The GCC's Tech Vanguard: OSN+ And Anghami's Elie Habib

Elie Habib remembers getting a Sinclair ZX81 home computer when he was 11 years old, and that was when he realized he could make a machine “think” based on the code that he wrote. “I was inspired by the idea of creating something out of nothing,” Habib says. “Since then, I’ve never stopped being curious about what more I can do – and how I can reach more users – with the ideas that I’m writing.”

Such an ethos has translated well into Habib’s exploits in the business realm, with him, in 2012, co-founding Anghami, the MENA’s first legal music streaming platform, and then, in 2023, leading it to a merger with OSN+, the region’s leading streaming platform for premium content. This has resulted in the creation of the region’s first unified music and video streaming service, and with Habib acting as CEO of this venture, it’s safe to say that his vision is shaping MENA’s digital entertainment landscape.

After all, Habib’s leadership of OSN+ and Anghami is addressing the challenge of fragmented entertainment in the region by uniting two complementary platforms. OSN+ offers premium video, Anghami provides audio streaming, and they are together meeting the demand for diverse content. While this collaboration is enhancing users’ experiences with tailored music and video options, both platforms are also continuing to expand their libraries, thereby offering exclusive, region-specific entertainment to millions of users.

Under Habib’s leadership, both platforms have achieved strong user growth. Anghami now has over 83 million users, and it has also expanded its local and international music offerings; meanwhile, OSN+ has reinforced its position as a leading video service in the region. Strategic collaborations between the platforms have driven cross-promotions, increasing subscribers and revenue, with the partnership also enhancing content offerings, and thus boosting reach and user engagement across both platforms.

From Habib’s vantage point, the future of technology in the GCC’s entertainment sector is set to be a seamless integration of music, video, and interactive content. “With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, both OSN+ and Anghami will continue to personalize user experiences, offering curated content tailored to individual preferences,” Habib says. “The continued evolution of both platforms aims to expand access to region-specific content, driving further growth, and reshaping digital entertainment for millions of users in the GCC.”

AI is thus clearly on Habib’s mind as he leads OSN+ and Anghami into the future, and it is a technology that he is clued into from a personal perspective as well. “While many are excited about ChatGPT and similar tools, I believe agentic AI is what’s truly transformative,” Habib says. “It allows you to scale yourself and your productivity by handling tasks independently – negotiating contracts, managing operations, or solving complex problems. This shifts how we approach work and productivity, unlocking entirely new possibilities.”

A Playbook For Success: Q&A With Elie Habib 

Given the investment that GCC countries are putting into tech, what role do you think the region will play in the global landscape in the future? 

“The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize energy operations, enhance renewable energy efficiency, and drive advanced research and development across key sectors. Their investments in AI infrastructure, supercomputing, and education – training a future workforce skilled in AI – are setting new standards globally. By focusing on these areas, they are positioning themselves as leaders in innovation and shaping the future of technology-driven economic transformation.” 

OSN+ and Anghami's Elie Habib was one of the 30 innovators celebrated in Inc. Arabia's December 2024 special feature, The GCC's Tech Vanguard. For the full list of The GCC's Tech Vanguard, please click here.