StarzPlay signs deal to livestream UFC across the Mideast

Conor McGregor arrives at Toshiba Plaza in Las Vegas, ahead of his fight with Floyd Mayweather, Aug. 22, 2017. (Reuters
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Updated 14 January 2021
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StarzPlay signs deal to livestream UFC across the Mideast

  • Broadcasting agreement comes ahead of return of UFC Fight Island to Abu Dhabi and eagerly anticipated clash between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier on Jan. 24.
  • StarzPlay subscribers will be able to access all UFC fights live, as well as a library of previous fights, shows, interviews, and special content

DUBAI: Dubai-based StarzPlay has signed a deal with Abu Dhabi Media to livestream UFC content and events across the Middle East.

The broadcasting agreement comes ahead of the return of UFC Fight Island to Abu Dhabi from Jan. 16 and the eagerly anticipated clash between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier on Jan. 24.

StarzPlay subscribers will be able to access all UFC fights live, as well as a library of previous fights, shows, interviews, and special content, such as Dana White’s Contender Series.

Yaqoub Al Saadi, head of Abu Dhabi Sports Channels at Abu Dhabi Media, said the agreement with the streaming service was part of its “commitment to bringing major sports to viewers in the region.”

The first fight streamed live on StarzPlay will be Max Holloway versus Calvin Kattar on Jan. 16, followed by Michael Chiesa versus Neil Magny on Jan. 20.

The big fight — McGregor versus Poirier on Jan. 24 — is unlikely to be the Irishman’s only big showcase in the region this year and there is talk of him going up against Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao, with a venue in the Middle East still a possibility.

“Both fighters want that fight,” McGregor’s agent, Audie Attar, founder and CEO of Paradigm Sports Management, told Arab News.

“McGregor is committed to fighting Manny. There is interest from the fans and we’re having active discussions. We’re keen on making that event happen in 2021.”


Saudi PIF-backed Humain awards AI data center project to MIS 

Updated 24 December 2025
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Saudi PIF-backed Humain awards AI data center project to MIS 

RIYADH: Humain, an artificial intelligence company backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has awarded Al Moammar Information Systems Co. a contract to design and build a data center dedicated to AI technologies. 

In a filing to Tadawul, MIS said the project’s value exceeds 155 percent of its total revenues for 2024. The company reported revenues of SR1.21 billion ($320 million) last year, implying a contract value of nearly SR1.88 billion. 

The development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, which aims to position the Kingdom as a regional technology hub by the end of the decade. 

The contract is expected to be signed on Feb. 15, 2026, and does not involve any related parties, according to the statement. MIS will design and construct a private AI-focused data center for Humain. 

Earlier this month, Saudi Telecom Co. signed an agreement with Humain to launch a joint venture to develop and operate data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence in the Kingdom. 

According to a Tadawul filing, Humain will hold a 51 percent stake in the joint venture, while stc will own the remaining 49 percent. 

The data center will be developed through stc’s subsidiary Digital Data and Communications Centers, also known as center3. 

The facility will feature advanced infrastructure capable of supporting up to 1 gigawatt of power, starting with an initial capacity of 250 megawatts, subject to customer demand. 

Saudi Arabia has been ramping up its AI ambitions. Earlier this month, the Saudi Press Agency, citing the Global AI Index, said the Kingdom ranked fifth globally and first in the Arab region for growth in the AI sector. 

The report said the ranking reflects the Kingdom’s progress in artificial intelligence and the success of its economic diversification strategy under Vision 2030. 

Separately, MIS said on Dec. 24 that it signed a SR114.43 million contract with the Saudi Central Bank to renew IT systems support licenses. The 36-month agreement covers license renewals and ongoing support, with the financial impact expected to be reflected in the company’s fourth-quarter results.