JioHotstar, the Indian streaming service, has expanded into the Middle East and North Africa through a partnership with STARZPLAY, weeks after entering the UK, Canada and Singapore. The service is now accessible as a dedicated destination within the STARZPLAY app and website.
The launch targets South Asian diaspora audiences across the region, offering content in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla and other languages.
The library includes Malayalam originals such as Prince of Mollywood, Kerala Crime Files and 1000 Babies, alongside films including Drishyam and Thudarum.
Reality franchises Bigg Boss and Khatron Ke Khiladi are included, as is a new season of Koffee with Karan. Viewers will also be able to watch JioStar TV channels at the same time as broadcast in India, covering shows such as Anupama and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
STARZPLAY is offering the JioHotstar content through two tiers. Its PLUS plan, at AED 34.99 per month, gives access to the multilingual entertainment library. The MAX plan, at AED 49.99 per month, bundles in STARZPLAY’s sports portfolio, including cricket, alongside the full JioHotstar offering.
“Our partnership with STARZPLAY brings together a shared ambition to redefine what a modern entertainment platform can be. Through this partnership, we are creating a premier destination where audiences can discover the best in sports, Indian and global entertainment. We see an opportunity to build a central hub where audiences can enjoy the stories they love, discover new content and experience seamless entertainment. Our belief at JioStar has always been that the future of streaming isn’t about forcing a choice between local, regional, Indian or global content – it is about bringing the world closer together. JioHotstar’s arrival in the Middle East and North Africa is a significant step in that direction. Dubai and the wider Gulf sit at the heart of our international ambitions and together with Starzplay we are reimagining how cross border entertainment connects audiences, culture and communities,” Amit Malhotra, Head – International Business, JioStar said in a statement.
“The next phase of streaming growth in MENA will be shaped by platforms that bring the right brands together and make the viewing experience more valuable. Audiences should not have to navigate an increasingly fragmented market to find the entertainment that matters to them. Bringing JioHotstar to STARZPLAY is a strategic investment in that future, combining the strength of India’s storytelling with our understanding of this region and the audiences we serve. Cricket has given STARZPLAY a strong and lasting relationship with South Asian audiences across the region. JioHotstar allows us to extend that relationship beyond the match and into the entertainment households return to every day. Our ambition is to make STARZPLAY the destination where every member of the family finds something they value,” Maaz Sheikh, CEO of STARZPLAY added.
The launch was marked by a light projection on the Burj Khalifa.
