Spotify launches music streaming service in the Middle East

Spotify, the world's most popular paid music streaming platform, officially launched in the Middle East and North Africa on Tuesday.

The Swedish company announced that its services would now be available in 13 Arab markets, including the occupied Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Morocco.

The music streaming platform, founded in 2008, will not be available in Libya, Iraq, Syria or Yemen.

Spotify will charge $5.33 per month in Saudi Arabia, $5.44 in the UAE, $2.8 in Egypt and $4.99 elsewhere, while its free service is also available in the region.

Spotify's services have been available in Israel since March.

On Wednesday, Spotify launched its 'Arab hub' collection of Arabic music playlists.

Spotify's managing director for the Middle East and North Africa, Claudius Boller, told Reuters that Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Morocco are expected to drive regional growth as a result of large youth populations and high smartphone penetration.

Spotify has been unofficially available in the Middle East for several years via accounts registered in other markets.

Prior to Tuesday's launch, the music platform was available in 65 countries worldwide.

Spotify's rival Apple Music already operates in the Middle East, while France-based Deezer launched in the region in October.