Meta launches subscription plans in the UAE offering AI tools, themes and other premium features.
Dubai: Meta is rolling out Meta One, a new subscription service that gives UAE users access to additional features across WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Meta AI, with plans starting from Dh5.99 per month.
The core versions of the apps will continue to remain free. However, users looking for enhanced AI capabilities, greater customisation and professional tools will be able to choose from a growing range of paid features and subscription upgrades.
Meta said it is introducing more than 50 features across its apps, with additional capabilities planned for products such as Edits and its AI glasses.
Globally, the company said its subscription offerings have attracted 15 million subscriptions and trials to date, reflecting growing interest in its paid features and services.
UAE prices
Meta’s new subscription options in the UAE start at Dh5.99 per month, with WhatsApp Plus available at the lowest price.
Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus are each priced at Dh7.99 per month, giving users access to additional premium features beyond the free versions of the platforms.
Meta One subscription prices in the UAE
- WhatsApp Plus: Starts at Dh5.99 per month
- Instagram Plus: Priced at Dh7.99 per month
- Facebook Plus: Available for Dh7.99 per month
- Core plan: Costs Dh22.99 per month
- Premium: Dh76.99 per month
- Essential (creators and businesses): From Dh46.99 per month
- Advanced: From Dh119 per month
- Expert: From Dh359 per month
- Max: From Dh1,199 per month
Meta noted that subscription prices and available features may vary depending on the region, app and individual account.
WhatsApp extras
Priced at Dh5.99 per month, WhatsApp Plus gives subscribers access to additional customisation and messaging features, including exclusive themes and icons, special-effect stickers and the ability to pin more chats.
Meta also plans to test further features, including storage for chat and media backups and Focus Schedules, which will allow users to mute or hide selected chats during specified periods.
More AI features
The Dh22.99 Core plan and Dh76.99 Premium plan combine individual app subscriptions with expanded access to Meta’s AI-powered features.
Subscribers will receive greater access to image and video generation through Meta AI, along with increased use of creative tools such as Instagram’s Restyle and voice effects.
Meta stressed that Meta AI will remain free for everyday use, with the paid subscriptions aimed at users who want higher AI usage limits and a broader range of creative features.
For creators and businesses
Meta is also targeting content creators and businesses with subscription plans offering additional professional tools.
The Essential plan, which starts at Dh46.99 per month, includes enhanced profile features, a more prominent follow button on Reels, automated invitations encouraging users to follow an account, and greater access to Meta Business Agent on WhatsApp.
Higher-priced subscription tiers offer additional professional features, including content scheduling, analytics, audience insights, team access and expanded WhatsApp business tools.
At the top of the range is the Max plan, which starts at Dh1,199 per month.
Meta’s approach is straightforward: its core apps will continue to be available for free, while users who want additional AI capabilities, customisation options, creator tools or business features can choose a paid subscription that suits their needs.
So, does everyone have to pay?
No. WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Meta AI will continue to offer their core services for free. The new subscriptions are optional and are designed for users who want access to extra features, higher usage limits and more advanced tools.
No. Meta’s core WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Meta AI services will remain free to use.
Meta One is an optional paid subscription aimed at users who want access to additional features and higher usage limits, including:
- Greater access to AI tools and image and video generation
- Additional WhatsApp personalisation and customisation features
Meta One subscribers can also access:
- Additional features across Instagram and Facebook
- Specialised tools for creators and businesses
- More advanced analytics, audience insights and publishing options
For example, users do not need to pay Dh5.99 per month to continue using WhatsApp. The standard version of WhatsApp remains free.
The Dh5.99 monthly fee applies only to WhatsApp Plus, an optional subscription for users who want access to its additional premium features.
