Streaming wars in the Gulf: Which platform is most popular among expats?

The GCC’s streaming market in 2025 is fiercely competitive, driven by expats and high internet penetration. Shahid VIP leads in Arabic content, while StarzPlay attracts South Asian viewers with Bollywood and cricket. Netflix is expanding its Arabic originals, aligning with Saudi’s Vision 2030. Censorship and pricing influence choices, with bundled telecom packages offering affordability.