Kaboos, the first Arabic STARZPLAY original co-produced by Image Nation Abu Dhabi, has launched with resounding success just days after its premiere on the streaming platform
Dubai, UAE; February 16, 2023: Kaboos, the STARZPLAY original horror series produced in partnership with Image Nation Abu Dhabi, has broken viewership records for the streaming platform within 48 hours of the first two episodes premiering. Since its release, Kaboos has uplifted acquisitions to STARZPLAY, with many new users watching Kaboos immediately upon subscription, lifting engagement within the platform by 20 per cent.
Maaz Sheikh, CEO, STARZPLAY, said: “The phenomenal success of Kaboos within such a short time frame has been beyond what we ever could have hoped for. It shows that STARZPLAY’s commitment to delivering original, Arabic-first content has been the correct path to take and we are absolutely delighted that our subscribers are enjoying every horrifying moment. We hope that the success of Kaboos can create a path forward for more Arabic original content that audiences across the region can connect with.”
Since the release of Kaboos, STARZPLAY has witnessed an unprecedented cross-border interest in the Arabic original, demonstrating that the retelling of Arabic myth and urban legend has struck a deep chord with their audience.
Nearly 90 per cent of users who consumed the first Saudi-centric episode, Al Ghoul, a chilling tale focused on a remote Bedouin tribe in Saudi Arabia in the 1930s terrorized by a shape-shifting diabolical demon, have gone on to watch the second Egyptian episode, Werewolf (Al Salawa), set in 1920s Egypt and starring Khalid Anwar, Passant Shawky and Rakeen Saad.
Ben Ross, Chief Content Officer, Image Nation, said: “The incredible response that Kaboos has received shows that we are able to deliver unique, authentic storytelling in partnership with some of the finest talent from across the region. It’s always been a priority for Image Nation Abu Dhabi to create a show like Kaboos and the viewership figures drive home the opportunity in the market to deliver even more original Arabic content.”
Kaboos hit similar user engagement metrics on par with established major sporting events such as Serie A and UFC 284: Makhachev vs Volkanovski opening in the same weekend in February.
Kaboos is streaming exclusively on STARZPLAY and is inspired by the rich Arab mythology and storytelling traditions that have passed on tales of horror and dread for generations. The series takes viewers on a journey through frightening urban legends from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and the UAE, with five standalone episodes depicting a spine-chilling modern retelling of stories inspired by regional mythology.
With thousands of hours of premium content including blockbuster movies, exclusive TV shows, kids’ content, Arabic series, as well as varied content via add-on channels, STARZPLAY is one of the main players in the MENA region. The service is available in 19 countries across the Middle East and North Africa for fans to enjoy quality content anytime, anywhere, and from any device.
About STARZPLAY:
Ranked consistently among the region’s top three subscription video on demand services, STARZPLAY Arabia (www.starzplay.com) streams an extensive bouquet of premium content covering Hollywood movies, TV shows, documentaries, the same-time-as-the-US series – plus live sports, dedicated kids’ entertainment and Arabic content – to 19 countries across the Middle East and North Africa.
STARZPLAY has thousands of premium titles including exclusive STARZPLAY Arabia original content such as Baghdad Central, Say Yes to the Dress Arabia, STARZ Original content such as Power, Outlander, Spartacus and The White Queen as well as discovery+ content. STARZPLAY Sports, STARZPLAY’s dedicated sports package, brings subscribers live & exclusive coverage of Italy’s premier football league, Serie A and major international and regional sports leagues and events across football, wrestling, cricket, UFC, boxing, basketball, cycling and more.
STARZPLAY Arabia has secured tie ups with a host of leading, global studios including MGM, 20th Century Studios, Warner Bros, Universal, Discovery and Fox International Channels. Until 2022, STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) was the lead investor along with media and technology investment firms including SEQ Investors and Delta Partners. In early 2021, STARZPLAY Arabia secured its first independent financing in the region of US$25 million (approx. AED 92 million) from Abu Dhabi based Ruya Partners. In March 2022, E-Vision, from e& and ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, acquired a majority equity stake of circa 57% in the company.
Reaching over to 2.1 million subscribers, STARZPLAY Arabia allows subscribers to watch its full HD and 4K content via most internet-enabled devices, smart TVs and game consoles, and is widely available on regional IPTV services. Its iOS and Android apps – installed on more than three million devices – also allow downloads for offline playback. Social Tags: @starzplayarabia Instagram, @starzplay Facebook, @STARZPlayArabia Twitter
About Image Nation Abu Dhabi:
Image Nation Abu Dhabi is an award-winning film and entertainment company which has built its reputation on breaking boundaries and unleashing imagination. It creates films, TV series, documentaries, and entertainment for consumers throughout the world and is the first UAE company to have multiple productions stream globally on Netflix. Its success spans the globe, screening content at over 400 international film festivals and receiving the industry’s highest honors, including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA, and an Emmy.
Image Nation has a strong track record of producing high-quality productions through a combination of local talent and international expertise. The company encourages original thought and curiosity while providing a platform for inspiration and practical training through its robust development program, Arab Film Studio.
Its mission is to help build the film and entertainment industry across the GCC and MENA regions, a pioneering ambition in line with Abu Dhabi’s vision to shape a competitive, sustainable, and globally open economy. Image Nation enables all those who engage with it to become guardians of culture and ambassadors of change.