Your STARZPLAY queue is about to get a lot more animated. Chinese donghua is officially landing in the MENA region.

STARZPLAY has partnered with Bilibili to stream Chinese animation (donghua). The content is available on STARZPLAY across the MENA region. A new donghua title will premiere every Tuesday.

STARZPLAY UAE: Bilibili Chinese anime now streaming

STARZPLAY's animation library is getting a major expansion, and it's not the Japanese anime you might expect. According to a press release, the MENA streaming platform has announced a new partnership with Bilibili to bring a slate of premium Chinese animation, or donghua, to the region. This is the first major STARZPLAY Bilibili anime MENA deal, and it means a fresh wave of content is already available for viewers in the UAE.

So what is donghua, anyway?

While Japanese anime is a staple on most streaming platforms, donghua remains a relatively new genre for many in the region. This partnership aims to change that. It's a strategic move to tap into a growing global interest in different animation styles and stories, diversifying from the usual Hollywood and Japanese content dominating the streaming landscape in the MENA region.

Danny Bates, Co-Founder and COO at STARZPLAY, said the move reflects evolving tastes. "Animation is one of the fastest-growing content categories globally, driven by younger audiences seeking diverse storytelling and distinct creative styles. In MENA, we’re seeing that interest accelerate." This deal expands new shows and movies on STARZPLAY beyond its traditional library.

What's available to watch right now?

STARZPLAY isn't waiting around. A selection of titles from the Bilibili partnership has already dropped on the platform. The initial lineup includes:

To Be Hero X
No Doubt in Us
A Mortal’s Journey
Ling Cage
Immortality

"In recent years, interest in donghua has grown rapidly, and this collaboration allows us to introduce the genre’s storytelling, characters, and creative worlds to viewers in the region," said Mr. Zhang Shengyan, Vice President of Bilibili. This introduction of donghua complements STARZPLAY's growing library of regional and international content.

When and where to watch in the UAE

All the new donghua titles are available to stream now on STARZPLAY for subscribers across the MENA region. A new show is set to premiere every Tuesday, and all content comes with both English and Arabic subtitles — so no VPN acrobatics are required. This is a key part of the STARZPLAY Bilibili anime MENA strategy to make the content accessible to the widest possible audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is donghua?

Donghua is the term for Chinese animation. It covers all animated works produced in China, featuring unique storytelling and artistic styles that are gaining popularity worldwide.

Where can I watch Bilibili anime in MENA?

You can watch a curated selection of Bilibili's Chinese animation titles exclusively on STARZPLAY. The service is available across the Middle East and North Africa region.

When will new donghua titles be available on STARZPLAY?

As part of the partnership, STARZPLAY will premiere a new donghua title every Tuesday. This regular release schedule ensures a fresh stream of content for subscribers.

Are the donghua titles on STARZPLAY available with Arabic subtitles?

Yes, all Chinese animation content introduced through the Bilibili partnership on STARZPLAY will be available with both English and Arabic subtitles for regional viewers.