Spotify Tests New Three-Tier Premium Model in UAE and Saudi Arabia
Spotify has introduced a three-tier subscription mix in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, adding Premium Lite, Premium Standard, and a Platinum tier. The launch arrives as paid usage continues to rise across the Gulf, and it also gives the platform one of its most detailed pricing tests in the region. Moreover, the same pilot is expanding into South Africa, Indonesia, and India, offering a wider view of what listeners value most. These markets, which are mobile-heavy and youthful, are expected to reveal early signals about feature demand.
Premium Lite offers ad-free listening while keeping features minimal. Premium Standard covers everyday usage and still supports offline playback. However, Platinum brings the biggest shift as it adds Lossless Audio, AI DJ, AI-generated playlists, and integrations for third-party DJ tools. It also preserves existing options such as Jam and Daylist, so users receive a fuller ecosystem of listening experiences.
Added Audiobooks and New Listening Tools
Platinum subscribers gain audiobook access as well, and plan managers receive 12 hours per month with optional 10-hour top-ups. At launch, the catalogue includes more than 150,000 English-language titles, and tools like automatic bookmarking and a Sleep Timer aim to make long-form listening easier. These additions broaden the appeal of the top tier, although they also highlight shifting expectations among premium users.
Spotify states that the pilot reflects deeper changes in listening behavior rather than a cosmetic overhaul. “We know that the way people connect with audio is deeply personal,” said Akshat Harbola, Managing Director for MENAP at Spotify. The pilot, he added, is built around “more choice, flexibility, and value” as the platform evaluates interest in higher-fidelity sound and advanced features.
Regional Momentum and Potential Expansion
The Middle East has become an effective testing ground for digital premium models. Saudi Arabia’s cultural investments under Vision 2030 and the UAE’s enthusiasm for mobile-first services continue to fuel rapid adoption. Therefore, if this tiered mix performs well, Spotify may extend the structure into additional markets. Competition for paying listeners is intensifying, and this pilot signals the company’s attempt to refine its offerings before broader global rollout.
