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Broadcast Pro
23-04-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
StarzPlay reports record growth in 2024, driven by ADIO partnership
Committed to boosting local content production, StarzPlay has delivered major projects, including Abu Dhabi-based 'Unstoppable: The Italian Dream', reinforcing the emirate's role in global content creation. StarzPlay, the MENA region's subscription video-on-demand platform, has announced record-breaking financial and operational performance for 2024, propelled by its strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The platform's revenue has exceeded AED 370m ($100.73m), marking a more than 2.5-fold increase since the collaboration began in 2022. The partnership has played a pivotal role in expanding StarzPlay's regional presence and technological capabilities. Operating from its headquarters at Yas Creative Hub in Abu Dhabi, the company has grown to a team of more than 40 employees, focusing on innovations in AI-powered content curation and user engagement. This growth aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader efforts to position itself as a digital media leader, backed by investments in media infrastructure and cloud technology. Speaking about the success, 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 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.' 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.' StarzPlay has also made significant strides in live sports streaming, securing exclusive rights to broadcast ICC tournaments, including upcoming Cricket World Cups and UFC events. The company has leveraged Abu Dhabi's robust infrastructure, such as AWS's regional data centre, to ensure high-quality, uninterrupted streaming experiences for its users. In addition to sports, StarzPlay has expanded its slate of original productions. Recent titles like Unstoppable: The Italian Dream, produced in partnership with the Italian Serie A and ImageNation, were filmed in Abu Dhabi and highlight the emirate's growing influence in global sports storytelling. StarzPlay is also capitalising on AI innovation through its newly launched StarzPlay Fantasy Sports platform. Developed in Abu Dhabi with ADIO's support, the tool offers real-time engagement with live matches and personalised content recommendations powered by machine learning. This momentum has significantly contributed to Abu Dhabi's creative economy, generating new jobs in media, production and tech, while aligning with the goals of the Abu Dhabi Film and TV Commission. Local productions such as Kaboos and Million Dollar Listing UAE have reinforced the capital's reputation as a hub for content creation. Looking ahead, StarzPlay plans to further scale its content production, invest in live sports, and enhance its digital offerings through continued AI integration—all in alignment with Abu Dhabi's ambition to become a global leader in media and technology.
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
STARZPLAY reports record growth with Abu Dhabi Investment Office support
The company has secured exclusive sports streaming rights to ICC until 2027 (including the upcoming Cricket World Cups in 2026 and 2027) and UFC Fights until end of 2026. Committed to boosting local content production, STARZPLAY has delivered major projects, including Abu Dhabi-based 'Unstoppable: The Italian Dream', reinforcing the emirate's role in global content creation. Abu Dhabi, UAE – STARZPLAY, the leading subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service in the MENA region, reports 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 has witnessed exponential growth, strengthening its regional footprint. Its headquarters at Abu Dhabi's Yas Creative Hub, now with over 40 employees, serves 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 is cementing its role as a regional powerhouse for digital entertainment, driven by the rise of major players like STARZPLAY. 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 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.' 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.' Original content and exclusive sports STARZPLAY continues to gain traction in live sports streaming as demand for premium content in the region increases. The company has secured exclusive streaming rights for all ICC major events including the recent Champions Trophy hosted in Pakistan and UAE and the upcoming Cricket World Cups in 2026 and 2027, all UFC global and regional fights until end of 2026, and other major sporting events. With Abu Dhabi's state-of-the-art infrastructure, including an Amazon Web Service data centre, the platform delivers high-quality, uninterrupted streaming to millions of users across MENA. In addition, the company has expanded its original content portfolio with projects like Unstoppable: The Italian Dream, filmed in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Italian Serie A and ImageNation, drawing global audiences and showcasing the emirate's role in nurturing young sports talent. AI-powered innovation enhances user experience 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. Its personalisation engine utilises advanced machine learning to provide users with tailored recommendations, improving retention and engagement rates. Abu Dhabi's accelerating creative economy STARZPLAY's 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. STARZPLAY remains committed to delivering innovative content, advancing technology and driving social and economic growth. With ADIO's support, STARZPLAY will boost content production and invest in live sports and AI-driven experiences to enhance its digital offering. About the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO): The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi's growth and enabling the emirate's economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on regional tourism and retail development, as well as public-private partnerships, ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabi's economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact. For more information, visit: For more information, please contact: ADIO@ About STARZPLAY STARZPLAY ( is the leading subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service across the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan, delivering a premium mix of Hollywood blockbusters, exclusive original productions, Arabic series, popular Turkish dramas, live sports, and family-friendly programming. With strategic partnerships including major global studios such as Warner Bros., Disney, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate, AMC, BBC, Falcon Films, and Image Nation Studios—its primary production partner for STARZPLAY Originals—the platform offers an extensive library tailored specifically to regional tastes. STARZPLAY also provides top-tier Turkish content through collaborations with MADD TV, TRT, and ATV, and showcases elite live sports coverage including Italian Serie A, Dutch Eredivisie, UFC, cricket, rugby, boxing, golf, and basketball. With over 2.5 million subscribers and more than 18 million app downloads, STARZPLAY is continually reshaping the digital entertainment landscape. The platform delivers high-quality streaming in HD and 4K on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and IPTV services, complemented by user-friendly iOS and Android apps supporting offline viewing. Leveraging advanced AI-driven recommendations and interactive offerings—including Fantasy Sports gaming, STARZ ON (ad-supported free streaming), and STARZPLAY Store (premium content rentals and purchases)—STARZPLAY ensures a personalized entertainment experience for every viewer. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi with additional offices in the UAE and Pakistan, STARZPLAY is backed by renowned international and regional investors led by evision (part of e& Group), along with ADQ, Lionsgate, GE, and SEQ — further solidifying its market leadership across the MENA region and beyond. Instagram: @starzplayarabia | X: @STARZPlayArabia | LinkedIn: STARZPLAY For media enquiries: Khloud Waleed / Memac Ogilvy:
