FAST in MENA Series - April 2024

Are We There Yet?, ducktv, Ghost Hunters, Love Pets, Cocomelon, Homeful, Roya TV, Naturetime, STARZ ON Foodies, Love Drama, Wedo big stories

Hey streamers 👋

Welcome to my “FAST in MENA Series”, monthly articles exploring the local FAST platforms across Middle East & North Africa. Stay tuned for the most recent FAST channels updates and trend analysis, delivered directly to your inbox on the last Monday of every month.

Street Art in Dubai - A parking meter with a local Mario on Al Wasl Road

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Today’s program

Do you know all the channels that launched in the MENA region in April?

1. Recent updates and trends in MENA FAST

2. New FAST channel launches

3. Spotlight channel: “Homeful” on Samsung TV Plus (US)

And… Action!

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Recent updates and trends in MENA FAST

At last! After 3 months, the number of FAST channels on local platforms across the MENA region has increased again. Almost half of the platforms lineups are growing: Shahid has added 4 channels, STARZ ON has increased by 6, Weyyak has gained 1 and Tarfeeh TV has expanded by 7.

• Shahid did not introduce any new FAST channels but published again channels that had been available a few months ago.

• The FAST lineup on STARZ ON keeps growing with different types of channels such as single IP, local news, Entertainment and children's programming.

• Weyyak added another kids channel dedicated to preschoolers

• Tarfeeh TV topped the list this month for adding the most FAST channels, with a mix of local and international channels.

Here is my updated chart showing the number of FAST channels on local platforms from January 2023 to April 2024. There's a more positive trend now compared to the past 3 months. STARZ ON continues to offer the highest number of channels, followed by Shahid and Roya TV.