Who's Who on Social Media
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Who is Maaz Sheikh?

Maaz Sheikh is redefining what it means to lead in the digital entertainment era. As the CEO and Co-Founder of STARZPLAY, he has transformed a regional startup into one of MENA’s top streaming platforms.

October 30, 2025
Elena Freeman
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Elena Freeman

Elena Freeman designs partnerships and events at Favikon. She cares about building spaces where creators, brands, and ideas meet in ways that feel real and memorable. From partner programs to community gatherings, she focuses on making connections that spark collaboration and professional growth.

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Maaz Sheikh: Building the future of streaming in the middle east

Maaz Sheikh is redefining what it means to lead in the digital entertainment era. As the CEO and Co-Founder of STARZPLAY, he has transformed a regional startup into one of MENA’s top streaming platforms. Known for his confident yet down-to-earth leadership style, Maaz bridges technology, creativity, and business with a human touch that inspires both teams and audiences.

1. Who he is

Maaz Sheikh is a media innovator and visionary entrepreneur based in the United Arab Emirates. As the Co-Founder and CEO of STARZPLAY, he has played a key role in shaping the region’s streaming ecosystem. Before founding STARZPLAY, Maaz held senior positions in global media companies, gaining deep expertise in content distribution and digital transformation. Under his leadership, STARZPLAY became one of the most recognized streaming services in the MENA region, known for its original content and strong partnerships. His approach combines strategic foresight with authenticity, building a platform that celebrates regional talent while competing with international giants.

2. A network of heavyweights

Maaz Sheikh's sphere of influence

Maaz’s network connects him with some of the biggest players in media, technology, and sports. His collaborations include UFC, Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Gulf News, SEF, Gitex Global, PFL, and the UAE Government Media Office. He also maintains relationships with global entertainment leaders like STARZ and Inc. Arabia, positioning himself at the intersection of media innovation and tech entrepreneurship. This diverse network showcases his influence across industries driving the future of content and digital transformation in MENA.

3. Why people listen

Maaz Sheikh's popular posts across social media

People follow Maaz because he speaks from experience, not theory. His posts mix pride in his team’s achievements with candid reflections on leadership and growth. Whether celebrating STARZPLAY’s industry awards, sharing data-backed milestones, or offering lessons for founders, his tone is genuine and forward-looking. Maaz communicates like a leader who has walked the journey, someone approachable, ambitious, and always rooting for innovation.

4. Authenticity that resonates

Maaz Sheikh's Authenticity Score Details

With an Favikon Authenticity Score of 95.5/100, Maaz demonstrates a rare balance of professionalism and personality. His posts feel natural and unscripted, from celebrating STARZPLAY’s milestones to thanking his team for their dedication. His audience sees both the CEO and the human behind the brand, someone who shares challenges, achievements, and optimism with equal sincerity. Every post reflects his belief in teamwork, transparency, and regional pride.

5. Numbers that back it up

Maaz Sheikh's social media rankings

Maaz holds an Influence Score of 5,967 points, ranking in the Top 1% of LinkedIn creators in the UAE and the Top 1% globally among CEOs and Tech Leaders. His follower base of over 41,800 professionals has grown steadily over the past two years, supported by authentic engagement from industry peers. With an Engagement Quality Score of 88 and a Post Content Score of 92, his content stands out for combining business insights with storytelling that resonates across borders.

6. Collaborations that matter

Maaz’s partnerships reflect his passion for media, sports, and innovation. He has worked with UFC and PFL to bring world-class sports entertainment to MENA audiences and with Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Gulf News to drive media innovation through local storytelling. His collaborations with Gitex Global, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, and STARZ highlight his commitment to leadership, growth, and expanding streaming accessibility across the region.

7. Why brands should partner with Maaz Sheikh

(Source: @maazsheikh, LinkedIn, October 2025)

Maaz blends leadership, credibility, and vision, making him a powerful voice for brand storytelling and thought leadership.

  • Thought leadership campaigns on digital innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Speaking engagements on leadership, streaming, and business transformation
  • Collaborations on media partnerships and original content initiatives
  • Brand ambassadorship aligned with innovation, technology, or sports entertainment

8. Why Maaz Sheikh is relevant in 2026

As the entertainment and tech industries continue merging, Maaz remains at the forefront of this transformation. His leadership in AI-driven media strategies and streaming innovation positions him perfectly for the next chapter of digital evolution. In a world increasingly shaped by data and storytelling, Maaz’s voice bridges technology with emotion, making him one of MENA’s most influential digital leaders heading into 2026.

Conclusion: Leading with vision

Maaz Sheikh represents a new generation of leaders who build not just companies but ecosystems. His impact goes beyond streaming, as it redefines what regional innovation looks like on a global scale. Through authenticity, expertise, and relentless optimism, Maaz continues to inspire entrepreneurs across MENA and beyond. His journey proves that success in tech is not just about disruption, but about creating value with purpose.

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