logo
Starzplay achieves 2.5x revenue growth with ADIO support

Starzplay achieves 2.5x revenue growth with ADIO support

Campaign ME24-04-2025

Subscription video-on-demand service, Starzplay, has reported record-breaking financial and operational milestones in 2024 with the strategic support of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
The company's revenue has successfully surpassed the AED 370 million mark, reflecting the success of its long-term growth strategy and strategic partnerships and exhibiting over 2.5x revenue growth since the partnership's commencement in 2022.
Since partnering with ADIO in 2022, Starzplay says it has witnessed exponential growth, strengthening its regional footprint. Its headquarters at Abu Dhabi's Yas Creative Hub, now with over 40 employees, serve as a hub for AI-driven content curation, fan engagement, and streaming innovation.
With Abu Dhabi investing heavily in media infrastructure, including Yas Creative Hub and advanced cloud services, the UAE capital aims to cement its role as a regional powerhouse for digital entertainment, driven by the rise of major players like Starzplay.
'Starzplay is a prime example of how Abu Dhabi is shaping a dynamic, innovation-led digital economy,' said His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO. 'By supporting 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.'
Starzplay also has launched its AI-powered Starzplay Fantasy Sports, leveraging support from ADIO. This Abu Dhabi-developed platform allows fans to engage with live matches in real-time. Its personalisation engine utilises advanced machine learning to provide users with tailored recommendations, improving retention and engagement rates.
'Our partnership with ADIO has played a key role in our journey,' said Maaz Sheikh, CEO of Starzplay. '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.'
Starzplay further claims that its growth has boosted Abu Dhabi's creative economy, creating jobs in media, production and technology while supporting the Abu Dhabi Film and TV Commission's goals. Its investment in local content, including hit UAE series such as Kaboos and Million Dollar Listing UAE, has solidified the emirate as a leading hub for content creation, filmmaking and entertainment in the region.
With ADIO's support, Starzplay will boost content production and invest in live sports and AI-driven experiences to enhance its digital offering.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Unisat Ajman rolls out big offers for Philippine Independence Day and long weekend
Unisat Ajman rolls out big offers for Philippine Independence Day and long weekend

Filipino Times

time2 hours ago

  • Filipino Times

Unisat Ajman rolls out big offers for Philippine Independence Day and long weekend

In celebration of Philippine Independence Day and the much-anticipated long weekend, Unisat Ajman shops are unveiling a major sale packed with unbeatable deals on popular beverages and well-loved brands by the Filipinos. Shops open daily from 9 AM to 1 AM, Unisat has become a trusted shopping destination for the Filipino community in the UAE, thanks to its spacious store, no tax, and free parking, offering both convenience and value in one place. This limited-time promotion brings a taste of home closer to kabayans with exclusive discounts on well-known party favorites and classic Filipino brands. Check out some of the fantastic deals you can take advantage of: Emperador Light Spanish Beverage 1L – AED 17 Fundador Super Special Beverage 1L – AED 20 Ginebra Premium Gin 75 cl – AED 15 GSM Mojito 1L – AED 15 GSM Frasco Hari 1L – AED 15 Primera Light Beverage 1L – AED 15 San Miguel Pale Pilsen Can 50 cl – 4 for AED 10 / AED 60 per case San Miguel Light Can 33 cl – 5 pcs for AED 10 / AED 48 per case San Miguel Light Bottle 33 cl – 5 pcs for AED 10 / AED 48 per case Fundador 1L – AED 35 Jack Daniels McLaren 70 cl – AED 55 Chivas Regal 1L – AED 99 Jim Beam 1L – AED 45 Whether you're planning a celebration with friends or simply want to enjoy your favorites at home, Unisat Ajman has you covered, from classic Filipino favorites to premium international labels. With these limited-time offers, there's no better time to drop by and stock up. The store boasts a wide selection of beverages at unbeatable prices, making it the perfect destination for value and variety you won't want to miss. For more information, call Unisat Emirates: 056 119 9527 / Unisat Lucky: 056 119 9518 / Unisat Al Zahra: 056 119 9517 and follow @unisatajman on social media. Make your celebrations special with unbeatable offers — only at Unisat Ajman!

UAE student rules; Dubai road projects; Inside the Wynn Al Marjan resort; Dubai real estate analysis 10 things
UAE student rules; Dubai road projects; Inside the Wynn Al Marjan resort; Dubai real estate analysis 10 things

Arabian Business

time3 hours ago

  • Arabian Business

UAE student rules; Dubai road projects; Inside the Wynn Al Marjan resort; Dubai real estate analysis 10 things

UAE student rules, a Dubai education boom and major real estate projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have made the headlines this week. Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE announces new rules for overseas students The UAE has announced new rules for students looking to study overseas as it looks to enhance employment prospects for future graduates. The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD) has approved a set of criteria for Emirati students who wish to pursue their higher education outside the UAE. The criteria aim to enhance student's competence and readiness to enter the job market, and to regulate international scholarship options in accordance with the UAE's aspirations, national plans, priority sectors, and future developments, thereby supporting the optimal investment in Emirati talents. Through this initiative, the Council aims to empower students to make well-informed decisions based on clear criteria that ensures the quality of selected programs and academic institutions. It also seeks to enhance the value of the qualifications they obtain, supporting their future career opportunities both within the UAE and abroad. Dubai has announced a major road and traffic scheme to upgrade journeys for passengers around Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim and Al Khail Road. In line with the directives of the leadership to accelerate the development of road infrastructure and expand traffic capacity across Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced an integrated urban project to upgrade Umm Suqeim Street, from its intersection with Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road. The project is designed to enhance traffic flow in support of the emirate's comprehensive development, address the demands of urban expansion and population growth, and to improve the overall quality of life for both residents and visitors. It complements works currently underway to upgrade Umm Suqeim Street from its intersection with Al Khail Road to Emirates Road, ultimately enabling uninterrupted traffic flow from Jumeirah to Al Qudra Road over a total distance of 20km. EXCLUSIVE: Inside Wynn Resorts' Las Vegas-style UAE expansion The much-anticipated Wynn Al Marjan resort is well on its way to becoming the UAE's first integrated gaming resort, extending the experience to the Middle East and beyond. With construction currently 60 per cent complete, the resort is scheduled to open its doors to the public in early 2027. Walking into the Wynn Las Vegas, the opulence and sheer scale is unmistakable – in fact, it is record-breaking, with the hotel being one of the biggest globally. The 50,000 sq. ft. property – encompassing both the Wynn and Encore resort, although different, seamlessly operates as one with a total of 4,500 rooms. Dubai real estate: Villa, townhouse prices soar 92% in three years as property market booms Dubai Land Department (DLD) recorded AED 54 billion in property sales transactions across Dubai in May, representing an 11 per cent increase from the previous month, a new report finds. Villa and townhouse prices have increased by 92 per cent since May 2022, rising from AED3,475,523 to AED6,682,023 over three years, Allsopp & Allsopp said in an emailed statement. These properties saw a 35 per cent price increase within the last year alone across villa and townhouse communities, according to DLD data. Abu Dhabi real estate: Aldar announces $10.9bn Fahid Island development with plan for 6,000 homes Aldar unveiled the masterplan for Fahid Island in Abu Dhabi, which has an 11km coastline and a gross development value of more than AED40bn ($10.9bn). The development will have 4.6km of pristine beachfront on one side of the island and mangrove forests on the other. Every part of the 2.7 million sq m island is no more than a five-minute walk to the water's edge, creating a vibrant island culture complete with refined coastal residences, curated leisure, and 5-star hospitality. Aldar has also partnered with a leading international institution to introduce an elevated education experience to Fahid Island in line with Abu Dhabi's vision to become a regional hub for excellence in education. Dubai real estate: 73,000 homes to be delivered in 2025 as property sales hit $31bn Dubai will add 73,000 residential units to its housing stock this year, with 300,000 units expected by the end of 2028, according to research from property consultant Cavendish Maxwell. The emirate recorded 42,000 property sales transactions worth AED114.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025, despite a 10 per cent decline compared to the final quarter of 2024. Sales increased 23 per cent compared to the same period last year. 'Dubai's property market is on track for a modest annual increase in terms of sales volumes and values, but there are indications that prices are beginning to stabilise. 2025 began with a brief dip in prices per sq ft, followed by a steady recovery. While prices are still on the up, the pace is showing signs of slowing down. For example, the average quarterly price increase for 2023 and 2024 was 4 per cent, compared to a 2.8 per cent rise in Q1 this year against Q4 2024,' Ronan Arthur, MRICS, Director and Head of Residential Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell said. Dubai real estate sector sets record $18.2bn sales in single month with $82m Palm Jumeirah villa leading spree The Dubai real estate market set a new all-time monthly sales record of AED66.8bn ($18.2bn) in May, a 49.9 per cent increase in value on the same month last year, according to a market update issued by fäm Properties. The data reveals that last month's total of 18,693 transactions also made it the second best-selling month on record in terms of volume. Fäm Properties CEO Firas Al Msaddi said the data from DXBinteract underlines the strength and stability of a market which is evolving, without any broad threat of oversupply in the residential sector, but now facing an undersupply of office space. Ajman announces $272m port investment Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Port and Customs Ajman (DPC), and Hutchison Ports, a global port investor, developer and operator, for the expansion and development of Ajman Port's infrastructure with a joint investment worth AED1bn ($272m). Under the MoU, a development plan will be drawn up for Ajman Port in accordance with the best global practices. Dubai student boom as 29% surge in international enrolment signals new global education hotspot With new universities, a major rise in foreign students, and world-class infrastructure, Dubai is rewriting the rules on global higher education. Dubai is making bold moves on the world stage — not just in finance or real estate, but now as a rising education superpower. Latest data from Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) reveals a 29 per cent spike in international student enrolment, with more than 42,000 students now studying across 41 licensed institutions. Four new international campuses opened this year alone. Dubai real estate market stabilising; investors confident in long-term growth The Dubai real estate market is entering a healthy 'stabilisation phase' and investors are confident in long-term projects, according to brokerage and developer Asico. Following a period of remarkable growth where residential property prices surged by approximately 60 per cent between 2022 and early 2025, driven by strong international investor interest, the market is now entering a phase of stabilisation in 2025, said Asico.

UAE SMEs optimistic as 3 in 5 report revenue growth despite cost increases: Survey
UAE SMEs optimistic as 3 in 5 report revenue growth despite cost increases: Survey

Arabian Business

time4 hours ago

  • Arabian Business

UAE SMEs optimistic as 3 in 5 report revenue growth despite cost increases: Survey

UAE SMEs continue to build on the momentum of the resilience demonstrated in recent years, according to RAKBANK's SME Confidence Index. Based on insights from more than 1,200 UAE-based SMEs, the Confidence Index measures business sentiment for small and medium enterprises. Measured against a base score of 50 the latest survey reveals a tally of 57, suggesting a stable and optimistic sentiment against a dynamic economic environment. UAE business optimism Despite a marginal drop in the overall Index score by four points from 61 in 2023 to 57 in 2024, the findings show that optimism remains steady, with over two-thirds (68 per cent) of SMEs viewing the future business environment as favourable, and more than 60 per cent reporting revenue growth over the past two years. While challenges persist, including rising operational costs, corporate tax implementation, and high borrowing costs, the overall trajectory signals adaptability and optimism among SMEs in navigating the evolving business landscape. Raheel Ahmed, Group CEO of RAKBANK, said: 'This has been a milestone month for RAKBANK's Business Banking Group, reinforcing our commitment to the UAE's dynamic SME sector. 'In a further boost to the SME ecosystem, RAKBANK and Emirates Development Bank announced a strategic AED1bn ($272m) co-financing partnership during the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. 'Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of every thriving economy, and in the UAE, they play a central role in driving diversification and sustainable development.' The report showcases several trends shaping the SME sector in 2025. Consumer and Retail Services remain the highest-performing sector, driven by a continued rise in consumer spending and successful adoption of new business channels. The report also highlights how SMEs across industries are prioritising product innovation and market expansion as key strategies for growth in a competitive landscape. While Consumer andRetail Services SMEs achieved a sector confidence score of 60, Construction and Manufacturing (57), Transport (57), and Trading (58) remained steady in confidence, while Public Services and Professional Services saw more notable declines to 56, largely due to increased costs and lower confidence in debt servicing. Key takeaways from the survey include: Overall confidence remains above baseline: While the Index score decreased slightly to 57 from 61 in 2024, it still signals positive sentiment across the board Revenue growth continues: More than 3 in 5 SMEs reported an increase in annual revenue over the last two financial years Optimism for smaller firms: SMEs with revenue up to AED30m ($8.2m) posted the highest confidence score at 58, while larger SMEs (AED30m-100m/$8.2m-27.2m) dipped to 55 Rising costs present challenges: Over two-thirds of SMEs experienced higher operational costs, while only 39 per cent expressed confidence in meeting debt obligations, down from last year Digital adoption is on the rise: 22 per cent of SMEs now sell their products or services online, and 45 per cent use digital banking channels monthly Sustainability is gaining attention: 55 per cent of SMEs are either on or planning to begin a sustainability journey, with 1 in 3 citing it as a short-term business objective While UAE SMEs remain optimistic, they are also navigating barriers such as increased costs of doing business, rising demand for credit, competitive pressures, and adapting to the corporate tax regime introduced in 2024. To address these issues, many SMEs are investing ambitiously in technology, operational efficiencies, and sustainability strategies aimed at long-term growth.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store