Business
18:31, 18-Jul-2017
On-demand TV attracts strong investment in Middle East
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On-demand TV has drawn in millions of dollars in investment in the Middle East. A growing number of people across the Arab world are no longer watching content when it’s given to them. Instead, they’re choosing to view what they want, on demand – either online or on their mobiles. And experts think there’s still plenty more room for growth.
Starz Play, a Dubai based start-up, is tapping into the changing habits of consumers. The company recently closed its second round of funding, raising a total of 125 million US dollars so far.
As CGTN’s Nawied Jabarkhyl reports, the firm has seen rapid growth since launching in 2015, reporting almost 100 million viewing sessions in May, up more than three times year-on-year.
But there's competition. Netflix rolled out its services in the region last year, with Amazon recently entering the e-commerce space too with a record breaking acquisition.
With regional mobile connectivity set to rise in the Middle East over the coming years, the picture looks pretty positive for on-demand TV players.