Top Middle East broadcaster MBC Group’s Shahid streaming service, Disney+, and Middle East streamer OSN+ have announced a groundbreaking bundling deal under which their three apps will become available in a single subscription plan available only through Shahid.
The move is being touted as a game-changing collaboration for the streaming experience across the Arabian Gulf region.
The combined plan “combines the best entertainment from the Middle East, Hollywood, and beyond,” according to a statement. It added that the bundle offers exceptional value by providing access to all three world-class platforms for the price of two. The price of the service that launches today was not specified.
Streaming is booming across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where the OTT subscription video market, led by MBC’s Shahid, generated revenues estimated to be at $1.5 billion this year according to Omdia, which projects continued MENA market growth.
The Saudi Arabian government owns a 60% stake in MBC which is the region’s biggest TV player while the rest is held by MBC Group chairman Waleed bin Ibrahim Al-Ibrahim, who founded the pan-Arab broadcaster.
“We are proud to collaborate with OSN+ and Disney+ to offer an unmatched streaming experience to our subscribers,” said Natasha Matos-Hemingway, Shahid’s chief commercial and marketing officer, in the statement. “This bundle is a major step in our ongoing mission to simplify and elevate the digital entertainment experience in the region,” she added. “With one subscription, one payment, and full access to premium content from all three platforms, we’re delivering unbeatable convenience, value, and entertainment.”
Commented Karl Holmes, SVP and general manager, Disney+ EMEA: “This agreement reflects a shared ambition between Disney+ and Shahid to shape the future of entertainment in the Middle East. The Middle East is young, dynamic and fast-growing, and we’re delighted to give consumers a new and easy way to access extraordinary content at exceptional value.”
Choucri Khairallah, chief business officer at OSN+ said: “Today’s audiences expect more than great content; they seek seamless access, variety, and exceptional value. This all-in-one bundle delivers exactly that. From Hollywood blockbusters and exclusive HBO shows to the most extensive Arabic library, it’s the region’s most powerful streaming offering that remains unmatched in quality, convenience, and price.”