✅ Streaming in Short – Weekly news updates on MENA and global streaming

✅ MENA Insights – Analysis of key streaming trends in MENA, backed by data

✅ Inside The LAB Talks – Real talk from the people driving the streaming media business.

✅ Event Wrap-ups – Smart AI summaries of industry panels and talks

✅ Full Library Access – Read all free and premium articles

✅ Special Reports – Exclusive insights from local MENA platforms (The Secret Lab access)

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Today, I’m not looking at a crystal ball.

I’m looking at signals 👇

I’m not trying to predict the future.

I’m just listening.

Listening to big announcements in the MENA media ecosystem, like Thmanyah securing the Saudi Pro League rights and launching its own sports platform.

And listening to smaller changes, like Shahid becoming MBC Shahid.

Every year, at the beginning of the year, I collect these signals. Then I try to read between the lines and connect the dots.

Yes, it’s a bit risky.

But being right or wrong is not the point.

What matters is the process.

It forces me to combine data, market observation, and insights.

Here are my 6 signals that could change the streaming media ecosystem in MENA in 2026 👇

Read on to learn about:

1. Homegrown platforms will consolidate to create local champions

2. Bundles will change how streaming media grows

3. Content creators will operate like media companies

4. AI will decide where people watch content

5. Vertical series will grow in MENA, but only if done the right way

6. Local stories will move beyond screens

1️⃣ Homegrown platforms will consolidate to create champions

Today, there are more than 100 active media and streaming platforms across MENA, and around two third of them are local.

That fragmentation will continue, with new niche platforms launching to serve specific audiences and formats.

However, running a large entertainment and/or sports platform is expensive, and in most markets only two or three players can realistically operate at that level.

End of last year, Abu Dhabi Media integrated its streaming service ADtv into STARZPLAY. The broadcaster chose scale and distribution, trusting one of the region’s most successful pure-play streamers, now backed by the telecom e&.

The same logic could work at an even larger level:

In 2026, MBC Shahid could acquire OSN+ and bring together local strength and international positioning, creating a regional champion able to compete next to global streaming giants.

2️⃣ Bundles will change how streaming media grows

A year ago, bundles still felt nice to have. Today, they are starting to feel like a must-have in MENA.

Take Yango Play as a first example.

Read more

This week, I cover Shahid launching a strong streaming bundle in MENA with Disney+ and OSN+, the Oscars moving to YouTube from 2029, and Instagram bringing Reels to the TV screen.

🎬 Shahid, Disney+ and OSN+ Launch a New Streaming Bundle in MENA

👉 Shahid has partnered with Disney+ and OSN+ to offer one subscription that includes three streaming apps, available only through Shahid.

📍 Users get 3 services for the price of 2, with one payment and one bill. The bundle brings together Arabic shows and sports from Shahid, global movies and series from Disney+, and HBO content from OSN+.

💡 This shows that platforms try to make streaming simpler and more attractive for users.

🏆 The Oscars Will Move to YouTube From 2029

👉 The Academy has signed a multi-year deal with YouTube to stream the Oscars live and for free worldwide, starting in 2029. ABC will keep the rights until 2028.

📍 The full Oscars experience will be available on YouTube, including the red carpet and behind-the-scenes content, with ads still included. The goal is to reach a larger global audience, with features like subtitles and multiple language options.

💡 For Hollywood, it shows how big cultural moments are moving away from traditional TV to platforms with global reach and younger audiences.

Sports streaming has changed how fans follow leagues, teams, and athletes. Live matches still matter, but fandom now goes far beyond match time.

To understand where sports fandom is going, WSC Sports surveyed fans in the U.S. across Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.

Why does this matter for MENA?

Sports rights are spread across broadcasters, telco platforms, and local players. Audiences are young, mobile-first, and very active on social platforms. Live sports are easy to find, but consistent fan experiences across platforms are harder to deliver.

So the question is simple: Is sports streaming in MENA ready for the next era of fandom?

In my new whitepaper, I combine WSC Sports’ fan engagement study with The Streaming Lab’s analysis of the MENA sports streaming ecosystem.

Read the full whitepaper here

📺 Instagram Brings Reels to the TV Screen

What happened?

👉 Meta has launched a new Instagram Reels app for connected TVs, starting with Amazon Fire TV devices. It lets users watch Reels directly on their TV, without using their phone.

Key details:

• The TV app includes channels and categories to browse Reels by interest or creator.

• Reels already generates around $50B in annual ad revenue, even before this TV launch.

Why it matters?

🎯 This move shows that short-form video is moving into the living room, putting Instagram in direct competition with YouTube, Netflix, and TV channels for screen time, and ad budgets.

❌ HOLLYWOOD: Warner Bros. Discovery Rejects Paramount’s Offer

Warner Bros. Discovery has officially rejected Paramount’s $108B hostile bid, saying the offer carries high financial and execution risks.

The WBD board said the proposal is less attractive than its agreed deal with Netflix, especially due to concerns around financing, foreign investors, and deal certainty.

⚽ FOOTBALL: All Ligue 1 Matches Move to Ligue 1+ Next Season

From next season, all Ligue 1 matches will be available on Ligue 1+, as the league brings back the game currently shown on beIN Sports.

With 9 matches per round instead of 8, the monthly subscription price is expected to rise to €19.99, with discounts planned for existing subscribers.

🎙️ NETFLIX: Netflix Hires Its First Sports Anchor

Netflix has hired ESPN presenter Elle Duncan as its first on-air sports anchor, marking a new step in its live sports strategy.

She will host sports and cultural live events starting in 2026, adding credibility and a familiar TV face as Netflix continues to expand into live sports.

📱 MICRO-DRAMA: Seera Launches Vertical Series Platform in MENA

Seera has launched a new platform dedicated to Arabic micro-dramas, with short vertical episodes made for mobile viewing.

The app focuses on local stories and talent, filling a gap as global micro-drama apps grow fast in MENA but lack culturally relevant content.

🇲🇦 SPORTS: TOD Expands into Morocco

beIN Media Group’s streaming service TOD has launched in Morocco, ahead of the country hosting AFCON 2025.

The service brings major football rights like the Champions League, Premier League, and LaLiga, with features such as 4K streaming, multi-language commentary, and interactive tools designed to boost fan engagement.

🇦🇪 DUBAI: Fujifilm Short Film Festival Celebrates Regional Talent

The first edition of the Fujifilm Short Film Festival has wrapped up in Dubai, celebrating emerging filmmakers from the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia.

Launched with Cinema Akil and Gulf Photo Plus, the festival featured sold-out screenings, workshops, and awards across narrative, documentary, experimental, and student films, highlighting strong demand for local storytelling and new creative voices.

💥 Fallout from Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Prime Video, 8 episodes): The story of haves and have-nots in a world in which there’s almost nothing left to have. 200 years after the apocalypse, the gentle denizens of luxury fallout shelters are forced to return to the irradiated hellscape their ancestors left behind, and are shocked to discover an incredibly complex, gleefully weird, and highly violent universe waiting for them.

🏙️ 18 years ago, Mad Men premiered on AMC. Created by Matthew Weiner, the series took viewers inside the world of 1960s advertising, exploring power, identity, ambition, and the American Dream. Mad Men quickly became one of the most influential drama series of its generation, redefining prestige television.

🧪 Fresh from The Lab:

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the holidays! I’ll be back in January with my predictions for the MENA Streaming Media Industry in 2026.

Not a member yet? Join The Lab 🧪 and unlock the full experience. Here’s what you get as a premium member:

✅ Streaming in Short – Weekly news updates on MENA and global streaming

✅ MENA Insights – Analysis of key streaming trends in MENA, backed by data

✅ Inside The LAB Talks – Real talk from the people driving the streaming media business.

✅ Event Wrap-ups – Smart AI summaries of industry panels and talks

✅ Full Library Access – Read all free and premium articles

✅ Special Reports – Exclusive insights from local MENA platforms (The Secret Lab access)

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This edition is supported by premium members. Join The Lab 🧪 and unlock my weekly, data-packed insights!

Hey streamers,

Today, we are talking about innovation in MENA streaming 👇

The market is more fragmented than ever, but we are also starting to see the first signs of consolidation.

There are now 100+ streaming platforms in the region, and most of them are local.

In 2025 alone, 7 new services launched across sports, niche content, FAST channels, and vertical series. At the same time, platforms like Jawwy TV, Switch TV, Weyyak, and Go Play Market shut down.

In this ecosystem, platforms have no choice but to innovate. One platform is doing this more actively than others: Yango Play.

👉 In my article today, I explain how Yango Play innovated in 2025, and where the platform could be heading next.

Read on to learn about:

1. The Yango Play Model: A recap of the platform, its positioning, and why it stands out in MENA.

2. Inside Yango Play 2025 Innovations: Bundles, mini dramas, and new ways to engage users

3. 💡 So What? Why these innovations matter for MENA streaming, and what they tell us about where the market is heading.

The Yango Play Model

Yango Play launched in MENA in February 2024 and is now available in UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt.

From the start, Yango Play was not built like a “traditional” streaming service.

Instead of focusing only on series and movies, it launched as a super media app, combining video, music, casual games, and later live TV channels, all included in one subscription.

The platform entered the market with a clear Ramadan-first strategy, focusing early on local Arabic content. Over time, video became the main product, with the app now centered around a “Watch” section across mobile, web, and CTV.

Yango Play relies heavily on partnerships to grow its catalog, working with STARZPLAY, Noor Play, and Crunchyroll through bundles and dedicated sections.

It also uses gamification to drive engagement. Users can earn coins by watching, playing, or completing actions in the app.

In short, Yango Play is building an entertainment ecosystem, with one account, one payment method, and growing links to the wider Yango services.

You’ll find links below to all the articles I’ve written about Yango Play, plus a short video I shared earlier this year:

Now, let’s look at how this model turns into real innovation in 2025 👇

Inside Yango Play 2025 Innovations

In 2025, Yango Play tested many new ideas.

In this article, I selected 5 innovations that best show how the platform is changing:

1. 🎌 The Crunchyroll bundle (May)

2. 🚕 Yango Plus & Yango Play Premium (October)

3. 📱 Mini Dramas Inside Yango Play (November)

4. 🎰 Weekly Spin Rewards (December)

5. 🤖 AI-driven Promotion (December)

Let’s look at each one 👇

Read more

This week, I cover Banijay France launching POC, a new marketplace for digital formats, Paramount’s Warner Bros bid backed by Gulf investors, and Disney’s move into AI while setting clear rules to protect its content.

🎬 Banijay France Launches “POC”, a New Digital Formats Marketplace

👉 Banijay France has launched POC (Proof of Concept), a global platform where content creators can upload, sell, and monetize their original digital formats.

📍 Creators can protect their IP in a secure environment, while others can legally buy these formats and adapt them locally. Advertisers can also access the platform to find proven, sponsor-ready formats for their campaigns.

💡 This move shows how digital-first content is becoming more structured, with creator formats starting to travel and scale globally, much like TV formats did before.

🎬 Paramount’s Warner Bros Bid Brings Gulf Investors Together

👉 Paramount’s bid for Warner Bros. Discovery is backed by $24B from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, forming a rare alliance between Gulf investors.

📍 The 3 countries are expected to provide nearly 60% of the equity needed for the deal. Their interest is driven by access to major Hollywood IP and by long-term goals to diversify their economies through media, entertainment, and global influence.

💡 This highlights how strategic MENA has become in global media financing. Gulf capital is now deciding who owns Hollywood’s biggest studios.

Today, most platforms in MENA use global CDNs to deliver movies, series and live sports. But the future of streaming in the region may be all about local delivery. Imagine this 👇

✅ Fewer errors
🖼️ Better picture quality
📍 More stable streaming
⚡️ Videos that start faster
🔒 Data that stays local and protected

This is becoming more important as streaming grows fast, and global outages continue to affect platforms everywhere.

The good news? CDN companies are already building this future in MENA.

With stronger networks, more local delivery points and better tools to keep platforms fast and reliable 🙌

Want the full insight?

I explain everything in my new whitepaper, The Power of Locally-Optimized CDN in MENA, created with insights from regional CDN experts like Medianova

Get The Full Report Here

📺 Disney Embraces AI, and Sets Clear Rules

What happened?

👉 Disney announced a $1B partnership with OpenAI, letting users create short videos with licensed Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters on Sora. Disney also sent a legal warning to Google, accusing it of using Disney content to train AI without permission.

Key details:

• Disney will allow fan-made short clips using its characters, starting in early 2026.

• The deal shows Disney sees AI as a new way to license IP and engage fans.

• The studio has also taken action against other AI companies using its content.

Why it matters?

🎯 Disney’s position is clear: AI is fine when IP is licensed and protected, not when it is used for free. This could decide how studios work with AI in the future.

🏟️ SPORTS: Streaming Takes Over from Pay TV

As pay TV declines, live sports are becoming the main battleground for streaming platforms.

Leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB are now fully available on streaming services such as Peacock, Amazon, Netflix, Apple TV+, and ESPN. For platforms, sports are key to gaining subscribers, keeping them engaged, and attracting advertisers.

📺 YOUTUBE: YouTube TV Launches Cheaper Genre-Based Plans

YouTube TV will roll out new lower-priced plans, letting users subscribe to specific genres like sports, news, kids, or entertainment.

A Sports Plan will include major channels such as ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports, with extra add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket available separately.

🇮🇳 INDIA: JioHotstar Doubles Down on South India

JioHotstar is investing $445M in South Indian content after viewership surged, with watch time up 160% in the region.

South India now drives a large share of viewing on the platform, with strong growth on connected TVs and high demand for returning series and local stories.

📱 MICRO DRAMA: COL Group Builds a Dedicated Studio

COL Group has unveiled a new microdrama studio in Macao, built specifically for short-form and vertical series production.

The studio includes more than 30 ready-to-use sets and allows multiple shows to be filmed at the same time, helping produce hundreds of microdrama series faster.

📡 TECH: MediaKind and Harmonic Join Forces

MediaKind is acquiring Harmonic’s Video business for $145M, creating one of the largest independent streaming-infrastructure platforms.

The combined company will focus fully on video, with strong cloud and hardware capabilities, and aims to deliver more reliable and advanced streaming technology to platforms worldwide.

🇦🇪 DUBAI: Dubai Motorcycle Film Festival Returns for Its 5th Edition

The Dubai Motorcycle Film Festival will return on 13 December 2025 at Warehouse Four in Al Quoz, celebrating motorcycle culture through films, documentaries, and short films from around the world.

Now in its fifth year, the festival brings together filmmakers, riders, and enthusiasts, with international short films, community rides, and special screenings highlighting storytelling, freedom, and the global motorcycle community.

🏡 Million Dollar Listing UAE from Georges Sfeir (STARZPLAY, 2 episodes): Five top brokers hustle for massive deals across the UAE’s luxury market as competition rises, risks grow, and every opportunity could lead to a breakthrough.

💥 14 years ago, Black Mirror premiered on Channel 4 in the UK. Created by Charlie Brooker, the series introduced viewers to dark, thought-provoking stories exploring how technology can shape, and sometimes break, modern society. Black Mirror quickly became one of the most influential TV series of its generation.

🧪 Fresh from The Lab:

Thanks for reading, enjoy your weekend! I’ll be back Monday with my MENA insights.

Not a member yet? Join The Lab 🧪 and unlock the full experience. Here’s what you get as a premium member:

✅ Streaming in Short – Weekly news updates on MENA and global streaming

✅ MENA Insights – Analysis of key streaming trends in MENA, backed by data

✅ Inside The LAB Talks – Real talk from the people driving the streaming media business.

✅ Event Wrap-ups – Smart AI summaries of industry panels and talks

✅ Full Library Access – Read all free and premium articles

✅ Special Reports – Exclusive insights from local MENA platforms (The Secret Lab access)

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Today we’re talking about Warner Bros., Netflix and Paramount… and what this big Hollywood battle means for MENA 👇

A big battle is happening in Hollywood right now: Netflix and Paramount both want to buy Warner Bros.

Everyone is talking (and writing ;) about who will win, or if these deals can even close.

But for me, the interesting story is what this means for the MENA region. And it’s not that simple.

Today, I’ll share the key news since last Friday, explain the 2 deals from Netflix and Paramount and, most importantly, show why it matters for streaming in MENA, especially for OSN+.

Read on to learn about:

1. What’s the deal(s)? A simple timeline of the Netflix and Paramount deals, and how the situation changed over the last few days.

2. Global Giants in MENA: Where Warner Bros., Netflix and Paramount stand in the region today.

3. 💡 So What? Why this global deal matters for MENA, and what could happen next for OSN+.

Today, most platforms in MENA use global CDNs to deliver movies, series and live sports. But the future of streaming in the region may be all about local delivery. Imagine this 👇

✅ Fewer errors
🖼️ Better picture quality
📍 More stable streaming
⚡️ Videos that start faster
🔒 Data that stays local and protected

This is becoming more important as streaming grows fast, and global outages continue to affect platforms everywhere.

The good news? CDN companies are already building this future in MENA.

With stronger networks, more local delivery points and better tools to keep platforms fast and reliable 🙌

Want the full insight?

I explain everything in my new whitepaper, The Power of Locally-Optimized CDN in MENA, created with insights from regional CDN experts like Medianova

Get the Full Report Here

What’s the deal(s)?

Let’s save time and go straight to the key updates:

On December 5, Netflix entered exclusive talks to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, overtaking bids from Paramount and Comcast.

The company then confirmed an $82.7B agreement to acquire Warner Bros., HBO/HBO Max and WB Games.

On December 6, Netflix emailed its entire subscriber base to “explain” the deal, plus shared a full FAQ on its website.

On December 8, President Trump publicly warned that the Netflix–Warner Bros. merger “could be a problem” due to market share.

A few hours later, Paramount escalated the situation by launching a $108B hostile takeover offer for all of WBD.

Warner Bros. Discovery responded by saying it would review the proposal and get back within 10 business days.

Netflix’s leadership, meanwhile, insisted they are “super-confident” the deal will go through, promising to protect jobs, support theatrical releases, and keep Warner Bros. free to license shows to other platforms.

By December 9, Trump refused to choose sides, saying he would personally take part in the regulatory review.

Today, unions are warning that both deals are bad for workers, saying they could mean fewer buyers, fewer projects and more pressure on wages.

I also read that David Ellison spent 12 weeks trying to win WBD with 6 offers and personal meetings with Zaslav, but the board still chose the lower Netflix bid, which explains why Paramount has now gone hostile and taken its offer directly to shareholders.

Now let’s look at both proposals: the deal size, assets, funding, expected impact, and the main challenges.

Netflix × Warner Bros.

Read more

This week, I cover Netflix $82.7B move to buy Warner Bros., Yango Play launch of its first mini dramas, and the BBC push into YouTube and vertical formats.

🎬 Netflix to Buy Warner Bros. and HBO Max for $82.7B

👉 Netflix will acquire Warner Bros. studios and HBO Max after a big bidding battle. The deal should close in 2026.

📍 Netflix says it will keep Warner Bros. running normally, continue releasing movies in cinemas, and keep HBO Max as a separate service for now. This gives Netflix major franchises like Harry Potter, DC, The Sopranos and Game of Thrones.

💡 WBD invested $57M in OSN+ earlier this year, so this change in ownership could impact how Hollywood content is distributed in MENA. Full analysis next week in my MENA Insights article.

📱 Yango Play Launches Its First Mini Dramas

👉 Yango Play has added 10 new vertical series to its SVOD offering in MENA. The lineup mixes Asian and Western titles.

📍 It’s a smart test: licensing existing shows and adding a vertical-video experience directly inside the current app, no new platform needed.

💡 If the experiment works, Yango Play could be the next platform to produce local Arabic micro-dramas, following the global rise of this format.

📺 BBC Moves Further Into YouTube and Vertical Dramas

What happened?

👉 The BBC will start putting more content for adult on YouTube and testing vertical series to reach younger viewers.

Key details:

• The BBC now sees YouTube as a key platform for Gen Z, and will upload full episodes to YouTube, not just trailers.

• Vertical mini dramas like Spiked performed well and encouraged more short-form tests.

• The broadcaster will work more with digital creators and social-first companies.

Why it matters?

🎯 YouTube is the #2 most-watched platform in the UK, pushing traditional broadcasters to create short, vertical, social-friendly content to stay relevant.

🤖 AI: Perplexity Partners with Cristiano Ronaldo

Perplexity has signed a global deal with Cristiano Ronaldo, who is not only the face of the partnership but also a real user, and now an investor in the platform.

The company launched a new CR7 hub with highlights and interactive content.

⚽️ SPORTS: Paramount+ Teams Up With Arsenal

Paramount+ has signed a new partnership with Arsenal, just days after winning the rights to stream the Champions League in the U.K.

The deal includes stadium branding, social campaigns, and a promo narrated by Thierry Henry.

🤖 AI: Why Tilly Norwood Was Made Ultra-Realistic

The creator of AI actor Tilly Norwood says she made the character highly realistic to provoke a strong reaction and get the final “girl next door” look.

The project led to backlash from unions and filmmakers, raising concerns about the rapid growth of AI.

🎥 CINEMA: Saudi Cinema Reaches $83M in Q2

Saudi Arabia hit $83M in box office revenue in Q2, driven mainly by local hits during Eid, especially the second Shabab Al-Bomb movie.

The data shows strong seasonality: local films dominate holidays, while international titles boost summer.

🌙 RAMADAN: Blockbusters and Gen-Z Stories Lead the Season

Production for Ramadan 2026 has already begun, with big national thrillers from Amir Karara and Mohamed Emam, alongside Salma Abu Deif’s new series aimed at Gen-Z viewers.

With filming underway early, the 2026 season looks more organized and diverse than previous years.

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: Red Sea Film Festival to Honor Michael Caine, Sigourney Weaver & Juliette Binoche

The Red Sea Film Festival (Dec 4–13 in Jeddah) will honor Michael Caine, Sigourney Weaver and Juliette Binoche with special awards this year.

The festival will also host talks and panels, highlighting the growing role of the festival in connecting Arab cinema with global talent.

🕺 Culte Season 2 - 2B3, from Yaël Langmann (Prime Video, 6 episodes): 1995. Filip, Adel and Frank, are lifelong best friends, who dream of escaping their Parisian suburban hometown. Starting from nothing, they form the first French boy band 2Be3, and become a true societal phenomenon.

💥 18 years ago, The Big Bang Theory premiered on TV. Created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, the series introduced the world to a group of brilliant, and hilariously awkward, scientists trying to navigate life, friendship and love. With its sharp comedy, unforgettable characters like Sheldon, Leonard, Penny and the gang, and a fresh mix of science and humor, The Big Bang Theory became one of the biggest sitcoms of its time.

🧪 Fresh from The Lab:

Thanks for reading, enjoy your weekend! I’ll be back Monday with my MENA insights.

Not a member yet? Join The Lab 🧪 and unlock the full experience. Here’s what you get as a premium member:

✅ Streaming in Short – Weekly news updates on MENA and global streaming

✅ MENA Insights – Analysis of key streaming trends in MENA, backed by data

✅ Inside The LAB Talks – Real talk from the people driving the streaming media business.

✅ Event Wrap-ups – Smart AI summaries of industry panels and talks

✅ Full Library Access – Read all free and premium articles

✅ Special Reports – Exclusive insights from local MENA platforms (The Secret Lab access)

Subscribe now

The United Arab Emirates turns 54 today, and I have a gift for you 👇

To celebrate the country where I’ve lived for 12 years, I want to give you one premium article for free.

Here are the 10 articles you can pick from:

📱 The New Wave of Vertical Series in MENA

✞ Is Holywater Really Hollywood 2.0?

🌴 Why YouTube Finally Came to MIPCOM?

🏎️ Could GP Explorer Work in MENA?

🤖 Are Super AIggregators the Future of Streaming?

⚽️ First Look at beIN Stream

👩‍🎤 K-Pop Demon Hunters in MENA: A Global Hit with Local Impact

🥇 Who Are MENA’s Local Streamers?

⚽️ Thmanyah Review: The New Home of Saudi Football

📍 Why Hyperlocal Content Wins in Saudi?

👉 Just reply to this email with the title you want, and I’ll send it to you for free!

These articles normally live inside the 📊 Monday MENA Insights, my weekly premium series analyzing the biggest moves in MENA streaming, with data, strategy, and clear takeaways for media professionals.

If you’ve been curious about the type of analysis I publish every week, this is your chance to try it.

Here are quick summaries of what you can expect:

1️⃣ 📱 The New Wave of Vertical Series in MENA

A clear breakdown of the first 2 local vertical series apps in MENA, Scene and Tesliya, and what their early moves tell us about where this new format is going in the region.

If you want to understand how micro-drama could change streaming in MENA in 2026, this article gives you the answers.

2️⃣ ✞ Is Holywater Really Hollywood 2.0?

A behind-the-scenes look at Holywater, the company behind MyDrama app, and why FOX Entertainment investment could change the future of vertical series worldwide.

If you want to understand how AI, mobile storytelling, and Hollywood IP are coming together, this article breaks it down in a way no one else does.

3️⃣ 🌴 Why YouTube Finally Came to MIPCOM?

A practical breakdown of 6 key sessions showing how YouTube now works with studios, broadcasters, and creators, and why it’s becoming a major part of the global TV landscape.

If you want actionable ideas to grow audiences, monetize content, or rethink your YouTube strategy, this article gives you the insights you won’t find anywhere else.

4️⃣ 🏎️ Could GP Explorer Work in MENA?

How a creator-led racing event became one of France biggest live shows, and why a similar format could take off in the Middle East.

If you want to see how creator culture could turn into real events in MENA, this article gives you the full picture.

5️⃣ 🤖 Are Super AIggregators the Future of Streaming?

This article explores a simple but big idea: what if AI like ChatGPT doesn’t just recommend what to watch, but plays it instantly, across any platform.

If you want to understand how AI could change search and business models in streaming, this article shows clear examples and future scenarios.

6️⃣ ⚽️ First Look at beIN Stream

An exclusive review of beIN new streaming box: what it offers, how it works, and why the company launched hardware again in a market moving to OTT.

This article gives you the full story, what is beIN strategy, the user experience, and what this device means for streaming in MENA.

7️⃣ 👩‍🎤 K-Pop Demon Hunters in MENA: A Global Hit with Local Impact

A data-driven look at how Netflix’s biggest global movie became a hit across the Middle East, and why Korean and anime-inspired content connects so strongly with young viewers here.

If you want to understand the power of fandoms and what this means for future content investments in MENA, this article is for you.

8️⃣ 🥇 Who Are MENA’s Local Streamers?

A complete overview of the 60 homegrown streaming platforms, from general entertainment to sports and specialty services.

If you want a clear picture of how the local ecosystem is evolving, and which platforms are growing.

9️⃣ ⚽️ Thmanyah Review: The New Home of Saudi Football

A detailed look at how Thmanyah built a brand-new streaming platform for the Saudi Pro League.

If you want to understand the strategy, strengths, and gaps behind Saudi Arabia newest sports streamer, read this one.

🔟 📍Why Hyperlocal Content Wins in Saudi?

A breakdown of how Telfaz11 and Thmanyah built massive success by telling deeply local stories, from box-office hits to football streaming.

This article explains it in a simple way what truly connects with Saudi audiences and why these models matter for future partnerships,

—

You’ve seen the 10 options, now it’s your turn.

👉 Reply to this email with your chosen article, and I’ll give you access!

Wishing everyone a great week! See you online this Friday for a new edition of my Streaming in Short.

More content from my Monday MENA Insights: