What streaming works in Saudi Arabia — 2026 availability list
Updated 2026-04-24
TL;DR
Saudi Arabia's streaming market centers on Shahid VIP (MBC group, Saudi-controlled), covering MENA Arabic content. Netflix MENA (SA edition), Disney+ MENA, and Prime Video all serve SA. SA's most distinctive feature is the VoIP block: since 2017, WhatsApp/FaceTime/Snapchat voice and video calls have been blocked while text/image/file transfer still works — globally unique 'text open, voice closed' regime. Anghami (MENA local music) coexists with Spotify. BBC iPlayer / TVING / Watcha / Hotstar are unavailable. Snapchat is highly active in SA but content moderation is strict.
✓ Available
netflix
Netflix MENA, SA edition
disneyplus
Disney+ MENA, launched 2022
primevideo
Prime Video SA
appletv
Apple TV+ globally available
mbc
Shahid VIP, MBC-owned SA core
spotify
Premium 19.99 SAR/mo
applemusic
Full service
amazonmusic
Full service
youtubepremium
Available in SA
chatgpt
Plus works; SA gov actively promotes AI
claude
Anthropic Pro works
gemini
Google AI Advanced available
tiktok
One of largest MENA TikTok markets
x
Full service, very active SA users
binance
Limited operation, some features work
✗ Not available / Restricted
whatsapp
VoIP calls blocked since 2017; text still works
messenger
VoIP calls blocked
snapchat
Active users; VoIP restricted, strict moderation
hulu
US-only
bbciplayer
UK-only; no BritBox in SA
tving
Korea-only
watcha
Korea-only
hotstar
India-only
Tips
Inside Saudi Arabia, VPN use is not officially endorsed but practically gray — many locals use VPN for WhatsApp/FaceTime calls. From SA, VPNing out (to EU or Singapore) restores WhatsApp video calls. If VPNing into SA for Shahid: registration accepts international cards but some VIP tiers (with exclusive Arabic dramas) need an SA or GCC phone number. SA tightened LGBT content moderation in 2024 — Grindr etc. blocked. For AI tools, the SA government partners actively with OpenAI/Anthropic, so major services are open.