– Supplementary material that enhances the primary entertainment experience. Examples include:
If you want, I can tell you more about the specific: Most popular Arab shows on platforms like Shahid. Top TikTok/Instagram influencers to follow.
Here is an in-depth exploration of how Arab media platforms, creators, and audiences are shaping the future of popular culture through innovative extra entertainment content.
Dalil is designed for information consumers, media workers, civil society organizations, and public bodies, offering automated monitoring of over 400 MENA-focused media outlets. arab xxx checked extra quality
| Platform | Type | Key Strengths | Notable "Extra" Content | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Regional Leader | Extensive Arabic originals, live TV, sports, and exclusive releases. Leading the market with a focus on local productions tailored to Gulf sensibilities. | "Love Is Blind, Habibi," Arabic adaptations of Turkish dramas, and a new daily short-form news/entertainment feed. | | Netflix | Global Challenger | International content with a rapidly growing slate of Arabic Originals. Consumption of Arabic content grew 40% year-on-year, but the catalog is still only 4% Arabic. | Saudi-produced thrillers, Emirati family dramas, and shows like "Al Rawabi School for Girls" and "Dubai Bling". | | StarzPlay Arabia | Regional Competitor | A mix of English content and strong partnerships for Bollywood films, Turkish dramas, and cricket, appealing to the large South Asian expat audience. | A strategic deal to exclusively host over 5,000 hours of Abu Dhabi Media's Arabic content. | | Dubai+ | Homegrown Platform | A free , family-focused platform launched by Dubai Media. Offers a massive library of 30,000+ hours of local and international content. | More than 20 exclusive series, 6 original productions, and live sports covering 12 championships. | | MBCNOW | Service Aggregator | An "entertainment service aggregator" that seamlessly merges MBC's linear TV channels with the Shahid streaming platform and offers games, all in a single destination. | An innovative platform designed to unify how users access content across traditional broadcasts and digital streaming. |
The gaming scene in the MENA region is exploding, with high investments in tournaments for popular games like PUBG Mobile and Valorant .
Regional giants like Shahid VIP and Watch IT compete directly with global players like Netflix and Starzplay . Local platforms succeed by offering hyper-localized content that resonates with specific cultural nuances. Here is an in-depth exploration of how Arab
Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing heavily in e-sports infrastructure. They host international tournaments and foster local talent, turning competitive gaming into a mainstream spectator sport.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, the network of fact-checkers AFCN, created by ARIJ, checked 1,524 news items using the Arabic fact-checking tool 'Chatbot' accessible to the general public on WhatsApp, far exceeding the initial target of 300 articles per year. The SA7 project has forged a strong reputation as an influential player in impartial fact-checking across the region.
Short-form comedy, web series, and YouTube satire remain incredibly popular, offering a quick escape and critical social commentary. 3. Social Media as Mainstream Entertainment Leading the market with a focus on local
In the textile industry, "Extra Quality" and "Checked" are specific designations used by manufacturers to certify that a product has met high-tier production standards before being exported to markets in the Middle East.
: Animation, variety shows, and factual content are seeing the highest growth rates in demand. Mordor Intelligence Popular Media Formats and Platforms Media Use By Platform - Mideastmedia.org