Alright, streaming fans, gather ’round, because there’s a new power duo in town, and no, it’s not a reboot of your favorite 90s sitcom (although we’d definitely stream that too). Warner Bros. Discovery (yes, the WBD with Max, Discovery+, and a vault of classics that could fuel your binge-watching habits for decades) has taken a strategic minority stake in OSN Streaming Ltd. And let us just say—it’s kind of a big deal.
Think of this move like the ultimate crossover episode: WBD brings the blockbuster flair, the global streaming swagger, and a portfolio that includes dragons, detectives, and DIY home projects; OSN brings the regional charm, MENA market savvy, and exclusive HBO access (because yes, that’s where your favorite prestige dramas have been hiding). Now, imagine what happens when they join forces. Spoiler: your watchlist is about to get seriously longer.
Love at First Stream
Jamie Cooke from WBD said it best—it’s not just about sharing content, it’s about sharing stories that actually mean something to people. Sure, we love globe-trotting superheroes and haunted mansions as much as the next person, but there’s something special about seeing stories that reflect your culture, language, and humor. That’s exactly what this partnership is aiming to do: bring more local, high-quality productions into the spotlight while still dishing out those international chart-toppers.
And let’s be real, OSN’s been on a glow-up journey. From sealing a dreamy exclusive deal with HBO in 2022 (hello, Succession and House of the Dragon addicts) to nabbing majority control of Anghami Inc. earlier this year (yes, the music streaming one), they’ve been on fire. Now with WBD hopping on board, it’s like adding espresso to your Arabic coffee—things just got even more intense.
What This Means for You (Yes, You)
More variety. More local stories. More streaming battles over the remote. This partnership means you’re getting the best of both worlds: Hollywood hits and heartfelt regional tales, all on one shiny platform. Whether you’re in the mood for crime thrillers, romantic dramas, historical epics, or a good old cooking show—your options just expanded like a Marvel multiverse.
Joe Kawkabani, OSN’s CEO (aka the guy steering this rocket ship), is all in on turning OSN into a global content force. And with WBD by their side, the content is not just going to be “made for MENA”—it’s going to be made by MENA, and possibly streamed everywhere from Abu Dhabi to Alaska.
The Bigger Picture: Streaming Isn’t Slowing Down
Let’s not forget, WBD isn’t just here for a good time—they’re here for a long time. With a regional office in Dubai since 2012 and nearly 117 million subscribers across their platforms globally, this move cements their commitment to expanding in one of the most exciting entertainment markets on the planet. Basically, they’re doubling down on what we already knew: MENA is where the action’s at.
So, pop the popcorn, recharge the remote, and maybe cancel your weekend plans. Because OSN and WBD are cooking up something big—and we’re all invited to the streaming feast.
