JioHotstar, India’s largest streaming platform, has expanded into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), adding a key market to its growing international footprint.

The launch follows its entry into the UK, Canada and Singapore. In MENA, JioHotstar will be available as a dedicated streaming destination on STARZPLAY’s app and website under a new partnership between the two platforms.

Indian entertainment across languages

MENA subscribers will get access to JioHotstar Originals alongside their India releases, with selected content available in up to 10 audio languages. The offering also includes television programmes from JioStar channels, blockbuster films and major reality franchises.

The line-up includes the upcoming season of ‘Koffee with Karan’ and the ongoing season of ‘Bigg Boss’, available across six languages. Content will span Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla and other Indian languages.

Malayalam programming will feature prominently, reflecting the region’s large Malayali audience.

Two plans for MENA viewers

JioHotstar will be available through STARZPLAY’s PLUS plan at AED 34.99 a month. The plan gives subscribers access to its multilingual entertainment catalogue.

The MAX plan, priced at AED 49.99 a month, combines the full JioHotstar offering with STARZPLAY’s sports portfolio. The package brings films, television, Originals and reality shows together with major sporting events, including cricket.

The partnership also allows STARZPLAY to build on its established relationship with South Asian audiences through cricket while extending its offering into daily entertainment.

JioStar targets global growth

Amit Malhotra, Head – International Business, JioStar, said the response to JioHotstar’s launches in other international markets had strengthened the company’s confidence in global demand for Indian content.

“The strong early response to JioHotstar across the UK, Canada and Singapore has reinforced our belief in the global opportunity for Indian entertainment. As we build JioHotstar into a truly global streaming platform, MENA is a crucial next market, with one of the world’s largest South Asian diaspora communities and a deep appetite for entertainment across languages. Our partnership with STARZPLAY allows us to enter the region with scale and bring audiences the breadth of JioHotstar, from new originals and daily television to blockbuster films and iconic reality franchises. This is an important step in taking Indian stories, talent and cultural moments to audiences around the world.”

Maaz Sheikh, CEO of STARZPLAY, said the partnership would give viewers access to complementary entertainment offerings through a single platform.

“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 added.

Burj Khalifa lights up for launch

The MENA launch was marked by a large-scale display at Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. JioHotstar’s Big Bang imagery illuminated the world’s tallest building, bringing the two brands together in a high-profile launch event.

Technology-led streaming push

JioHotstar is also developing new ways for audiences to discover and interact with content, including AI-powered personalisation, conversational discovery, interactive entertainment and in-app commerce.

With MENA joining the UK, Canada and Singapore, JioHotstar is now expanding its international presence across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East, tailoring its approach to audiences in each market.