Discovery Inc., a global provider of real-life entertainment, has partnered with StarzPlay, a subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service, to launch discovery+, a definitive nonfiction, real-life subscription streaming service, across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. StarzPlay subscribers can now watch discovery+ content within a dedicated branded area across all its existing platforms.
The partnership was announced at a virtual launch broadcast from Dubai.
Recently announced as part of a global rollout, the service to be launched in MENA, features a wide range of exclusive content, including original series and high-quality documentaries, in a variety of genres, such as: Lifestyle and relationships, home and food, true crime, paranormal, adventure and natural history, science and technology, and environment.
Kasia Kieli, president and managing director EMEA at Discovery Inc., said: “The launch of discovery+ across MENA represents a major step toward adding 18 additional countries and territories to the global expansion of the platform, giving customers options to access the content that they love and have come to expect from Discovery.”
Maaz Sheikh, CEO and co-founder, StarzPlay, said: “The unprecedented growth of online streaming has driven the need for compelling content that provides real value for subscribers. As the region’s pioneering and homegrown SVOD platform, we have been building strategic partnerships to offer more online content and varied choices to our subscribers. We are confident that the discovery+ add on will be welcomed by the MENA audience and we look forward to growing this partnership further.”
In the MENA region, discovery+ subscribers will enjoy new content added to the platform each month, featuring global franchises such as Shark Week, MythBusters, Gold Rush, Expedition Unknown, House Hunters International, 90 Day Fiancé, NASA’s Unexplained Files and Say Yes to the Dress.
Francesco Perta, senior business development and distribution director, Middle East, Africa, Turkey and North East Europe at Discovery Inc., said: “Our vast content library gives us a running start to serve fans directly in markets across EMEA, and the world, in ways that are relevant, compelling and tailored to each market.”
Our partnership with StarzPlay is another example of how we are scaling our DTC businesses by leveraging our combination of competitive advantages — content ownership, brand strength and the biggest global footprint in media.”
