The MENA region’s streaming industry is currently dominated by international content, with Fabric’s data revealing that 34 percent of the most distributed titles originate from the United States.
This is followed by India (12 percent), the United Kingdom (8 percent), Canada (4 percent), and France (4 percent). However, the streaming industry is gradually evolving, with increasing strategic collaborations between MENA countries and international markets.
Strategic Collaborations
An examination of key co-producing markets highlights that the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium are the most active partners in MENA co-productions. High-profile international co-productions in 2024, such as Dune: Part Two and Gladiator II, underline MENA’s growing prominence as a production and location hub. These large-scale collaborations have been prominently featured on platforms like OSN+ and STARZPLAY, amplifying MENA’s global visibility.
Regional Powerhouses
In addition to international collaborations, there is a discernible rise in Egyptian-led productions. Titles such as Baba Geh, The Alexandrian, and Why Live It Solo? demonstrate Egypt’s increasing output of locally focused content that also has international distribution appeal through platforms like Shahid and Netflix. Saudi Arabia is also positioning itself as a critical player, leveraging state-owned entities and local platforms to boost production capacity.
Shahid’s Dominance in Co-Productions
Among over 40 streaming services in MENA, Shahid has emerged as the leader in co-productions. Owned by the Saudi government, the platform has strategically focused on blending local narratives with global distribution frameworks. While 96 percent of Netflix’s MENA catalog consists of foreign content, Shahid boasts a significantly higher proportion of local and co-produced titles, accounting for 51 percent of its catalog. This highlights the platform’s distinct positioning in catering to regional preferences while also pursuing international partnerships.
Future Outlook
As MENA’s streaming ecosystem evolves, co-productions are becoming a strategic tool to bridge local narratives with global audiences. The dual trends of large-scale international collaborations and the rise of regional powerhouses like Egypt and Saudi Arabia suggest a more balanced content distribution framework in the future.
Streaming platforms like Shahid, Netflix, OSN+, and STARZPLAY will likely continue to play pivotal roles in expanding access to MENA video content while bolstering regional visibility on the global stage.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
