Zain iflix SVOD JV launches in five MENA markets

Kuwait-based Middle East service provider Zain has launched OTT TV service iflix Arabia across five of its eight key markets in the region.

The subscription video-on-demand service, a joint venture between Zain and Asian SVOD player iflix, is initially available in Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan and Sudan.

Zain said that the service would be launched in another two markets in the region – Lebanon and Saudi Arabia – soon.

From today, Zain customers will receive complimentary unlimited access to iflix, with the complimentary period to vary depending on the market.

New users can sign up for the service via the iflix website or the Google Play or Apple App stores.

The service currently offers content form over 170 studio and distributor partners, including Hollywood, regional Arabic, Turkish, Bollywood and other content popular in the region. Shows will be available with Arabic and English subtitles.

Zain said that iflix would offer exclusive Arabic series in the near future.

Iflix launched in the Asian market in 2015 and is currently available in 10 markets with over five million members. Zain has a potential base of 46 million customers to whom it can market the Arabian JV service.

The service is available on up to five devices, and users can download shows for offline viewing.

“We are extremely excited to bring our service to the Middle East and North Africa region. We believe that we have found the ideal partner, with Zain to help communicate and deliver our value proposition to customers throughout the region, and meet the growing demand throughout MENA for a world-class service like iflix,” said iflix co-founder and group CEO Mark Britt.

“We look forward to making iflix’s extraordinary content and service available to Zain’s 46 million customers. This is a monumental beginning for what we believe will be a very important and successful partnership with Zain.”