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.
