Streaming subscriptions are a popular form of entertainment in the UAE, but costs can escalate quickly. This guide explores practical strategies to save on streaming services, ensuring you enjoy your favorite content without overspending.

Bundle Streaming with Telecom Packages

Many telecom providers in the UAE offer bundled packages that include streaming subscriptions, making it easier to manage entertainment expenses. By combining internet or mobile plans with streaming services, you not only simplify payments but also access exclusive discounts that would otherwise not be available.

Bundled services often provide faster streaming speeds and better overall value, giving you access to premium content without the premium price tag. With new bundles frequently introduced, there is always an opportunity to find better deals. This approach ensures cost-effective entertainment for households and individuals alike.

• Etisalat eLife – Select plans include OSN+ and Starzplay, helping you save on entertainment subscriptions. This bundling reduces overall streaming costs.
  
  
• du Home Packages – Get Netflix or Shahid VIP as part of your plan. Enjoy seamless streaming without extra fees.
  
  
• Virgin Mobile Add-ons – Access streaming platforms at discounted rates through Virgin Mobile. Enjoy savings on your favorite entertainment services.

Pro Tip: Look for promotional bundles during UAE holidays for maximum savings.

Share Family and Multi-User Plans

Streaming platforms often allow multiple users under a single plan, providing an effective way to cut costs. Family and multi-user plans are designed to ensure individualized viewing experiences through separate profiles while maintaining one shared subscription. This is an excellent way for families or friends to split costs without reducing their access.

Sharing accounts within households or even with trusted friends can lead to significant savings, especially when choosing higher-tier plans. Streaming services benefit from user engagement, so multi-screen tiers are often competitively priced.

• Netflix Premium – Supports streaming on up to 4 screens simultaneously for AED 56/month. Ideal for families or shared accounts, ensuring multiple users can watch at the same time.
  
  
• Disney+ – Allows up to 7 profiles under one account, catering to personalized experiences for each family member. Each profile can have tailored recommendations and watchlists.
  
  
• Amazon Prime Video – Enables sharing benefits with household members, extending access to Prime Video content. This allows multiple users to enjoy streaming without needing separate subscriptions.

Pro Tip: Create distinct profiles to personalize each user's recommendations.

Rotate Subscriptions Monthly

Rotating subscriptions is a savvy way to ensure you’re only paying for what you actively use. Not all streaming services need to be running concurrently; instead, switch between platforms based on new releases or seasonal content. This tactic maximizes the value of your subscriptions while avoiding unnecessary charges.

By dedicating one or two months to a single platform and rotating to another when content diminishes, you maintain variety without overspending. This is especially helpful during content droughts on certain platforms.

• Netflix – Subscribe when new shows are released to binge-watch popular content, then pause to save money during content lulls.
  
  
• Shahid VIP – Activate during Ramadan for exclusive specials and unique content, then cancel afterward to avoid unnecessary costs.
  
  
• OSN+ – Rotate to OSN+ for high-profile movies and new season releases, pausing when there’s no fresh content to optimize spending.

Pro Tip: Cancel auto-renew to avoid unexpected charges.

Utilize Free Trials and Promotions

Free trials provide a chance to experience streaming services without immediate financial commitment. Many UAE banks, telecom providers, and online platforms collaborate to offer trial periods to new or returning users. This allows viewers to test different platforms and assess if they are worth the investment.

Promotional offers often extend beyond the trial period, with some streaming services providing additional discounts for loyal users. Keep an eye out for limited-time offers.

• Starzplay – Enjoy a 30-day free trial when subscribing through du or Etisalat packages. This allows access to movies, series, and exclusive content at no cost for the first month.
  
  
• Apple TV+ – Get 3 months free of Apple TV+ with the purchase of any Apple device. Stream popular shows and movies without paying for the first three months.
  
  
• Shahid VIP – First-time subscribers can claim a 7-day free trial on Shahid VIP. Experience exclusive Arabic and international content before committing to a subscription.

Pro Tip: Set calendar reminders to cancel trials before billing starts.

Opt for Student and Loyalty Discounts

Streaming services frequently offer student discounts and loyalty incentives to long-term users. These discounts reduce the cost of entertainment, making premium content accessible at a fraction of the regular price. Students and younger audiences can benefit significantly from these promotions.

Educational institutions often collaborate with streaming services to provide discounted access. Similarly, loyalty programs with UAE-based telecoms and banks reward long-term engagement with promotional codes and reduced subscription rates.

• Spotify Premium for Students – Enjoy ad-free music for AED 18.99 per month with Spotify's student plan. Stream unlimited songs and download them for offline listening.
  
  
• YouTube Premium Student Plan – Get ad-free videos, background play, and downloads for AED 25 per month. Enjoy uninterrupted content and exclusive YouTube Originals.
  
  
• Amazon Prime Student – Access Prime benefits at discounted yearly rates. Enjoy free shipping, Prime Video, and exclusive deals tailored for students.

Pro Tip: Leverage local loyalty programs like Air Miles for added discounts.

Choose Annual Over Monthly Plans

Annual plans offer significant savings compared to monthly payments. By opting for a yearly subscription, users can save up to 25% on their streaming services. This is an excellent strategy for platforms you use consistently, ensuring long-term savings.

Streaming services often introduce discounted yearly plans during the holiday season or on special UAE occasions, providing an additional incentive to commit long-term.

• Shahid VIP Annual Plan – Enjoy a 16% discount compared to monthly subscriptions. Save more while accessing premium entertainment all year round.
  
  
• Starzplay Annual Subscription – Cut costs by up to 25% with the yearly plan. Get more content for less with long-term savings.
  
  
• OSN+ Yearly Plan – Benefit from bundled content and major savings. Enjoy a comprehensive entertainment package at a reduced annual price.

Pro Tip: Review annual plans during end-of-year sales for greater discounts.

Use Ad-Supported Streaming Plans

Ad-supported plans are an affordable way to enjoy content without paying for premium tiers. These plans deliver the same content but introduce ads periodically, making them ideal for viewers who don’t mind interruptions in exchange for lower fees.

As streaming services in the UAE expand, ad-supported tiers are becoming more widely available. This option provides a middle ground between paid and free content.

• HBO Max – Offers a 20% cheaper ad-supported subscription plan, allowing viewers to save while watching with ads. This option provides access to most of the same content as the regular plan.
  
  
• Netflix UAE – Plans to introduce ad-supported subscriptions, offering a lower-cost alternative to standard plans. This tier will include advertisements during content streaming.
  
  
• YouTube – Provides a free tier that includes ads by default, making content accessible without a subscription. Users can upgrade to YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.

Pro Tip: Use ad blockers for platforms that support browser streaming.

Explore Local UAE Streaming Platforms

Local platforms provide excellent regional content at affordable rates. Shahid VIP, Weyyak, and Anghami focus on Arabic shows, making them a great alternative to international platforms. These platforms frequently offer exclusive series and specials that aren’t available elsewhere.

They cater to Arabic-speaking audiences, providing content more aligned with local preferences, often at lower prices.

Weyyak:

• Provides exclusive Arabic dramas and series.
  
  
• Offers a diverse selection of regional entertainment content.

Shahid VIP:

• Features top regional blockbusters and original shows.
  
  
• Dominates the streaming market with exclusive Arabic content.

Anghami Plus:

• Combines music streaming with a rich entertainment experience.
  
  
• Offers exclusive tracks, podcasts, and regional content.

Pro Tip: Local platforms regularly host exclusive Arabic content at lower rates.

Watch for Limited-Time Offers

Seasonal promotions during UAE holidays and shopping festivals provide significant savings on streaming services. Platforms often collaborate with retailers or telecom providers to introduce short-term deals.

These promotions frequently occur during Ramadan, Eid, or the Dubai Shopping Festival, allowing subscribers to access premium content at lower rates.

• Netflix UAE – Netflix lowers subscription fees during holiday seasons, offering discounts for limited periods. This often includes promotions around major holidays to attract more viewers.
  
  
• Starzplay – Starzplay frequently launches discount campaigns, providing reduced rates on subscriptions. These deals help users save while accessing a wide range of entertainment content.
  
  
• OSN+ – OSN+ introduces special pricing during Eid and UAE National Day, cutting subscription costs. These promotions celebrate national events and holidays with attractive offers for viewers.

Pro Tip: Subscribe to SavePlus UAE for exclusive codes and offers.

Conclusion

By bundling services, rotating subscriptions, and leveraging free trials, you can enjoy top-tier streaming without overspending. UAE residents have a wealth of opportunities to save while still accessing premium content.

Discover the magic of savings at SavePlus with exclusive deals, handy coupons, and professional tips. Happy shopping!

FAQ

How can I share my streaming account without security risks?
Use platforms with profile-specific logins and set account limits for added security.

Which streaming platform offers the best value in the UAE?
Shahid VIP and OSN+ offer the best value for Arabic and international content.

How do I cancel subscriptions I no longer use?
Visit the account settings of the platform and choose "Manage Subscriptions" to cancel.

Are there any completely free streaming options in the UAE?
Yes, YouTube and certain local apps provide free, ad-supported content.

Can I get streaming discounts through my UAE bank?
Yes, Emirates NBD and FAB frequently partner with streaming platforms for offers.