Viu has premiered a new Arabic Viu Original reality special, The Big Bang Birthday, which began streaming on 23 June across the MENA region. The one-off special is the latest in Viu’s ongoing investment in locally rooted content and follows the success of 2023’s We Wed (ليلة العمر).
Set and filmed in Abu Dhabi, the programme follows four prominent Arab influencers as they plan a surprise birthday celebration for digital creator Hadeel Marei. Known for her outspoken humour and expressive style, Marei has amassed over two million Instagram followers and a strong regional following across Egypt and the Gulf.
The cast includes Saudi content creator Amy Roko, Syrian lifestyle influencer Dana Halabi, Saudi rapper Jara and Sudanese beauty creator Yussra Youssif. The show explores the group dynamic as they organise the celebration, offering viewers a candid look at female friendships and cultural identity through the lens of a weekend-long surprise.
Shot across recognisable Abu Dhabi locations — including Ferrari World, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the Mangrove National Park and the Abu Dhabi Souk — the show blends travel, lifestyle and unscripted reality formats. The special culminates in a final surprise moment revealed to Marei during the celebration.
The latest Viu Original was brough to life in collaboration with 1301 Films led by Hiam Salibi, and directed by renowned director Farah Alameh, an independent filmmaker. Farah’s approach balances cinematic polish with documentary realism, allowing the cast’s personalities and relationships to unfold with authenticity.
Samer Majzoub, General Manager of Viu MENA, said the project reflects the platform’s commitment to Arabic-language productions and culturally relevant storytelling: “The authentic emotion and relatable production style of this female-led special connect us to the cultural heartbeat of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the wider region.”
The Big Bang Birthday is now streaming exclusively on Viu.
