Global audio streaming giant Spotify has announced the expansion of its subscription offerings in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with the launch of a pilot program for three new plans: Spotify Premium Lite, Spotify Premium Standard, and Spotify Premium Platinum. The move is designed to cater to the diverse listening preferences and needs of users across two of the region’s key markets.
A Tiered Approach to Audio Streaming
The new structure provides listeners with more flexibility in choosing a plan that fits their usage. The Premium Lite plan offers an essential, ad-free listening experience for casual users.
The Premium Standard plan is aimed at the company’s core user base, allowing fans to enjoy their music and podcasts on the go with full offline capabilities. This tier also includes a Student option.
Platinum Plan Introduces High-Fidelity Audio and AI Features
At the top end, the Premium Platinum plan delivers Spotify’s most advanced listening experience. This tier introduces several new features, including Lossless Audio for superior sound quality, the AI DJ for personalized curation, and integrations for third-party DJ software.
Platinum subscribers will also gain access to an extensive audiobook library, with 12 hours of listening included for plan managers and the option to purchase 10-hour top-ups. At launch, the catalog will feature over 150,000 English-language titles.
A Strategic Pilot for Regional Growth
The rollout in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is part of a broader global pilot that also includes South Africa, Indonesia, and India. This allows Spotify to test and gather insights on user behavior and engagement in diverse markets to refine its subscription models. The strategy underscores the importance of tailoring offerings to local and cultural contexts.
“We know that the way people connect with audio is deeply personal. This pilot reflects that by offering plans that provide more choice, flexibility, and value,” said Akshat Harbola, Managing Director for MENAP at Spotify. “With Premium Platinum, features like Lossless audio offer a richer, more immersive sound that brings listeners closer to the content and creators they love.”
About Spotify
Spotify is the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service with a community of over 600 million users, including more than 230 million Spotify Premium subscribers, across 180+ markets. The platform offers access to millions of tracks, podcasts, and audiobooks, providing users with a personalized way to discover and enjoy audio content from creators all over the world.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
