JioHotstar launches on STARZPLAY across MENA

JioHotstar has launched in the Middle East and North Africa through STARZPLAY, giving subscribers access to Indian entertainment, reality shows, films and live TV in more than 12 languages. The move expands JioHotstar’s international footprint after recent rollouts in the UK, Canada and Singapore, while STARZPLAY adds a major South Asian entertainment draw to its streaming plans.

Why it matters: - JioHotstar is extending its international push into MENA, a region with one of the world’s largest South Asian diaspora audiences. - The launch gives STARZPLAY subscribers a broader mix of Indian entertainment, reality franchises, films and live TV in a single app experience. - The rollout strengthens STARZPLAY’s position as a regional hub for cricket-linked audiences and family viewing.

What happened: - JioHotstar launched in the Middle East and North Africa through a partnership with STARZPLAY. - The new destination is available inside the STARZPLAY app and website. - The service went live starting Oct. 7, with the launch announcement dated Oct. 9, 2026. - The rollout follows recent JioHotstar launches in the UK, Canada and Singapore.

The details: - The MENA lineup includes Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla and other language content. - Malayalam originals include Prince of Mollywood, Cousins & Kalyanam, Kerala Crime Files, 1000 Babies and Roslin. - The film slate includes Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, Drishyam, Moonwalk and Thudarum. - Hotstar specials in the lineup include Part Timers, Kappi Squad, The Court, Pritam & Pedro and Ali Baba Aur Chaalis Bhoot. - New JioHotstar Originals will premiere alongside their release in India. - Koffee with Karan returns with a new season featuring Bollywood stars, candid conversations and the show’s rapid-fire segment. - Bigg Boss remains available across Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Bangla. - India Ka Top 1 Percent, hosted by Anil Kapoor, is part of the reality slate. - Khatron Ke Khiladi and Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment are also included. - JioStar TV channel content will stream at the same time as its India broadcast. - That TV lineup includes Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Anupama, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Sayonee. - The library includes subtitles and dubs across 12+ languages. - JioHotstar is available on STARZPLAY’s PLUS plan for AED 34.99 per month. - STARZPLAY’s MAX plan costs AED 49.99 per month and combines the full JioHotstar entertainment offering with STARZPLAY sports content. - STARZPLAY said cricket has built a strong relationship with South Asian audiences across the region.

Between the lines: - The partnership pairs JioHotstar’s large Indian content catalog with STARZPLAY’s regional distribution and existing sports audience. - The launch reflects a broader streaming strategy aimed at households that want one subscription for entertainment and live sports. - Dubai is being positioned as a focal point for JioHotstar’s international ambitions. - A Burj Khalifa projection marked the launch and highlighted both brands on one of the city’s biggest landmarks.

What's next: - JioHotstar’s MENA rollout adds another international market to a wider global expansion strategy. - STARZPLAY will use the new offering to deepen engagement with South Asian viewers beyond cricket broadcasts. - JioHotstar and STARZPLAY are signaling more focus on bundled, multilingual entertainment for regional households.

The bottom line: - JioHotstar’s MENA debut gives STARZPLAY a major new entertainment pillar and gives Indian-language streaming another route into one of its most receptive overseas markets.