DUBAI — Meta has rolled out a suite of paid subscription tiers in the United Arab Emirates under its new “Meta One” umbrella, introducing optional premium upgrades for WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Meta AI starting at Dh5.99 per month.
The tech giant confirmed that core messaging, posting, and basic Meta AI features will remain entirely free to regular users. The paid subscriptions are designed for power users, content creators, and businesses seeking expanded creative capacity, personalization, and operational utilities directly inside their applications.
Globally, Meta reported recording roughly 15 million subscriptions and active trials as it tests subscription-based monetization models beyond its advertising business. The initial rollout includes more than 50 distinct paid features across its platform ecosystem, with integration slated for its video-editing app, Edits, as well as AI-powered smart glasses in upcoming phases.
The entry-level tier, WhatsApp Plus, is priced at Dh5.99 per month. Subscribing unlocks exclusive themes, custom app icons, animated stickers with special effects, and the ability to pin up to 20 important chats. Meta is also testing cloud storage options for chat and media backups alongside “Focus Schedules,” an automated tool enabling users to mute or conceal specific conversations during designated hours.
Standalone upgrades for Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus are priced at Dh7.99 per month each. On Instagram, paid subscribers receive story viewer insights, direct message previews, and custom typography, while Facebook Plus adds enhanced Reels analytics and expanded interface customization.
For individuals seeking heavier artificial intelligence bandwidth, Meta created two multi-app bundles:
- Meta One Core (Dh22.99/month): Combines the Plus features across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram with increased AI image and video generation quotas.
- Meta One Premium (Dh76.99/month): Provides access to Meta’s most compute-intensive AI models, higher multimedia generation limits, and tools like Instagram’s “Restyle” filter engine.
Meta is also targeting commercial operations, influencers, and independent brands through four creator-and-business tiers. The Essential tier starts at Dh46.99 monthly, offering account verification badges, proactive impersonation safeguards, and automated customer follow-ups on Facebook and WhatsApp Business.
Larger enterprise plans scale significantly based on operational tools:
- Advanced (starting from Dh119/month): Integrates post-scheduling, deeper audience analytics, clickable external links within select Instagram posts and Reels, and multi-user team access.
- Expert (starting from Dh359/month): Expands WhatsApp Business broadcast message allotments, team access for up to eight colleagues, and higher AI processing allocations.
- Max (starting from Dh1,199/month): Targets enterprise workflows with support for up to 30 linked accounts, high-volume automated messaging credits via Meta Business Agent, and direct dedicated telephone and human support representatives.
Subscribing is not mandatory for regular communications. A standard WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram account requires no monthly payments, and Meta clarified that its everyday conversational AI remains accessible at no charge.
