May 14, 2025
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Insights
Currently, international content still dominates the MENA region's streaming catalogs. Fabric’s data shows that 34% of the most distributed titles in the region originate from the United States, followed by India (12%), the United Kingdom (8%), Canada (4%) and France (4%).
Strategic Collaboration: Who’s Co-Producing with MENA?
Analysis of top co-producing markets reveals that the United States, France, United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium are the countries most actively engaging in co-productions with MENA nations.
The most widely distributed co-productions in MENA during 2024 reflect two key patterns. On one hand, major international titles like Dune: Part Two (2024) and Gladiator 2 (2024) showcase large-scale collaborations where MENA countries play a key role in location and production. These projects are available on global platforms such as OSN+ and STARZPLAY.
On the other hand, a wave of Egyptian-led titles is emerging, positioning Egypt, alongside Saudi Arabia, as the leading country in terms of local production output in 2024. Productions such as Baba Geh (2024), The Alexandrian (2024) and Why Live It Solo? (2024), focused on drama, comedy and action, are co-distributed across both Shahid (regional) and Netflix (international) platforms, strengthening cross-market reach.
Shahid Leads the Local Charge in Co-Productions
Among over 40 local streaming services operating in MENA, Shahid, owned by Saudi Government, stands out as the platform with the strongest co-production strategy. When comparing platforms with the highest volume of MENA co-productions, both international and local players are involved. While Shahid leads among local services, Netflix, STARZPLAY and OSN+ all international platforms, have also invested in or licensed MENA co-productions.
A deeper look at the offerings reveals that 96% of Netflix’s catalog consists of foreign content, while Shahid’s catalog contains almost 51% of local productions and co-productions. Only 4% of Netflix’s catalog in Saudi Arabia features Arabic-language titles, highlighting the challenge Netflix faces in catering to local preferences. Shahid’s growth shows the importance of tapping into these local trends.
As MENA’s streaming landscape evolves, co-productions are becoming a strategic tool to boost regional relevance and global visibility. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are emerging as creative hubs, while platforms like Shahid and Netflix expand access to local narratives. The growing presence of both international collaborations and region-led titles signals a more balanced future for content distribution across MENA.
