The MENA region’s streaming landscape remains dominated by international content, with data from Fabric showing that 34% of the most widely distributed titles originate from the United States, followed by India (12%), the United Kingdom (8%), Canada (4%), and France (4%). However, the industry is evolving as strategic collaborations between MENA countries and global markets increase.
Key co-producing partners include the U.S., France, the U.K., Germany, and Belgium, with major 2024 international co-productions like Dune: Part Two and Gladiator II showcasing MENA’s growing role as a production and location hub. These productions are prominently featured on platforms such as OSN+ and STARZPLAY, enhancing the region’s global profile.
Locally, Egyptian productions like Baba Geh, The Alexandrian, and Why Live It Solo? highlight a surge in regionally focused content with international appeal, distributed through platforms like Shahid and Netflix. Saudi Arabia is also emerging as a key player, using state-owned companies and local platforms to scale its production capabilities.
Among MENA’s 40+ streaming services, Shahid leads in co-productions. Owned by the Saudi government, Shahid balances local narratives with global distribution, boasting 51% local and co-produced content in its catalog compared to Netflix’s 96% foreign content. This positions Shahid uniquely to serve regional preferences while building international partnerships.
Looking ahead, co-productions will be vital for bridging local stories with global audiences. The convergence of international collaborations and rising regional powerhouses points toward a more balanced content ecosystem. Platforms like Shahid, Netflix, OSN+, and STARZPLAY will continue expanding MENA video content access while raising the region’s visibility worldwide.
