iflix partners with mobile service Zain to expand MENA consumer reach

iflix, and Zain, a mobile and data services operator in the Middle East and Africa, have established a joint venture, iflix Arabia, to bring iflix’s service to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).iflix Arabia, will be headquartered in Dubai and trade commercially as “iflix”, adding Zain’s territories of operation to iflix’s global footprint. The regions include Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, with the potential to further extend into additional regional markets.The commercial launch of iflix’s Internet TV service across the MENA region is planned for the second quarter of 2017, at which time iflix Arabia will offer consumers across the region and Zain mobile customers its wide range of  TV shows, movies and more with Arabic subtitles.In addition to its current offerings, the service will additionally offer Arabic shows and movies with iflix Arabia planning to introduce exclusive Arabic content series.With Zain’s 47 million customers, the joint venture will benefit from and leverage the mobile operator’s  market leadership. iflix Arabia aims to capitalise on the MENA’s large youth population, rapidly growing internet and smartphone penetration, and huge appetite for digital content and entertainment.“The establishment of the joint venture ‘iflix Arabia’ instantly creates enormous value for both Zain and iflix stakeholders, given the synergies created and the new revenue streams that will be generated by the expected takeup of this appealing internet TV service from the general public and Zain customers,” Bader Al Kharafi, Zain group vice chairman said.“This collaboration represents an exciting step in iflix’s growth story as we launch in the MENA region with a partner who shares our vision and commitment to deliver an outstanding service and create awesome experiences for our customers,” iflix co-founder and Group CEO, Mark Britt said.