StarzPlay says yes to Discovery’s wedding dress format adaptation in MENA

StarzPlay’s version of Say Yes to the Dress will be shot in Dubai

US unscripted format Say Yes to the Dress is heading into local production in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) through a deal between Discovery and streaming service StarzPlay.

The show, badged as a StarzPlay Original, will be shot in Dubai in the UAE and will centre on the Hazar Haute Couture bridal boutique, with Lebanese stylist Khalil Zein hosting. Say Yes to the Dress Arabia is set to air in the first quarter of 2022 and will be made available on StarzPlay. Different Productions, based in Dubai and Lebanon, is making the show.

The format originated on Discovery-owned US channel TLC in 2007, produced by Half Yard Productions. Nineteen seasons have aired on the US cable channel and the show has led to various spin-offs and international versions in markets such as Australia, Malaysia, Canada, Ireland and the UK.

The original US version has already aired in MENA via StarzPlay, under a deal signed in 2020 between the US factual giant and the streaming service of Lionsgate-owned network Starz. That deal gives streamer Discovery+ a presence on Starzplay in the region.

“Finding that dream wedding dress for brides from diverse backgrounds will be challenging and exciting at the same time. I cannot wait to meet the brides-to-be and look forward to styling their wedding dress,” said Zein, beauty consultant and celebrity stylist to numerous celebs in MENA.