STARZPLAY, MENA’s leading subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platform, has achieved record-breaking financial and operational milestones in 2024 with the strategic support and guidance of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). With Abu Dhabi investing heavily in media infrastructure, including Yas Creative Hub and advanced cloud services, the emirate is cementing its role as a regional powerhouse for digital entertainment, driven by the rise of major players like STARZPLAY.
Since the company began collaborating with ADIO in 2022, its revenue has more than doubled, surpassing AED 370 million in 2024 as the company expands its regional footprint and cements Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global media and entertainment hub. The company’s headquarters at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Creative Hub, now fully operational with over 40 employees, has become a centre of excellence for AI-driven content curation, fan engagement, and streaming innovation.
The company has also significantly expanded its original content production with high-profile projects, including Unstoppable: The Italian Dream, filmed in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Italian Serie A and ImageNation, attracting global audiences and showcasing the emirate’s role in nurturing young sports talent.
In addition to scripted content, STARZPLAY continues to lead the region’s live sports streaming industry as demand for premium content increases. The company has secured exclusive streaming rights to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, all UFC global and regional fights through 2026, along with other major sporting events. The platform leverages Abu Dhabi’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, including its AWS data centre, to deliver high-quality, uninterrupted streaming to millions of subscribers across the MENA region.
STARZPLAY’s rapid expansion has fuelled Abu Dhabi’s creative economy, generating new employment opportunities for local media, production and technology talent while advancing the broader objectives of the Abu Dhabi Film and TV Commission. The platform’s investment in local content, including hit UAE-produced series such as Kaboos and Million Dollar Listing UAE, has positioned the emirate as a leading hub for content creation, filmmaking and entertainment in the region.
In response to the growing demand for interactive sports content, STARZPLAY has launched AI-powered STARZPLAY Fantasy Sports, leveraging support from ADIO. This Abu Dhabi-developed platform allows fans to engage with live matches in real-time. Moreover, the company has strengthened its personalisation engine, utilising advanced machine learning to provide users with tailored recommendations, improving retention and engagement rates, while showcasing Abu Dhabi’s role in developing cutting-edge digital entertainment experiences.
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: “STARZPLAY is a prime example of how Abu Dhabi is shaping a dynamic, innovation-led digital economy. By empowering companies like STARZPLAY to grow and innovate, we are empowering high-growth companies to create jobs and drive industry transformation. The results achieved in 2024 are a testament to this successful collaboration and reinforce the emirate’s position as a global hub for media, entertainment and technology.”
Maaz Sheikh, CEO of STARZPLAY, commented: “Our partnership with ADIO has played a key role in our journey. ADIO’s support has helped us expand our operations and introduce many solutions, such as AI-driven content discovery, improving the overall entertainment experience. As we look toward the future, we are committed to reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s leadership in the global media landscape.”
As STARZPLAY continues to scale its operations in Abu Dhabi and beyond, the company is committed to delivering innovative content, supporting technological excellence and supporting social and economic growth. With the backing of ADIO, STARZPLAY is set to expand content production and investments in live sports and AI-driven experiences, further enhancing its digital entertainment offering.