“Shasha” Announces Strategic Investment in Its Company Following “Forta Advisors” Acquisition of a Strategic Stake

• Abdullah Al-Mudhaf: We aspire to revolutionize the major productions sector in 2025.

• Bader Al-Kulaib: This partnership will strengthen our efforts to expand regionally and globally.

After months of negotiations, Shasha, the leading production and streaming platform in the Gulf region, officially announced today that Forta Advisors has acquired a strategic stake in the company.

Forta Advisors, headquartered in London, is known for its investments in leading brands and for establishing long-term strategic partnerships.

A Pivotal Moment for Digital Platforms in the Region

Commenting on the deal, Abdullah Ghazi Al-Mudhaf, co-founder and Chief Content Officer of Shasha, who previously held a 51% majority stake in the platform, stated:

“Today marks a turning point for the future of digital platforms in the region.”

He added, “We chose to partner with Forta Advisors because of our shared vision for Shasha’s future. In 2025, we aim to revolutionize the major productions sector, moving beyond Gulf-based streaming services to create stories and characters that resonate with audiences worldwide. What we are building today will have a lasting impact on the entire region.”

A Strategic Partnership for Regional and Global Expansion

Badr Nasser Al-Kulaib, co-founder and Chairman of Shasha, expressed pride in the partnership, stating:

“This collaboration came after careful consideration. We believe it will enhance our efforts for regional and global expansion, especially with the rapid growth of the digital sector and increasing demand for Arabic content. We are confident in our ability to achieve our goals, cater to audience preferences, and elevate Arabic content on the global stage.”

Both Abdullah Al-Mudhaf and Badr Al-Kulaib will retain their leadership roles within Shasha, continuing as major partners in the company.

Shasha’s Growth & Strategic Investments

Notably, Al-Qabas Newspaper is one of the founding investors in Shasha, marking its second venture in the digital applications sector following its successful exit from the Dabdoub deal.

This strategic partnership is expected to accelerate Shasha’s growth and enhance its production capabilities, aligning with the expansion of its major productions portfolio.

Since its inception, Shasha has achieved significant success through its original productions and collaborations with global platforms such as Netflix, Shahid, and OSN, in addition to its sports productions, including its broadcasting of the Zain Premier League (Kuwait’s top-tier football league). Shasha has been recognized for utilizing cutting-edge technology to deliver high-quality sports coverage and an exceptional viewing experience for fans.

Leveraging the Booming Digital Streaming Market

This move comes amid the rapid growth of the digital streaming sector. According to a report by PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), the number of global digital streaming subscribers is projected to rise to 2.1 billion by 2028, up from 1.6 billion in 2023, reflecting a 5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

Shasha aims to capitalize on this momentum by enhancing content quality, expanding its audience reach, and investing in major productions that align with viewer expectations.

Legal & Regulatory Approvals

Speaking on the legal aspects of the deal, Mohammed Hamad Al-Jouan, attorney at Al-Oseimi Legal Consultancy, stated:

“We are honored to be part of this transaction, which represents a significant milestone in Shasha’s journey toward regional and global expansion. We are confident that this partnership will solidify Shasha’s leadership and establish it as one of the most prominent platforms in the Arab world.”

Al-Jouan also confirmed that all necessary regulatory approvals have been sought, including approvals from governmental regulatory bodies in Kuwait.