The best streaming services in the UAE right now
If you live in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere across the Emirates, you have access to a strong lineup of legal streaming platforms. Netflix, Shahid, OSN+, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and STARZPLAY are all officially available in the UAE. The best choice depends on what you watch most — Arabic dramas, Hollywood blockbusters, family-friendly animation, or a mix of everything.
This 2026 guide compares the top platforms, explains how regional licensing affects what you can watch, and covers when a VPN for streaming may be useful for privacy or travel — without misleading claims about what is or is not available locally.
Note: Streaming catalogs, plans, and pricing change frequently. Check each provider's official UAE website for current details.
Streaming services in the UAE at a glance
| Service | Best For | UAE Availability | Arabic Content | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Overall variety | Officially available | Growing catalog & subtitles | Originals & global library |
| Shahid | Arabic content | Officially available | Extensive Arabic originals | MENA shows, sports & live TV |
| OSN+ | Premium Hollywood | Officially available | Select Arabic titles | Blockbusters & HBO series |
| Disney+ | Families | Officially available | Arabic dubbing & interface | Marvel, Pixar & Star Wars |
| Amazon Prime Video | Value & variety | Officially available | Arabic titles available | Diverse catalog & perks |
| STARZPLAY | Regional entertainment | Officially available | Arabic originals & movies | MENA-focused library |
Best streaming services in the UAE compared
Netflix
Netflix is one of the most widely used streaming platforms in the UAE. It offers a large mix of international films, TV series, documentaries, and Netflix Originals. Learn more in our Netflix in the UAE guide.
Best for: Viewers who want a broad global library and regular new releases.
Arabic content: Netflix has been expanding its Arabic originals and offers Arabic subtitles and dubbing on many titles.
UAE availability: Officially available. You can subscribe directly through the UAE version of the service.
Limitations: The UAE catalog differs from libraries in the US, UK, or India due to licensing. Some titles available elsewhere may not appear in your UAE account.
Shahid
Shahid is MBC Group's streaming platform and one of the leading choices for Arabic-language entertainment in the UAE and wider MENA region.: Shahid is MBC Group's streaming platform and one of the leading choices for Arabic-language entertainment in the UAE and wider MENA region.
Best for: Arabic dramas, reality shows, Gulf series, live TV channels, and regional sports.
Arabic content: This is Shahid's core strength — extensive Arabic originals, classic series, and MENA-focused programming.
UAE availability: Officially available with dedicated subscription plans for the region.
Limitations: International Hollywood content is more limited compared to global platforms like Netflix or OSN+.
OSN+
OSN+ (formerly OSN Streaming) is a premium platform focused on Hollywood movies, HBO series, and blockbuster entertainment.: OSN+ (formerly OSN Streaming) is a premium platform focused on Hollywood movies, HBO series, and blockbuster entertainment.
Best for: Latest Hollywood releases, prestige TV, and premium movie nights.
Arabic content: Some Arabic titles are available, but the platform is primarily oriented toward international content.
UAE availability: Officially available in the UAE as part of OSN's regional service.
Limitations: Premium pricing compared to some competitors. Catalog rotates based on licensing agreements.
Disney+
Disney+ brings together content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic — making it a top pick for families. Learn more in our Disney+ in the UAE guide.
Best for: Family viewing, superhero franchises, animation, and Disney classics.
Arabic content: Arabic interface, dubbing, and subtitles are available on many titles.
UAE availability: Officially available in the UAE.
Limitations: Like other platforms, the exact catalog can differ from Disney+ libraries in other countries.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is included with Amazon Prime membership in supported regions and offers a diverse catalog of movies, series, and originals.: Amazon Prime Video is included with Amazon Prime membership in supported regions and offers a diverse catalog of movies, series, and originals.
Best for: Viewers who want variety and value, especially if they already use Amazon services.
Arabic content: Arabic titles and subtitles are available on select content.
UAE availability: Officially available in the UAE.
Limitations: The Prime Video catalog in the UAE may differ from other regions. Some Amazon perks vary by country.
STARZPLAY
STARZPLAY is a MENA-focused streaming service offering a mix of Hollywood movies, Arabic originals, Turkish dramas, and regional content.: STARZPLAY is a MENA-focused streaming service offering a mix of Hollywood movies, Arabic originals, Turkish dramas, and regional content.
Best for: Affordable regional entertainment with both Arabic and international titles.
Arabic content: Strong selection of Arabic movies, series, and STARZPLAY originals produced for the region.
UAE availability: Officially available in the UAE.
Limitations: Smaller overall library than Netflix or Prime Video for global content.
Which streaming service is best for you?
Best overall: Netflix — the widest global variety and strongest all-round catalog for most households.
Best for Arabic content: Shahid — the deepest library of Arabic series, Gulf shows, and regional live TV.
Best for families: Disney+ — unmatched for kid-friendly content, Marvel, and Pixar.
Best for Hollywood movies and series: OSN+ — premium blockbusters and HBO content.
Best for regional entertainment: STARZPLAY — a strong mix of Arabic, Turkish, and international titles at accessible pricing.
Best value: Amazon Prime Video — diverse catalog, especially worthwhile if you already use Amazon Prime.
Are streaming services available in the UAE?
Yes — many major streaming platforms operate legally in the UAE. Services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Shahid, OSN+, and STARZPLAY can be accessed through official apps and websites without needing workarounds.
However, not every global streaming service is available in the UAE. Platforms such as Hulu are primarily US-focused and are not officially offered in the Emirates. Similarly, some Indian platforms like Hotstar and Voot have limited or no official UAE availability due to regional licensing.
Availability can also change over time as providers secure new licensing deals or exit markets. Always verify current status on the official provider website before subscribing.
Why streaming libraries differ between countries
Streaming platforms do not own all the content they show. Instead, they license movies and TV shows separately for each country or region. A series available on Netflix in the United States may be licensed to a different platform in the UAE, or not available at all.
This is why your Netflix UAE library looks different from Netflix in the UK or India. It is a normal part of how the streaming industry works — not a sign that streaming is banned in the UAE.
For viewers interested in Indian OTT platforms, Zee5, or Indian TV channels in the UAE, regional licensing plays a similar role.
Can you use a VPN for streaming in the UAE?
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and can change your apparent location. There are legitimate reasons UAE residents use VPNs, including:
Protecting your privacy on public Wi-Fi in cafes, hotels, and airports.
Securing your connection on shared or untrusted networks.
Accessing your home country's streaming services while traveling abroad, where permitted by the provider.
Connecting to another region when allowed by the streaming service's terms of use.
That said, streaming platforms may detect and restrict VPN usage. Their terms of service and availability policies can change, and no VPN can guarantee access to every service or title. For a balanced overview of VPN use in the region, see our guide to using a VPN in the UAE and our best VPN in UAE comparison.
Looking for a VPN built for the MENA region? MenaVPN offers apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac — designed to help you browse and stream more securely.
How to use MenaVPN for streaming
Download MenaVPN on your device from the official website or app store.
Sign in to your MenaVPN account (or create one if you are new).
Select a server location appropriate for your needs — a nearby server for privacy, or a specific region if you are accessing a service while traveling.
Tap Connect and wait for the connection to establish.
Open your streaming app or browser and start watching. If you experience issues, try a different server or restart the app.
Tips for better streaming performance
Choose a nearby server when location is not important — this usually gives you the fastest speeds.
If buffering occurs, switch to a different server or lower the video quality in the app settings.
Use a stable Wi-Fi or 5G connection for HD and 4K streaming.
Restart the streaming app after changing your network or VPN server location.
Keep MenaVPN and your streaming apps updated to the latest version.
Close background downloads or uploads that may compete for bandwidth.
Related streaming and VPN guides
Final thoughts
The UAE offers a solid selection of legal streaming services for every type of viewer. Whether you prioritize Arabic content on Shahid, premium Hollywood on OSN+, or family entertainment on Disney+, there is a platform that fits. Understanding regional licensing helps set realistic expectations about catalog differences — and a VPN like MenaVPN can add a layer of privacy and flexibility when you need it, without replacing the great local options already available.
