Online video network, Netflix, has embarked on a large scale global expansion, entering more than 130 new countries including a significant portion of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Making the announcement at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Netflix, Reed Hastings, said, “Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global internet TV network. With this launch, consumers around the world will be able to enjoy TV shows and movies simultaneously – no more waiting. With the help of the internet, we are putting power in consumers’ hands to watch whenever, wherever and on whatever device.”
Netflix has appointed Kijamii as its digital media network in the Middle East. Kijamii will be responsible for media planning & buying, digital strategy and execution across digital and social in line with Netflix launch.
“This is a very exciting and big win for us. We are thrilled to have won Netflix pitch in one of the most challenging market sectors in business today,” said Bassem El-Hady, Chief Executive Officer, Kijamii.
While Netflix is largely available in English around the world, the company has added Arabic, Korean and Chinese to the 17 languages it already offers. Regional twitter accounts such as @Netflix_ME and @NetflixUAE have also been set up.
The company has officially launched its website in Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti Republic, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, UAE and Yemen. The only MENA country where Netflix is currently not available is Syria, because of the US government restrictions.
The selection of shows and films available in each country will continue to vary on a country-by-country basis. Netflix says that its own content will be available everywhere at the same time, presumably without any kind of geographical restriction.
