During this holy month of Ramadan, MBC GROUP brings a whole host of diverse programming, ranging from drama to comedy, to current affairs and lifestyle factual television, with titles catering to the whole family.
Naturally, drama and comedy are at the forefront of this special season, with MBC showcasing premium Arabic-language content from the GCC, Egypt, the Maghreb, Iraq, and the Levant.
Viewers can look forward to this season’s new content on channels including MBC1, MBC DRAMA, MBC, IRAQ, MBC 5, MBC MASR, and on subscription video on demand (SVOD) via Shahid VIP.
Special Shahid VIP Ramadan offer
What’s more, Shahid VIP is celebrating the season with a special exclusive offer for those who subscribe to the streaming service this Ramadan.
Sign up for six months and get six months free. That’s a whole year of Shahid VIP for half the price.
SHOWING ON MBC1
Comedy
Studio 22
The follow-on to last year’s “Studio 21”, Studio 22 continues with its hilarious mishaps, this time with a brand-new TV station manager (played by Habib Al-Habib). In the first season, the series focused on the nearly bankrupt satellite TV channel, with its owner determined to continue running the business despite devastating losses. The continuation this Ramadan brings more to the story, with funny situations, jealousy and competitiveness amongst staff, friendship and love, exploitation, and disappointments, and much more.
Starring: Habib Al-Habib, Maged Moutreb, Khaled Al-Mudhaffar, Khaled Al-Farrag, Heba Hussein, Taghreed Al-Huwaish, Alanoud Saud, Reem Abdullah, Abdul Aziz Al-Nassar.
Minho Waladna?
Described as a drama-slash-dark comedy, “Minho Waladna?” – or “Who Is Our Son?” – can be compared to the world-renowned “The Prince and the Pauper”. Here, two women – one rich and one poor – arrive at a hospital to give birth at the same time. Only the nurse confuses the newborns, and each son goes their own way with the wrong mother. One grows up to become a successful CEO, while the other remains unemployed and living a very modest life. As the great secret is revealed 30 years later, will they work together to resolve this tragedy, or is it simply too late?
Starring: Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj, Fayez bin Jurays, Hind Mohammad, Khayriyah Abu Al-Laban, Ali Al-Hamidi, Khaled Al-Farrag, Reem Al-Ali, Hakim Jumaa.
Ramez Movie Star
Let’s face it – what is Ramadan season TV without Ramez Galal? The Arab world’s biggest prankster is back for his annual hit show where he goes undercover to fool a whole host of unsuspecting stars from the world of entertainment, sport, and media. Some of his “victims” so far in previous editions have included Shahrukh Khan, Antonio Banderas, Paris Hilton, and Steven Segal. Just who is he going to “get” this year?
For the second year in a row, “Ramez” broadcasts with the support of the General Entertainment Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Drama
Al-Asouf 3
The hugely popular series, starring Saudi superstar Nasser Al-Qasabi and produced by MBC STUDIOS, returns with the third season. “Al-Asouf” revolves around the changes that have occurred in the city of Riyadh over five decades, as it monitors what is known as the intellectual boom and transformations that affected members of society. This season will mainly focus on the series of events that occurred from 1987 to 1992.
Starring: Nasser Al-Qasabi, Abdullah Al-Sinani, Habib Al-Habib, Reem Abdullah, Laila Al-Salman, Abdulaziz Sakirin, Rimas Mansour, Zara Al-Balooshi
Min Share’ Al Haram Ela…
The series of events kicks off as normal as possible, with a mother, Abla, celebrating her son’s wedding. Things take a turn when the belly dancer hired to perform at the wedding is unable to return to her home country, resulting in her having to stay with Abla until her travel issues are sorted. But all is not what it seems. What will become of the family during this time?
Starring: Huda Hussein, Khaled Al-Buraiki, Nour Al Ghandour, Laila Abdullah, Maram Al Balushi, Muhammad Al Ramadan, Khaled Al Shaer Ahmed Iraj, Farah Al Sarraf, Lulwa Al Mullah, Eman Al Husseini, Nour Al Sheikh, Abdul Mohsen Al Kaffas, Rawaa Alsaadi
Al-Mishwar
Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan plays the lead character in this drama, in which he works for a marine navigation company in Alexandria and faces plenty of major challenges on the daily. His aim is to leave all of this behind… Only there are plenty of obstacles, including black-market trading, dangerous gangs, love triangles, and more.
Starring: Mohamed Ramadan, Dina Elsherbiny, Bayoumi Fouad, Amr Abdulgalil, Ahmed Magdy
Tooba
Amr Saad plays the main character in this drama, who leaves the past – with all his sins and crimes – behind and flees to another land in search of a new fortune. However, the past soon creeps back to haunt him and disturb his new life. When he realises what he is facing, he must choose between fighting or dying.
Starring: Amr Saad, Saba Mubarak, Maged El Masry, Asma Abulyazeid, Diab
Lifestyle, social programmes and talk shows
Iftarna Gheir
In this latest season, Chef Hala Ayyash is joined by some of the Arab world’s best-known cooks and foodies, each coming up with their own special dish, offering viewers full information on how to prepare it. Get ready to take a fantastic culinary tour across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the rest of the region.
Al Ruwaad with Ahmad Al Shugairi
He’s known for titles including “Khawatir”, “Gamrah”, “Ihsan Min Al Madinah,” “Ihsan Min Al Haram”, and “Seen”. This year, Saudi media personality and bestselling author, Ahmad Al Shugairi returns with “Al Ruwaad” – or “Pioneers” – in which he explores and profiles pioneering solutions and personalities – including those from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain – that have greatly contributed to the world.
Malik Beltaweela with Malik Al-Rougui – Season 4
During each ten-minute episode, Saudi journalist Malik Al-Rougui sheds light on the personalities who have shaped the future of humanity, recalling important historical events, and unique and inspiring stories.
Al Sadma – Season 4
Presented by a group of hosts from around the region – Karim Kojak (Egypt), Faisal Al-Zahrani (KSA), Raed Abu Fityan (Iraq)– “Al Sadma” is a hidden camera show that places members of the community in tricky situations to see how they would react. Each episode offers insight into human psychology, as well as the role of society in helping and protecting the community.
Waad with Omar Al-Juraysy
Host Omar Al-Juraysy takes a deep dive into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the envisaged results of development and modernisation of the nation, including in sectors such as renewable energy, industrial investment, marine tourism, waste management, recycling, water desalination, and more.
Bilaty Hay Ahsan with Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa
Known as the most followed religion-focused programme in the MENA region, Abdulwahab Alshehri returns to host Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League in “Bilaty Hay Ahsan” to discuss a wide range of issues pertaining to the Islamic world.
Having received critical acclaim for its transparency and forthrightness in discussions, this season of the programme will touch upon topics including forgiveness, the rejection of sectarianism, and moderate Islam.
Al Likaa Men Alsifr with Mofeed Alnowaisir – Season 7
Prominent journalist Mofeed Alnowaisir sheds light on well-known Saudi and Arab personalists – ranging from famous scholars, leaders, economists, businessmen, and innovators – showcasing their inspiring success stories.
Maa Al-Qarni with Abdul Rahman Al-Bishri and Dr. Aaidh Ibn Abdullah Al-Qarni
Broadcast from Riyadh, this programme features Dr. Aaidh Ibn Abdullah Al-Qarni – the author of the best-selling book “Don’t Be Sad”, said to have sold 10 million copies to date.
Here, Dr. Aaidh Al-Qarni will take viewers through various areas of Islam, including the Holy Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), contemporary jurisprudence, Islamic history and literature, as well as spiritual experiences from around the world.
SHOWING ON MBC DRAMA
Drama
Amina Haf 2
Back for a second season, Amina has now seemingly woken up from a long dream – only to find that what she was dreaming has turned into a reality. In this continuation, the character tries to get to grips with the situation to understand just what has happened, along with discovering facts, surprises, and secrets.
Starring: Elham Al-Fadala, Shehab Gohar, Taif, Fahad Basem, Badria Tolba.
Natihat Sahab
Dreams and ambitions are like a skyscraper, or “Natihat Sahab” in Arabic – nothing can stand in front of it or reach it, and they’re not realised until they have a place amongst the clouds. The sky’s the limit after all! Centred on the story of Amira, an ambitious woman who is proof of the saying: “It’s never too late to achieve your goals,” this drama documents a journey of rising to the top, along with the difficulties, hardships, challenges, and inspiration that comes with it.
Starring: Souad Abdullah, Nour, Hussain Almahdi, Yaqoob Abdullah, Fakhriya Khamis, Jood Aziz
Bibi
In a popular residential area lives a group of families who share love, respect, funny and sad moments together. Amongst them is a sweet-natured girl who has a developmental disorder. Whilst all the community loves her, it seems that her condition is due to a dark past secret that threatens to be uncovered. Will she finally get the justice she deserves?
Starring: Shejoun, Bashar Al-Shatti, Lamya Tareq, Ghadeer Al-Sabti, Bader Al-Shuaibi, Fahad Al-Saleh, Abdulhussain Abdulredha, Shaikha Al-Aslawy, Asrar Dahrab.
Hadarat Al Mawkif
This drama revolves around the lives of a group of women with very different personalities – from the vain to the very wise – with events moving between the past and the present to unveil unresolved secrets and memories that cannot be erased. But they have more in common than they all think.
Starring: Haifaa Adel, Layali Dehrab, Abdullah Al Turkumani, Heba Al-Dari
Rania w Sakina
Directed by Sherine Adel, Rania is an aristocratic girl who is accused by her family of having a mental disorder due to her way of living. She meets Sakina, a hard-on-her-luck fugitive. The duo team up to prove their innocence amid a series of high-speed chases and adventures.
Starring: Ruby, Mai Omar
Maa Waqf Altanfidh
This contemporary Syrian drama takes place in the neighbourhood of suburbs that have been devastated by the conflict, where its people decide to return to rebuild. Only issues of the past threaten to return – such as the endless battle between social classes, rich and poor, and some very complex personalities.
Starring: Solaf Fawakherji, Abbas Al Nouri, Nadine Khoury, Ghassan Massoud, Safaa Sultaan, Saif Al-Subaie, Shoukran Mortaja, Fadi Sobeih, Mohamed Qanuaa.
SHOWING ON MBC IRAQ
Comedy
Ramez Movie Star
Let’s face it – what is Ramadan season TV without Ramez Galal? The Arab world’s biggest prankster is back for his annual hit show where he goes undercover to fool a whole host of unsuspecting stars from the world of entertainment, sport, and media. Some of his “victims” so far in previous editions have included Shahrukh Khan, Antonio Banderas, Paris Hilton, and Steven Segal. Just who is he going to “get” this year?
For the second year in a row, “Ramez” broadcasts with the support of the General Entertainment Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Hamed Helo – Season 3
This Iraqi social comedy focuses on all aspects of Iraqi life, with laughs in store for the whole family.
Starring: Alaa Al-Hussein, Ihsan Daadoush, Ali Jaber
Drama
Banat Saleh
A poor father, who works in a restaurant while also taking care of his four daughters, is accused of a murder he did not commit and is sentenced to life imprisonment. His wife remarries a well-off man, making her daughters believe that this stepfather is their real father. But what happens when the real father is released and goes out and starts looking for his family?
Starring: Mohammed Hashim, Zohoor Alaa, Baraa Al Zubaidi, Shurooq Alhassen, Juman Al-Sabah, Meen Nour Al-Din, Sandy Jamal.
Almaz Maksour
A beautiful young woman suffers trauma through many family-related situations, including losing her mother and having to care for her disabled father and two younger brothers. Amidst poverty, hunger and lost hope, she meets a mysterious man who promises to turn her life for the better.
Starring: Hind Nizar, Alexandre Aloum, Ghassan Ismail
Al-Mishwar
Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan plays the lead character in this drama, in which he works for a marine navigation company in Alexandria and faces plenty of major challenges on a daily. His aim is to leave all of this behind… Only there are plenty of obstacles, including black-market trading, dangerous gangs, love triangles, and more.
Starring: Mohamed Ramadan, Dina Elsherbiny, Bayoumi Fouad, Amr Abdulgalil, Ahmed Magdy
Tooba
Amr Saad plays the main character in this drama, who leaves the past – with all his sins and crimes – behind and flees to another land in search of new fortune. However, the past soon creeps back to haunt him and disturb his new life. When he realises what he is facing, he must choose between fighting or dying.
Starring: Amr Saad, Saba Mubarak, Maged El Masry, Asma Abulyazeid, Diab
Lifestyle, social programmes and talk shows
Iftarna Gheir
In this latest season, Chef Hala Ayyash is joined by some of the Arab world’s best-known cooks and foodies, each coming up with their own special dish, offering viewers full information on how to prepare it. Get ready to take a fantastic culinary tour across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the rest of the region.
Day Al Kamar – Season 3
Now in its third season, “Day Al Kamar” – hosted by Mamoun Al Natah – is a light entertainment show that’s all about fun and the feel-good factor.
Al Sadma – Season 4
Presented by a group of hosts from around the region – Karim Kojak (Egypt), Faisal Al-Zahrani (KSA), Raed Abu Fityan (Iraq)– “Al Sadma” is a hidden camera show that places members of the community in tricky situations to see how they would react. Each episode offers insight into human psychology, as well as the role of society in helping and protecting the community.
TV Competitions
Bein Ahlena
Iraqi presenters Haider Abd Thamer, Haider Abu Al Abbas, and Tariq Zaid take viewers on a journey through the many cities and villages of the country, shedding light on the monuments, ancient houses, history, and more. And there are plenty of prizes in store for those who enter the show’s quizzes and competitions.
SHOWING ON MBC MASR
Comedy
Ramez Movie Star
Let’s face it – what is Ramadan season TV without Ramez Galal? The Arab world’s biggest prankster is back for his annual hit show where he goes undercover to fool a whole host of unsuspecting stars from the world of entertainment, sport, and media. Some of his “victims” so far in previous editions have included Shahrukh Khan, Antonio Banderas, Paris Hilton, and Steven Segal. Just who is he going to “get” this year?
For the second year in a row, “Ramez” broadcasts with the support of the General Entertainment Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Drama
Al-Maddah – Usturat Alwadi
A continuation of the first part of the series, “Al-Maddah” tells the story of Saber, who is obsessed with a certain member of the opposite sex. He wants to win her over, but chooses wrong ways in which to do so.
Starring: Hamada Helal, Heba Magdy, Ahmed Bedier, Khaled Sarhan, Donia Abdalaziz, Hanan Suleiman
Tooba
Amr Saad plays the main character in this drama, who leaves the past – with all his sins and crimes – behind and flees to another land in search of new fortune. However, the past soon creeps back to haunt him and disturb his new life. When he realises what he is facing, he must choose between fighting or dying.
Starring: Amr Saad, Saba Mubarak, Maged El Masry, Asma Abulyazeid, Diab
Rania w Sakina
Directed by Sherine Adel, Rania is an aristocratic girl who is accused by her family of having a mental disorder due to her way of living. She meets Sakina, a hard-on-her-luck fugitive. The duo team up to prove their innocence amid a series of high-speed chases and adventures.
Starring: Ruby, Mai Omar
B Tlou’ Al Rouh
Managing to make her way to Raqqa – the centre of ISIS operations in Syria – Rouh lives in a camp that includes female escapees from the organisation in northern Syria. The Pan-Arab series follows her journey, which includes situations back home along with a love story.
Starring: Menna Shalaby, Elham Shaheen, Hala Sedki, Bushra, Tamer Farag, Ahmed L Saadany, Mohamed Hatem
Meen Aal?
Jamal Suliman plays a businessman and owner of various investment companies, who finds himself trying to help a group of young people and their many problems.
Starring: Jamal Suliman, Ahmed Dash, Gamal Abdel Nasser, Diana Hesham
SHOWING ON MBC5
Comedy
Ramez Movie Star
Let’s face it – what is Ramadan season TV without Ramez Galal? The Arab world’s biggest prankster is back for his annual hit show where he goes undercover to fool a whole host of unsuspecting stars from the world of entertainment, sport, and media. Some of his “victims” so far in previous editions have included Shahrukh Khan, Antonio Banderas, Paris Hilton, and Steven Segal. Just who is he going to “get” this year?
For the second year in a row, “Ramez” broadcasts with the support of the General Entertainment Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Drama
Salamat Abou Al-Banat
Another season of the popular series that tackles controversial issues in Maghreb society is back, with the fourth instalment focusing on the transformations and changes that occurred amongst the drama’s lead family. Will Mokhtar Salamat – the head of the family – be able to reunite individuals and overcome a certain crisis?
Starring: Mohamed Khouyi, Isiada Ledeeb, Omar Lotfy
Welad Al Darb
A group of young people, who have great skills in the world of piracy, succeed in stealing very important information from prominent figures in the community. They use this to blackmail the figures for large sums of money… only there’s no doubt this will all backfire.
Starring: Amine Ennaji, Houda Majd, Mahdi Folan, Fati Jamali, Fatima Zahra Qanboua, Abdeslam Bouhcini
Al-Maddah – Usturat Alwadi
A continuation of the first part of the series, “Al-Maddah” tells the story of Saber, who is obsessed with a certain member of the opposite sex. He wants to win her over, but chooses wrong ways in which to do so.
Starring: Hamada Helal, Heba Magdy, Ahmed Bedier, Khaled Sarhan, Donia Abdalaziz, Hanan Suleiman
Tooba
Amr Saad plays the main character in this drama, who leaves the past – with all his sins and crimes – behind and flees to another land in search of new fortune. However, the past soon creeps back to haunt him and disturb his new life. When he realises what he is facing, he must choose between fighting or dying.
Starring: Amr Saad, Saba Mubarak, Maged El Masry, Asma Abulyazeid, Diab
Rania w Sakina
Directed by Sherine Adel, Rania is an aristocratic girl who is accused by her family of having a mental disorder due to her way of living. She meets Sakina, a hard-on-her-luck fugitive. The duo team up to prove their innocence amid a series of high-speed chases and adventures.
Starring: Ruby, Mai Omar
SHOWING ON SHAHID VIP
Special Shahid VIP Ramadan offer
What’s more, Shahid VIP is celebrating the season with a special exclusive offer for those who subscribe to the streaming service this Ramadan.
Sign up for six months and get six months free. That’s a whole year of Shahid VIP for half the price.
Flagship Comedy
Ramez Movie Star
Let’s face it – what is Ramadan season TV without Ramez Galal? The Arab world’s biggest prankster is back for his annual hit show where he goes undercover to fool a whole host of unsuspecting stars from the world of entertainment, sport, and media. Some of his “victims” so far in previous editions have included Shahrukh Khan, Antonio Banderas, Paris Hilton, and Steven Segal. Just who is he going to “get” this year?
For the second year in a row, “Ramez” broadcasts with the support of the General Entertainment Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Series from the Gulf Region
Al-Asouf 3
The hugely popular series, starring Saudi superstar Nasser Al-Qasabi and produced by MBC STUDIOS, returns with the third season. “Al-Asouf” revolves around the changes that have occurred in the city of Riyadh over five decades, as it monitors what is known as the intellectual boom and transformations that affected members of society. This season will mainly focus on the series of events that occurred from 1987 to 1992.
Starring: Nasser Al-Qasabi, Abdullah Al-Sinani, Habib Al-Habib, Reem Abdullah, Laila Al-Salman, Abdulaziz Sakirin, Rimas Mansour, Zara Al-Balooshi
Sanawat Al-Jarish
Based on a true story, Hayat Al-Fahad stars in this drama that sets back to World War II, specifically the year 1940, where many events led to devastating damage across the Arab Gulf states. That time period is commonly referred to in Arabic as “Sanawat Al-Jarish”.
Starring: Hayat Al-Fahad, Aly Al Sabaa, Habib Ghuloom, Hassan Al-Balam, Hamad Al Omani, Laila Al-Samman
Amina Haf 2
Back for a second season, Amina has now seemingly woken up from a long dream – only to find that what she was dreaming has turned into a reality. In this continuation, the character tries to get to grips with the situation to understand just what has happened, along with discovering facts, surprises, and secrets.
Starring: Elham Al-Fadala, Shehab Gohar, Taif, Fahad Basem, Badria Tolba.
Natihat Sahab
Dreams and ambitions are like a skyscraper, or “Natihat Sahab” in Arabic – nothing can stand in front of it or reach it, and they’re not realised until they have a place amongst the clouds. The sky’s the limit after all! Centred on the story of Amira, an ambitious woman who is proof of the saying: “It’s never too late to achieve your goals,” this drama documents a journey of rising to the top, along with the difficulties, hardships, challenges, and inspiration that comes with it.
Starring: Souad Abdullah, Nour, Hussain Almahdi, Yaqoob Abdullah, Fakhriya Khamis, Jood Aziz
Hadarat Al Mawkif
This drama revolves around the lives of a group of women with very different personalities – from the vain, to the very wise – with events moving between the past and the present to unveil unresolved secrets and memories that cannot be erased. But they have more in common than they all think.
Starring: Haifaa Adel, Layali Dehrab, Abdullah Al Turkumani, Heba Al-Dari
Bibi
In a popular residential area lives a group of families who share love, respect, funny and sad moments together. Amongst them is a sweet-natured girl who has a developmental disorder. Whilst all the community loves her, it seems that her condition is due to a dark past secret that threatens to be uncovered. Will she finally get the justice she deserves?
Starring: Shejoun, Bashar Al-Shatti, Lamya Tareq, Ghadeer Al-Sabti, Bader Al-Shuaibi, Fahad Al-Saleh, Abdulhussain Abdulredha, Shaikha Al-Aslawy, Asrar Dahrab.
Minho Waladna?
Described as a drama-slash-dark comedy, “Minho Waladna?” – or “Who Is Our Son?” – can be compared to the world-renowned “The Prince and the Pauper”. Here, two women – one rich and one poor – arrive at a hospital to give birth at the same time. Only the nurse confuses the two newborns, and each goes their own way with the wrong mother. One grows up to become a successful CEO, while the other remains unemployed and living a very modest life. As the great secret is revealed, will they work together to fix this mistake, or is it simply too late?
Starring: Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj, Fayez bin Jurays, Hind Mohammad, Khayriyah Abu Al-Laban, Ali Al-Hamidi, Khaled Al-Farrag, Reem Al-Ali, Hakim Jumaa
Min Share’ Al Haram Ela…
The series of events kicks off as normal as possible, with a mother, Abla, celebrating her son’s wedding. Things take a turn when the belly dancer hired to perform at the wedding is unable to return to her home country, resulting in her having to stay with Abla until her travel issues are sorted. But all is not what it seems. What will become of the family during this time?
Starring: Huda Hussein, Khaled Al-Buraiki, Nour Al Ghandour, Laila Abdullah, Maram Al Balushi, Muhammad Al Ramadan, Khaled Al Shaer Ahmed Iraj, Farah Al Sarraf , Lulwa Al Mullah, Eman Al Husseini, Nour Al Sheikh, Abdul Mohsen Al Kaffas, Rawaa Alsaadi.
Studio 22
The follow-on to last year’s “Studio 21”, Studio 22 continues with its hilarious mishaps, this time with a brand-new TV station manager (played by Habib Al-Habib). In the first season, the series focused on the nearly bankrupt satellite TV channel, with its owner determined to continue running the business despite devastating losses. The continuation this Ramadan brings more to the story, with funny situations, jealousy and competitiveness amongst staff, friendship and love, exploitation and disappointments, and much more.
Starring: Habib Al-Habib, Maged Moutreb, Khaled Al-Mudhaffar, Khaled Al-Farrag, Heba Hussein, Taghreed Al-Huwaish, Alanoud Saud, Reem Abdullah, Abdul Aziz Al-Nassar…
Series from the Levant
Lel Mawt – Season 2
New characters join this second season as “Lel Mawt” touches on the current economic conditions in Lebanon and its effects on society.
Starring: Daniella Rahme, Maguy Bou Ghosn, Ahmed Al Ahmad, Liliane Nemri
Dhil
He may be the owner of a well-known law firm, but that doesn’t mean that Jalal fights for justice. In fact, he is likened to a shadow (or “dhil” in Arabic) – controlling the lives of others without them even knowing.
Starring: Jamal Suliman, Abdel Moneim Amairy, Youssef Al Khal, Jessy Abdo
Maa Waqf Altanfidh
This contemporary Syrian drama takes place in the neighbourhood of suburbs that have been devastated by the conflict, where its people decide to return to rebuild. Only issues of the past threaten to return – such as the endless battle between social classes, rich and poor, and some very complex personalities.
Starring: Solaf Fawakherji, Abbas Al Nouri, Nadine Khoury, Ghassan Massoud, Safaa Sultaan, Saif Al-Subaie, Shoukran Mortaja, Fadi Sobeih, Mohamed Qanuaa.
Series from the Maghreb
Salamat Abou Al-Banat
Another season of the popular series that tackles controversial issues in Maghreb society is back, with the fourth instalment focusing on the transformations and changes that occurred amongst the drama’s lead family. Will Mokhtar Salamat – the head of the family – be able to reunite individuals and overcome a certain crisis?
Starring: Mohamed Khouyi, Isiada Ledeeb, Omar Lotfy
Welad Al Darb
A group of young people, who have great skills in the world of piracy, succeed in stealing very important information from prominent figures in the community. They use this to blackmail the figures for large sums of money… only there’s no doubt this will all backfire.
Starring: Amine Ennaji, Houda Majd, Mahdi Folan, Fati Jamali, Fatima Zahra Qanboua, Abdeslam Bouhcini
Series from Egypt
B Tlou’ Al Rouh
Managing to make her way to Raqqa – the centre of ISIS operations in Syria – Rouh lives in a camp that includes female escapees from the organisation in northern Syria. The Pan-Arab series follows her journey, which includes situations back home along with a love story.
Starring: Menna Shalaby, Elham Shaheen, Hala Sedki, Bushra, Tamer Farag, Ahmed L Saadany, Mohamed Hatem
Tooba
Amr Saad plays the main character in this drama, who leaves the past – with all his sins and crimes – behind and flees to another land in search of a new fortune. However, the past soon creeps back to haunt him and disturb his new life. When he realises what he is facing, he must choose between fighting or dying.
Starring: Amr Saad, Saba Mubarak, Maged El Masry, Asma Abulyazeid, Diab
Meen Aal?
Jamal Suliman plays a businessman and owner of various investment companies, who finds himself trying to help a group of young people and their many problems.
Starring: Jamal Suliman, Ahmed Dash, Gamal Abdel Nasser, Diana Hesham
Rania w Sakina
Directed by Sherine Adel, Rania is an aristocratic girl who is accused by her family of having a mental disorder due to her way of living. She meets Sakina, a hard-on-her-luck fugitive. The duo team up to prove their innocence amid a series of high-speed chases and adventures.
Starring: Ruby, Mai Omar
Ragaeen Ya hawa
With huge debts due to losing his business in Europe, Baleegh Abu El-Hana is forced to return to Egypt to make ends meet. He finds himself battling against his family to regain his right to inherit from the estate of his deceased brother. All this while a reignited romance with an old flame looks to be compromised by a new emotional experience with a new girl who suddenly appears in his life.
Starring: Khaled El Nabawy, Nour, Wafaa Amer, Anoushka, Huda El Mufti, Ahmed Bedier
Ahlam Saeeda
Farida, Sherine and Layla are three middle-aged women who suffer from insomnia. Fate brings them together to experience inspiring life experiences that help them overcome their problems and move on to a better life.
Starring: Yousra, Ghada Adel, Mai Kassab
Faten Amal Harbi
Following her divorce, Faten believes that her life will now turn for the better. However, as she considers remarrying, she finds herself embroiled in a legal matter that could deprive her of her rights and her children.
Starring: Nelly Karim, Wafaa Amer, Sherif Salama, Hala Sedki, Khaled Sarhan, Mohamed Tharwat
Al-Maddah – Usturat Alwadi
A continuation of the first part of the series, “Al-Maddah” tells the story of Saber, who is obsessed with a certain member of the opposite sex. He wants to win her over, but chooses wrong ways in which to do so.
Starring: Hamada Helal, Heba Magdy, Ahmed Bedier, Khaled Sarhan, Donia Abdalaziz, Hanan Suleiman
Al-Mishwar
Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan plays the lead character in this drama, in which he works for a marine navigation company in Alexandria and faces plenty of major challenges on the daily. His aim is to leave all of this behind… Only there are plenty of obstacles, including black market trading, dangerous gangs, love triangles, and more.
Starring: Mohamed Ramadan, Dina Elsherbiny, Bayoumi Fouad, Amr Abdulgalil, Ahmed Magdy
Al Ikhtiyar 3 – Al Karar
Delving into the stories of the Egyptian security forces and their missions to thwart attacks that threaten the security of the country.
Starring: Ahmed El-Sakka, Karim Abdel Aziz, Ahmed Ezz, Khaled ElSawy
Malaf Serry
The story revolves around the spread of theft and corruption by some businessmen in Egypt, including a large family that makes huge economic transactions within the country through its companies, factories, and other financial activities. The emergence of a top-secret file places one of the nation’s best-known judges, Yehia Ezz El-Din, on the case. However, torn between threats, extortion, bribery, and murder, will the counsellor be able to maintain his integrity? Or will he submit to pressure?
Starring: Hani Salama, Maged El Masry, Mohsen Mohieldin, Mirhan Hussein, Edward, Aïcha Ben Ahmed, Nedal El Shafey
El Kebeer Awy – Season 6
The Egyptian comedy returns with the reunion of brothers El-Kebir, Johnny, and Hazalkoum after many years. Just where are they all now?
Starring: Ahmed Mekky, Rahma Ahmed, Bayoumi Fouad, Hesham Ismail, Mohamed Sallam
Al Aedoun
This drama centres on an Egyptian intelligence unit, as a team delve into several secret operations aimed at uncovering terrorist plots and plans that seek to divide the Arab region.
Starring: Amir Karara, Amina Khalil, Jihane Khalil, Mahmoud Abdel Moghni, Mohamed Farag, Eslam Gamal, Mohamed Ezz, Hagar El-Sharnouby.
U-Turn
Yara Al-Kurdi is a naval officer who sacrifices her job and career for the sake of her lover, Youssef. But things take a turn for the worse when Youssef’s jealousy begins to control their lives and leads to him demanding that Yara sever ties with family members.
Starring: Reham Hajjaj, Aly Kassem, Abeer Sabry, Tawfik Abdel Hamid, Nourhan, Mahmoud Hegazy, Mohamed Al Kilani, Safaa El-Toukhi.
Maktoob Alaya
This comedy centres on Jalal, who meets an eccentric man, who rubs his arm with a magical substance. The next day, Jalal is surprised to learn that everything that is about to happen to him appears written on his body just beforehand. What mischief will this lead him to?
Starring: Akram Hosny, Ayten Amer, Amr Abdel Jalil, Hanady Mehanna, Hanan Suliman, Osama Abdullah, Mohamed Taima, Mahmoud Alsisi.
Gezirat Ghamam
Set in 1920s Upper Egypt, this drama centres on a family murder, where the eldest son kills the younger one – at the instigation of the middle son – before escaping from the area.
But does the son really die, or did he fake his death and reappear later on?
Starring: Tarek Lotfy, Fathy Abdel Wahab, Ahmed Amin, Mai Ezz El Din.
Series and Programmes from Iraq
Banat Saleh
A poor father, who works in a restaurant while also taking care of his four daughters, is accused of a murder he did not commit and is sentenced to life imprisonment. His wife remarries a well-off man, making her daughters believe that this stepfather is their real father. But what happens when the real father is released and goes out and starts looking for his family?
Starring: Mohammed Hashim, Zohoor Alaa, Baraa Al Zubaidi, Shurooq Alhassen, Juman Al-Sabah, Meen Nour Al-Din, Sandy Jamal.
Almaz Maksour
A beautiful young woman suffers trauma through many family-related situations, including losing her mother and having to care for her disabled father and two younger brothers. Amidst poverty, hunger and lost hope, she meets a mysterious man who promises to turn her life for the better.
Starring: Hind Nizar, Alexandre Aloum, Ghassan Ismail
Day Al Kamar – Season 3
Now in its third season, “Day Al Kamar” – hosted by Mamoun Al Natah – is a light entertainment show that’s all about fun and the feel-good factor.
Hamed Helo – Season 3
This Iraqi social comedy focuses on all aspects of Iraqi life, with laughs in store for the whole family.
Starring: Alaa Al-Hussein, Ihsan Daadoush, Ali Jaber
Bein Ahlena
Iraqi presenters Haider Abd Thamer, Haider Abu Al Abbas, and Tariq Zaid take viewers on a journey through the many cities and villages of the country, shedding light on the monuments, ancient houses, history, and more. And there’s plenty of prizes in store for those who enter the show’s quizzes and competitions.
Series for the little ones
Toota Toota – A Shahid Original
Who better than Dania El Shafei to take on the task of telling a nightly bedtime story? In this 30-episode series, Dania chooses the best children’s stories from the Arab world that promise a good night’s sleep.
Lifestyle, social programmes and talk shows
Al Likaa Men Alsifr with Mofeed Alnowaisir – Season 7
Prominent journalist Mofeed Alnowaisir sheds light on well-known Saudi and Arab personalists – ranging from famous scholars, leaders, economists, businessmen, and innovators – showcasing their inspiring success stories.
Malik Beltaweela with Malik Al-Rougui – Season 4
During each ten-minute episode, Saudi journalist Malik Al-Rougui sheds light on the personalities who have shaped the future of humanity, recalling important historical events, and unique and inspiring stories.
Maa Al-Qarni with Abdul Rahman Al-Bishri and Dr. Aaidh Ibn Abdullah Al-Qarni
Broadcast from Riyadh, this programme features Dr. Aaidh Ibn Abdullah Al-Qarni – the author of the best-selling book “Don’t Be Sad”, said to have sold 10 million copies to date.
Here, Dr. Aaidh Al-Qarni will take viewers through various areas of Islam, including the Holy Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), contemporary jurisprudence, Islamic history and literature, as well as spiritual experiences from around the world.
Al Ruwaad with Ahmad Al Shugairi
He’s known for titles including “Khawatir”, “Gamrah”, “Ihsan Min Al Madinah,” “Ihsan Min Al Haram”, and “Seen”. This year, Saudi media personality and bestselling author, Ahmad Al Shugairi returns with “Al Ruwaad” – or “Pioneers” – in which he explores and profiles pioneering solutions and personalities – including from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the United States, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain – that have greatly contributed to the world.
Al Sadma – Season 4
Presented by a group of hosts from around the region – Karim Kojak (Egypt), Faisal Al-Zahrani (KSA), Raed Abu Fityan (Iraq)– “Al Sadma” is a hidden camera show that places members of the community in tricky situations to see how they would react. Each episode offers insight into human psychology, as well as the role of society in helping and protecting the community.
Bilaty Hay Ahsan with Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa
Known as the most followed religion-focused programme in the MENA region, Abdulwahab Alshehri returns to host Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League in “Bilaty Hay Ahsan” to discuss a wide range of issues pertaining to the Islamic world.
Having received critical acclaim for its transparency and forthrightness in discussions, this season of the programme will touch upon topics including forgiveness, the rejection of sectarianism, and moderate Islam.
Iftarna Gheir
In this latest season, Chef Hala Ayyash is joined by some of the Arab world’s best-known cooks and foodies, each coming up with their own special dish, offering viewers full information on how to prepare it. Get ready to take a fantastic culinary tour across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the rest of the region.
Waad with Omar Al-Juraysy
Host Omar Al-Juraysy takes a deep dive into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the envisaged results of development and modernisation of the nation, including in sectors such as renewable energy, industrial investment, marine tourism, waste management, recycling, water desalination, and more.
