Streaming in Saudi Arabia: Vision 2030 Infrastructure, Regional Content Limits

The Saudi Streaming Contradiction

Saudi Arabia is building the entertainment capital of the Middle East. Vision 2030 pours billions into digital infrastructure, entertainment cities, and tech modernization.

You have world-class fiber internet. 97% smartphone penetration. One of the world’s youngest, most connected populations.

Yet Hulu doesn’t work here. HBO Max is unavailable. And while Netflix operates in Saudi Arabia, the catalog looks nothing like what Americans see.

If you’re in Saudi Arabia, you already know this contradiction. Massive investment in entertainment infrastructure coexists with content access barriers created by regional licensing, cultural content standards, and the dominance of Shahid (MBC’s local streaming platform).

This guide explains why Saudi Arabia’s streaming landscape is uniquely restrictive despite Vision 2030 modernization, how Shahid’s dominance and content regulations affect access, and how US Unlocked helps Saudi viewers bypass payment barriers blocking U.S. streaming services.

What Are Streaming Geo-Restrictions?

Streaming geo-restrictions are location-based content blocks that limit what you can watch based on your country.

When you access streaming platforms, they check your IP address and physical location. If content isn’t licensed for your region or doesn’t meet regional content standards, access gets blocked automatically.

These aren’t technical limitations. They’re licensing agreements combined with regional content policies. Content owners sell streaming rights country by country, and in Saudi Arabia, additional considerations around Islamic values and societal standards influence which content appears.

Your location determines your catalog. Your advanced digital infrastructure doesn’t change that.

Benefits of Accessing U.S. Streaming Libraries from Saudi Arabia

Getting access to American streaming catalogs addresses specific Saudi streaming challenges:

Access to U.S.-Only Platforms

Hulu, HBO Max (now “Max”), Peacock TV, and Paramount+ don’t operate in Saudi Arabia. These platforms host thousands of exclusive shows unavailable on any regional service, including Shahid.

Uncensored Original Content

U.S. streaming accounts show content as creators intended, without regional content modifications. This includes shows and movies that Gulf states have requested removal of from regional versions.

Larger Content Libraries

Netflix US has approximately 5,800 titles. Netflix Saudi Arabia has around 4,300 titles. That’s roughly 26% less content, one of the largest gaps between U.S. and regional catalogs globally.

English-Language Content Focus

While Shahid excels at Arabic content, U.S. platforms provide comprehensive English-language catalogs. For Saudi viewers who prefer Western content or want to improve English skills, this creates significant value.

Bypass Shahid Distribution Monopoly

Shahid (owned by MBC Group) dominates Saudi streaming with exclusive rights to much Western content. U.S. platforms provide direct access without Saudi distributor gatekeeping.

Types of Streaming Restrictions in Saudi Arabia

Saudi viewers face barriers specific to the Gulf region:

Complete Platform Unavailability

Hulu, Peacock TV, HBO Max, and Paramount+ don’t operate in Saudi Arabia or anywhere in the Gulf. Account creation is impossible without U.S. payment methods and billing addresses.

Content Removal and Regional Editing

Gulf states (including Saudi Arabia) periodically request streaming platforms remove content deemed inconsistent with Islamic values or regional cultural standards. This creates a second layer of unavailability beyond standard licensing restrictions.

Shahid’s Dominant Market Position

Shahid (MBC Group’s streaming service) is the largest platform in Saudi Arabia and will overtake Netflix in total subscribers by 2029 according to industry projections. Shahid has:

• Exclusive rights to much Western content entering Saudi Arabia
• First-refusal agreements on regional distribution
• Strong government and cultural backing
• Deep integration with Saudi telecommunications providers

This dominance means much U.S. content goes through Shahid first, creating distribution bottlenecks.

Netflix-Shahid Bundling

In 2025, Netflix partnered with Shahid to create bundled subscriptions in Saudi Arabia. While this provides value, it also reinforces Shahid’s gatekeeper position in the Saudi streaming market.

Arabic Language Prioritization

Only 4% of Netflix’s Saudi Arabia catalog features Arabic-language titles. Shahid provides 42% local Arabic content. This creates pressure on international platforms to prioritize Arabic dubbing/subtitles, often delaying English-language content releases.

Payment Method Blocking

Even with a VPN making you appear to browse from America, U.S. streaming services reject Saudi credit and debit cards. They verify your card’s issuing country through BIN checks and decline non-U.S. payment methods.

This payment barrier is what most Saudi users discover only after purchasing a VPN.

Streaming Services in Saudi Arabia vs. the United States

Let’s compare what Saudi subscribers actually see versus American viewers.

Netflix Saudi Arabia vs. Netflix U.S.

Netflix operates in both countries, but the experience differs significantly.

The numbers: Netflix U.S. has approximately 5,800 titles. Netflix Saudi Arabia has around 4,300 titles. That’s roughly 26% less content—one of the largest catalog gaps globally.

Content differences: Beyond standard licensing differences, Gulf states have requested removal of specific titles deemed culturally inappropriate. Some content never arrives in Saudi Arabia. Other shows get episodes or seasons removed after initial availability.

Arabic content focus: Netflix Saudi Arabia emphasizes Arabic-language content, Turkish dramas, and Bollywood films to compete with Shahid’s strong local content offering.

Pricing: Netflix Saudi Arabia Standard costs SAR 39.99/month (~$10.65 USD), slightly less expensive than U.S. pricing when adjusted for currency.

Disney+ Saudi Arabia vs. Disney+ U.S.

Disney+ operates in Saudi Arabia (launched June 2022) but with content and timing differences.

Content timing: New Marvel and Star Wars releases premiere in the U.S. first. Saudi viewers typically wait 2-4 weeks.

Content gaps: Some Disney+ titles don’t appear in Saudi Arabia at all. Movies like “Eternals” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” faced regional distribution challenges in Gulf states due to content elements.

Pricing: Disney+ Saudi Arabia costs SAR 29.99/month (~$8 USD), comparable to U.S. pricing.

Amazon Prime Video Saudi Arabia vs. Prime Video U.S.

Prime Video operates in Saudi Arabia with significant catalog differences.

Regional emphasis: Prime Video Saudi Arabia focuses on Arabic content, Bollywood, and approved international content. Many American Prime Originals don’t appear or arrive months late.

Pricing: Amazon Prime in Saudi Arabia costs SAR 16/month (~$4.25 USD), significantly cheaper than U.S. pricing.

HBO Max / Max

Completely unavailable in Saudi Arabia or anywhere in the Gulf region.

HBO content in Saudi Arabia gets scattered across various platforms without unified distribution. HBO Max Originals that stream immediately in the U.S. take months to reach Saudi platforms (if they appear at all).

Hulu

Doesn’t operate outside the United States.

Hulu hosts thousands of exclusive shows, next-day network TV episodes, and original content. Saudi viewers have no official access despite Saudi Arabia being a high-income market with massive entertainment spending.

Peacock TV

NBC’s streaming platform is U.S.-only.

Peacock offers NBC shows, Universal Pictures movies, live sports, and exclusive originals. None of this is accessible from Saudi Arabia through official channels.

Paramount+

Not available in Saudi Arabia or the Gulf region.

Paramount+ content gets scattered across regional platforms, but there’s no unified Paramount+ service.

Shahid VIP (Saudi/Regional Service – MBC Group)

Shahid is Saudi Arabia’s dominant streaming platform and Netflix’s primary competitor.

Shahid provides:

• Extensive Arabic-language content (42% of catalog)
• Exclusive rights to much Western content entering Saudi Arabia
• MBC network shows and regional productions
• Sports content (some football/soccer leagues)
• Integration with Saudi telecom providers (STC, Mobily, Zain)

What Shahid doesn’t provide:

• U.S.-exclusive platform originals (Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock)
• Complete uncensored Western catalogs
• The breadth of English-language content U.S. platforms offer

Shahid excels at Arabic content but doesn’t solve the U.S. content gap for Saudi viewers who prefer Western entertainment.

Now that you understand what’s missing from Saudi Arabia’s streaming landscape, here’s why these gaps persist despite Vision 2030 investments.

Why Vision 2030 Infrastructure Doesn’t Solve Content Access

Saudi Arabia is modernizing entertainment infrastructure at unprecedented scale. So why do content restrictions persist?

Cultural Content Standards Override Technology

Vision 2030 builds infrastructure: fiber internet, 5G networks, entertainment cities, cinemas. But streaming content still must align with Islamic values and Saudi societal standards.

Gulf states periodically request platforms remove content they deem inappropriate. This creates content gaps that no amount of infrastructure investment solves.

Licensing Agreements Are Country-Specific

Content owners sell streaming rights separately for each country. They might sell Saudi/Gulf rights to Shahid or regional distributors, and U.S. rights to Hulu or HBO Max. Advanced infrastructure doesn’t change these commercial agreements.

Shahid’s Strategic Market Position

MBC Group (Shahid’s owner) has deep ties to Saudi government, media, and telecom sectors. Shahid receives preferential treatment in content licensing and distribution agreements. This creates a gatekeeper dynamic where much Western content must go through Shahid before reaching Saudi viewers.

Arabic Content Prioritization

Saudi Arabia’s cultural policy emphasizes Arabic content production and consumption. Streaming platforms face pressure to prioritize Arabic-language content. This influences which English-language content gets licensed and how quickly it arrives.

Platform-Exclusive U.S. Originals

Hulu Originals, HBO Max Originals, and Peacock exclusives are contractually tied to those U.S. platforms. They’re not available for licensing in Saudi Arabia, meaning no regional service (including Shahid) can legally offer them.

Two Users, Same Platform, Different Experiences

You and your friend in Los Angeles both pay for Netflix. They see 5,800 uncensored titles. You see 4,300 regionally curated titles. Same price (adjusted for currency). Different value.

Your location determines both your catalog size and your content filtering.

This is why Saudi viewers seek ways to access U.S. streaming services directly, bypassing regional distribution and content filtering.

Understanding these barriers is frustrating, but there’s a practical solution addressing the payment restriction preventing access to U.S. platforms.

How US Unlocked Solves the Payment Barrier for Saudi Viewers

US Unlocked removes the payment method restriction preventing Saudi users from subscribing to American streaming platforms.

What US Unlocked Actually Provides

US Unlocked gives you virtual payment cards with U.S. billing addresses. These function exactly like U.S.-issued credit cards when subscribing to American streaming services.

You get:

• Virtual Visa or Mastercard with valid U.S. billing addresses
• Access to Netflix US, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock TV, Paramount+, and thousands of other U.S. services
• The ability to load card balance from Saudi Arabia using local payment methods

The streaming platform sees a legitimate U.S. payment method. You get access to uncensored U.S. content libraries.

Learn more about how US Unlocked works →

The Benefits Saudi Users Actually See

Access Uncensored U.S. Content

U.S. streaming accounts show original, unedited content. No regional content removal. No missing episodes. Shows and movies appear as creators intended.

Subscribe to U.S.-Only Platforms

Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock TV, and Paramount+ all accept US Unlocked virtual cards. These services are completely unavailable in Saudi Arabia otherwise, even with a VPN.

Bypass Shahid Distribution Monopoly

Access Western content directly through U.S. platforms instead of waiting for Shahid distribution deals or regional licensing agreements.

Pay for U.S. Subscriptions Without a U.S. Bank Account

No need for an American credit card or bank account. US Unlocked’s virtual cards handle payment processing using funds you load from Saudi Arabia.

Access Full U.S. Content Libraries

Once subscribed with a U.S. payment method, you get the complete U.S. catalog. No Saudi regional filtering. No wondering why content everyone discusses online isn’t in your library.

Complement Shahid for Arabic Content

Keep Shahid for excellent Arabic-language content and regional productions. Add U.S. platforms for comprehensive English-language catalogs and uncensored Western entertainment.

Reliable Renewals

Your subscriptions renew automatically. No declined payments. No account suspensions because your Saudi bank card got flagged.

What US Unlocked Doesn’t Do

US Unlocked doesn’t provide VPN services. You’ll need your own VPN to make streaming platforms think you’re browsing from the United States.

US Unlocked handles the payment barrier. Your VPN handles the geographic barrier.

Together, they create the complete solution: U.S. payment method accepted + U.S. location verified = full American streaming access without Saudi regional filtering.

Learn about VPN options for Saudi Arabia →

Setting Up US Unlocked from Saudi Arabia

Getting started takes about 15 minutes.

Step 1: Create Your US Unlocked Account

Sign up at usunlocked.com. Provide your name, Saudi address, and date of birth for verification.

Step 2: Get Approved and Fund Your Account

Once approved, load funds using methods available from Saudi Arabia:

• Credit / Debit Cards: Use your Saudi bank card (Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank, Riyad Bank, SABB, etc.) to fund your account ($1.00 + 5% fee)
• Crypto / Stablecoins: Load using USDC, Bitcoin, or other cryptocurrencies (2% fee)
• Apple Pay / Google Pay: Digital wallet funding ($1.00 + 5% fee)
• Bank Transfer: International wire transfer if preferred ($2.00 + 2% fee)

All funds convert to USD in your account balance.

Step 3: Choose Your Membership Plan

US Unlocked offers two tiers:

• Monthly: $4.95/month (includes 10 virtual cards)
• Annual: $39.95/year (save 33%, includes 10 virtual cards)

Additional virtual cards cost $2 each if you need more than 10.

View complete pricing details →

Step 4: Create Virtual Cards for Each Service

Generate virtual payment cards from your US Unlocked dashboard. Each card comes with a unique U.S. billing address automatically assigned.

Card types available:

• US Unlocked Cards: Open-to-buy cards that work at most U.S. merchants
• Store Locked Cards: Lock to the first approved merchant (ideal for streaming subscriptions)
• One-Time Use Cards: Delete after single use (for trial signups or one-off purchases)

Step 5: Subscribe to U.S. Streaming Services

Use your US Unlocked virtual card details and U.S. billing address when signing up for Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix US, or any other American service.

Step 6: Connect Your VPN and Start Streaming

Activate your VPN (connect to a U.S. server) before accessing streaming platforms. Log into your accounts. Your uncensored U.S. content library is now accessible.

US Unlocked Pricing for Saudi Users

Here’s exactly what you’ll pay (converted to SAR for clarity):

Membership Fees

• Monthly plan: $4.95/month (approximately SAR 18.60)
• Annual plan: $39.95/year (approximately SAR 150, works out to SAR 12.50/month)

Card Fees

• First 10 virtual cards: Included in membership
• Additional cards: $2 each (approximately SAR 7.50)
• One-time use cards: $2 each

Loading Fees (When Adding Funds)

• Credit/Debit Cards: $1.00 + 5%
• Crypto/Stablecoins: 2%
• Apple Pay/Google Pay: $1.00 + 5%
• Bank Transfer: $2.00 + 2%

Transaction Fees

None. Once your card is loaded, there are no additional fees when you spend.

Real Cost Comparison

Current Saudi Arabia Streaming Setup:

• Shahid VIP: SAR 39.99/month
• Netflix Saudi Arabia: SAR 39.99/month (Standard)
• Disney+ Saudi Arabia: SAR 29.99/month
• Total: SAR 109.97/month with regional content filtering and limitations

Alternative with U.S. Access:

• Keep Shahid VIP: SAR 39.99/month (for Arabic content)
• Hulu: $7.99/month (SAR 30)
• HBO Max: $9.99/month (SAR 37.50)
• US Unlocked: SAR 18.60/month
• VPN: SAR 19/month (annual plan pricing)
• Total: SAR 145.09/month for comprehensive Arabic + uncensored U.S. streaming

Slightly higher cost. Dramatically more content. No regional filtering. Access to U.S.-exclusive platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vision 2030 Deserves Global Content Access

Saudi Arabia is building world-class entertainment infrastructure. Cinemas in every major city. Entertainment zones in NEOM and Qiddiya. Fiber internet everywhere. 5G nationwide.

Vision 2030 modernizes how Saudis access entertainment. But regional content filtering and distribution monopolies still limit what you can watch.

US Unlocked removes the payment barrier blocking direct access to U.S. streaming platforms. No more Shahid gatekeeping on Western content. No more wondering why shows everyone discusses aren’t available. No more regional content filtering on platforms you’re already paying for.

Your advanced digital infrastructure deserves access to global content catalogs.

Ready to align your streaming access with Vision 2030’s digital ambitions?

Get started with US Unlocked → and stream without regional barriers.

Your modern Saudi Arabia deserves modern global content access.