Netflix to come to UAE?

Netflix is expected to expand its services into the Middle East by the end of 2016.

Although the popular VOD (video-on-demand) service has yet to make an official announcement about its new expansion, a Netflix representative has explained that they are planning a global expansion by the end of next year and this includes the Middle East, according to digitalproductionme.com, in an email to IGN ME.

This news will come as a breath of fresh air for fans of the service’s popular TV shows Orange is the New Black and House of Cards. Currently, a large number of residents use the American VOD service through unofficial means, such as VPN.

Netflix was bound to join the clan sometime soon, as services like OSN’s OSN Play, STARZ Play and Apple TV are already available in the UAE.

“[Netflix coming to the region] is not a threat,” explains Maaz Sheikh, president of STARZ Play Arabia, to Kippreport. “The digital streaming market – and consumer awareness of it – is still evolving in MENA… We launched the service in MENA knowing that Netflix and other US/UK established streaming services already exist in the region through VPN usage and yet none offer a service that is tailored for this region.”

Continue reading at Kipp Report:

Netflix to come to UAE?