News

WhatsApp Channels Has Started Rolling Out Across The MENA Region

The one-way broadcast tool allows account admins to send text, photos, videos, and stickers to followers, and create polls.

Published

3 years ago

September 14, 2023

Nour Nasir

whatsapp channels has started rolling out across the mena region

WhatsApp Channels is now being rolled out across the MENA region, with countries including Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Morocco soon to benefit from the broadcast service.

Soon, people across much of the Middle East and North Africa will benefit from private updates from their favorite celebrities, creators, artists, and sports teams without having to leave WhatsApp.

Moon Baz, Creator Partnerships Lead, Africa, Middle East, and Turkey at Meta, was excited to announce the update, “We’re starting to roll out WhatsApp Channels globally and adding thousands of new channels that people can follow in WhatsApp. We’re also welcoming some of your favorite celebrities, sports teams, artists, creators, and thought leaders that people can follow right within WhatsApp”.

According to Moon Baz, Channels allow admins to send one-way broadcasts via text, photos, videos, and stickers. Users can find Channels in a new WhatsApp tab labeled Updates, which is separate from their regular chats with friends, family, and communities.

WhatsApp users will be able to see recommended Channels based on popularity and region. Similar to regular chats, they will also be able to use emojis to react to updates — though users won’t be able to see someone else’s reaction.

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Channel updates will not be available indefinitely. Meta will store data on their servers for up to 30 days. Admins will also be able to block screenshots and forwards from their channels.

Overall, WhatsApp Channels look set to become an effective tool for getting in touch with your target audience — whether you’re an influencer or a business looking for marketing opportunities.

News

New Disney+ Streaming App Has Officially Launched In The UAE

The app’s recommendations now factor in what’s popular in the UAE, and a dedicated Junior Mode gives kids their own corner of Disney+.

Published

1 day ago

October 9, 2026

Dana Saadeh

Disney

A new Disney+ app has officially launched in the UAE, and subscribers can now keep watching their favorite titles when they travel. Disney+ says access extends across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond.

The app is built around a dynamic homepage and simpler navigation, with recommendations drawn from each customer’s viewing habits and what’s popular in the UAE. Content from Hulu and ESPN is now easier to find alongside Disney+’s own library, the company says. Audio and subtitles come in up to 25 languages, and supported devices get high-quality video and sound.

For families, the app includes Junior Mode, a dedicated, simplified version of Disney+ for younger viewers, built around age-appropriate shows and movies. It sits alongside existing controls such as PIN-protected profiles, customizable content ratings and account notifications when a profile is changed.

The catalog still spans Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu and FX. Returning series include Season 8 of “The Kardashians,” Season 23 of “Grey’s Anatomy” and Season 38 of “The Simpsons”. Also on the service are the second season of International Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series “Rivals,” comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”.

Also Read: Best Video Streaming Services In The Middle East

Marvel Television’s “VisionQuest” is on the way, and Disney’s live-action “Moana” is due later this autumn. Beyond Hollywood, the Turkish title “Halef” is coming to the platform alongside a lineup of Korean entertainment: Korean-Japanese romantic comedy “Merry Berry Love” is streaming now, and “The Remarried Empress” arrives November 4.

Existing subscribers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in with their current credentials, with on-screen steps covering account confirmation and profile setup. Subscriptions start at AED 49.99 per month and can be canceled at any time.

For UAE subscribers planning to travel, the update will likely be well received, but Disney has left one question open. It confirms Europe and the United States as supported markets but doesn’t yet say which others fall under and beyond.