After a slow start, original Arabic content in streaming services is taking off. Starzplay has launched its first Arabic language original series, Kaboos, a horror anthology spanning diverse horror genres — from supernatural and classic to noir.

“Kaboos is our biggest content asset this year, our very first Arabic language original, and we are very excited to roll out the production across the Middle East. Our goal at StarzPlay has been to invest in content that is regionally relevant, and as a homegrown platform, we continuously strive to bring in content which our MENA audiences can relate to,” Nadim Dada, VP of programming and content acquisition at Starzplay, said.

Kaboos also features popular talent, including Passant Shawky, Khaled Anward, Abrar Al Hamad, Rakeen Saad, Kady Al Qaisy, and Ahmad Al Saeed.

Filmed across the UAE, KSA, Kuwait, and Egypt, each episode is directed by leading directors from across the region, including Majid Al Ansari (Zinzana), Hana Kazim (Makr), Yasir Al Yasiri (122), Ahmed Khaled (30 March) and Hala Matar (Streetcar). The series, which features five standalone episodes and is billed as a retelling of Arab folklore, is produced by Yasir Al Yasiri and Mansoor Al Feeli’s production company, Starship Entertainment.

Dada added that the gripping tales of local and regional Arab mythology, but with a modern twist, will capture the Middle East’s penchant for storytelling.

Kaboos is created in collaboration with Emirati content powerhouse Image Nation Abu Dhabi. “Kaboos balances terrifying horror scenes with storylines that explore human nature, offering nostalgic tales to Arab audiences while introducing global watchers to the complex and eerie world of Arab folklore through this inventive original series,” Ben Ross, chief content officer, Image Nation, said in a statement. 

The series is set to stream on the platform on February 9.