JioHotstar Is Now Available in the UAE Through STARZPLAY: Here’s How Much It Costs
Indian entertainment fans in the UAE now have a new way to stream some of their favourite shows, films and originals.
JioHotstar has officially launched across the Middle East and North Africa through STARZPLAY, bringing a large library of Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla and other South Asian content to viewers across the region.
Rather than launching as a completely separate streaming service in MENA, JioHotstar is available as a dedicated destination within the STARZPLAY app and website.
The service became available from 7 October 2026, with subscriptions starting from AED 34.99 per month.
Here’s what you need to know.
How to Watch JioHotstar in the UAE
If you’re in the UAE, you can access JioHotstar directly through STARZPLAY.
There are two main subscription options depending on whether you want entertainment only or want to combine it with STARZPLAY’s sports offering.
STARZPLAY PLUS – AED 34.99 per month
This plan includes access to the JioHotstar entertainment library, covering multilingual Indian films, original series, reality shows and television programmes.
STARZPLAY MAX – AED 49.99 per month
The MAX subscription combines the full JioHotstar entertainment offering with STARZPLAY’s sports portfolio, making this the more relevant option for households that also follow major sporting events and cricket.
What Can You Watch on JioHotstar in MENA?
One of the biggest advantages of the launch is the range of Indian languages represented on the platform.
The library spans Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla and more, with subtitles and dubbing available across 12+ languages.
Malayalam viewers can expect originals including Prince of Mollywood, Cousins & Kalyanam, Kerala Crime Files, 1000 Babies and Roslin.
Films available through the wider line-up include titles such as Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, Drishyam, Moonwalk and Thudarum.
Other Hotstar specials include Part Timers, Kappi Squad, The Court, Pritam & Pedro and Ali Baba Aur Chaalis Bhoot, with new JioHotstar Originals set to premiere alongside their Indian releases.
The broader catalogue also includes acclaimed titles such as Asur, Special Ops and Criminal Justice, alongside Indian films and programming from across multiple languages.
Koffee With Karan, Bigg Boss and More Reality Shows
Reality television is another major part of the JioHotstar offering.
Koffee with Karan will return with a new season featuring Bollywood celebrities, conversations and its signature rapid-fire round.
Bigg Boss will be available across multiple editions, including Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Bangla.
The reality line-up also includes Khatron Ke Khiladi, Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment and Anil Kapoor’s new game show India Ka Top 1 Percent.
Watch Popular Indian TV Shows at the Same Time as India
For Indian television viewers living in the UAE and wider MENA region, one of the most useful parts of the launch is access to programming from JioStar TV channels at the same time as its broadcast in India.
That includes popular shows such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Anupamaa, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Sayonee.
For South Asian households accustomed to waiting for shows to become available internationally, simultaneous access could be one of the biggest reasons to subscribe.
What About Cricket and Sports?
Sports access depends on which STARZPLAY subscription you choose.
The AED 34.99 PLUS plan is focused on the JioHotstar entertainment catalogue.
The AED 49.99 MAX plan adds STARZPLAY’s sports portfolio, including the cricket offering that has helped the platform build a significant South Asian audience in the region.
This effectively creates an option for households wanting Indian films, daily television, reality shows and sports within one subscription rather than paying for multiple entertainment platforms.
JioHotstar Expands Beyond India
The MENA launch follows JioHotstar’s recent international expansion into the UK, Canada and Singapore.
The Middle East is an important next step given the region’s sizeable South Asian population, particularly across the Gulf.
The launch was also given a very Dubai-style introduction, with Burj Khalifa illuminated with a JioHotstar and STARZPLAY projection to mark the platform’s arrival in the region.
For viewers, however, the biggest change is much simpler: JioHotstar content now has an official streaming home in the UAE and wider MENA region.
JioHotstar UAE – Quick Details
Available From: 7 October 2026
Where to Watch: Within the STARZPLAY app and website
PLUS Plan: AED 34.99 per month
MAX Plan: AED 49.99 per month, including STARZPLAY’s sports portfolio
Languages: Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla and more
Subtitles & Dubbing: 12+ languages
Content: Films, JioHotstar Originals, reality shows and Indian television programming
Availability: UAE and wider MENA region
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