Crunchyroll is expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, increasing its anime catalog, strengthening Arabic localization, and introducing new regional partnerships. The move reflects continued growth in anime streaming across the Middle East, where demand for subtitled and dubbed content has steadily increased over the past decade.
The streaming service now offers more than 1,300 anime titles in the region, including over 1,000 with Arabic subtitles. Dozens of series are currently available with Arabic dubs, and the company says it plans to grow that number to 100 dubbed titles by the end of 2026. For viewers in Saudi Arabia, the Fan plan starts at SAR 19.99 per month or SAR 178.99 annually, while the Mega Fan plan is priced at SAR 23.99 per month or SAR 209.99 annually. In the UAE, subscriptions begin at AED 21.99 per month or AED 196.99 annually for the Fan tier, with the Mega Fan plan available at AED 25.99 per month or AED 229.99 annually. The higher tier includes additional features such as multi-device streaming.
Mega Fan subscribers in both countries also receive access to Crunchyroll Game Vault, which currently includes more than 80 titles. The library features games such as Shin chan: Shiro & the Coal Town, STEINS;GATE, Shogun Showdown, and Kawaii Kitchen, with plans to expand to 100 games by summer 2026. Access to the Game Vault is included in the Mega Fan subscription at no additional cost.
For the current winter anime season, Crunchyroll is simulcasting more than 40 series in the region. Titles include JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 3, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2, Hell’s Paradise Season 2, Fire Force Season 3, Sentenced to Be a Hero, and Oshi no Ko Season 3. Many of these releases are available with Arabic subtitles, and selected titles offer Arabic dubbing. Episodes stream shortly after their Japanese broadcast, maintaining near-simultaneous access for international audiences.
As part of its regional push, Crunchyroll has introduced its “Choose Unordinary” campaign, localized as “تحرر من المألوف,” across Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The campaign features digital activations centered around Hime, the platform’s mascot character, and aims to connect anime storytelling with younger, digitally engaged audiences. Marketing efforts are largely focused online, reflecting where most anime discovery and viewing now occurs.
Crunchyroll is also collaborating with Sony PlayStation to offer new and eligible returning users a one-month free trial of the Fan tier. The promotion runs from February 17 to March 20 and is available via QR code on PS5 and PS4 consoles in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The timing aligns with Ramadan, a period when streaming consumption typically rises in the region.
The service offers a fully localized Arabic-language interface, bilingual news coverage, parental controls, and compatibility across smartphones, web browsers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. This broader accessibility reflects how anime streaming is increasingly integrated into everyday media consumption rather than remaining a niche interest.
Crunchyroll operates as a joint venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Aniplex Inc., both subsidiaries of Sony Group. Its regional expansion comes at a time when global streaming platforms are competing for localized audiences through language support, pricing flexibility, and bundled digital offerings. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where young populations and high smartphone penetration continue to drive demand, anime streaming is moving further into the mainstream.
