Beyond Netflix: 10 genre-specific streaming platforms to try in the UAE
We've all been there, sitting on the couch and spending far too long trying to find the right title among the ocean of choices on streaming services. It can be exhausting and often fruitless, with competing genres and unsolicited trailers kicking in just as you are trying to concentrate. That helps explain the growing number of smaller platforms coming to the fore with clear genre offerings. The…
1. Mubi: Film enthusiasts will appreciate Mubi, a platform showcasing art-house cinema and world films. Its collection boasts African films that had a presence at Cannes, retrospectives on David Lynch, and the work of cinematographer Sean Price Williams. Other highlights include retrospectives on films from the 1950s and 1990s like Krzysztof Kieslowski’s Three Colours trilogy. Monthly subscriptions cost Dh29.99.
2. Crunchyroll: Anime fans should start with Crunchyroll, which offers a plethora of popular and classic titles in the genre. It provides English subtitles and dubbing for many shows, including One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Attack on Titan. Monthly subscriptions range from Dh21.99.
3. Rakuten Viki: If Korean and Asian drama is your thing, Rakuten Viki is an excellent choice. It features Korean dramas, Chinese dramas, and films from Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand. Titles like Lovely Runner, Train to Busan, and My Tutor, My Love are just a few examples. Monthly subscriptions are Dh17.99.
4. Alchemiya: Focused on stories from the Muslim world, Alchemiya has been dubbed the "Muslim Netflix." It offers films and documentaries inspired by Islam and the wider Muslim world, from Jordanian drama Captain Abu Raed to Moroccan coming-of-age film Majid. Documentaries such as Journey to Makkah and historical dramas about historical figures are also available. Monthly subscriptions cost Dh22.
5. Curiosity Stream: Curiosity Stream is an extensive platform dedicated to documentaries. While its browsing interface can be clunky, the selection is vast and spans various subjects. Monthly subscriptions are Dh22 when subscribing directly through the service.
6. History Hit: Aimed at history buffs, History Hit presents well-researched documentaries on a range of topics, including The Odyssey, The Dead Sea Scrolls, the Roman Empire, and World War II. Hosted by historians and archaeologists, viewers can gain deeper insights through selected podcast episodes and related articles. Monthly subscriptions are Dh29.99.
7. Qello Concerts by Stingray: Qello Concerts is ideal for concert film enthusiasts. It offers a vast selection of concert films spanning over 50 years of popular music, featuring major performances and hidden gems by artists such as Taylor Swift, Beyonce, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Ella Fitzgerald. Monthly subscriptions are Dh44.
8. National Theatre at Home: During the Covid pandemic, the National Theatre at Home platform was launched to offer virtual access to theatre productions. The collection now boasts over 100 filmed productions, including A Streetcar Named Desire and Rosamund Pike in Inter Alia. Monthly subscriptions cost Dh49.99.
9. Dropout: Dropout is a unique streaming site dedicated to improv and comedy, as well as game shows. It provides a fresh and entertaining alternative to mainstream offerings. Monthly subscriptions are Dh39.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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