In today's issue
Ramadan show stoppers
Ramadan is a time of prayer and reflection and a chance to enjoy some of the best TV programmes the Arab world has to offer
- By Maysam Ali, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:15 September 2, 2008
- Image Credit: Supplied Picture
- Syrian drama Bab Al Hara is about loyalty, brotherhood, friendship and family ties.
Ramadan is a time of prayer and reflection and a chance to enjoy some of the best TV programmes the Arab world has to offer
With the start of Ramadan, one of the big questions for Arab families is “Which series are you watching this year?" After breaking fast, families fix themselves before their television screens, awaiting their favourite programmes and this year they have an unprecedented number to choose from. The television industry has grown remarkably during the past couple of years, and with it, competition among Syrian, Egyptian and Gulf-produced series.
For some loyal viewers, it's a case of returning to last year's favourite, while other will be tuning into new soaps and quiz shows. But if you're overwhelmed by the plethora of choice, here's our tips on what shows will be the talk of the UAE and the rest of the Arab world this Ramadan.
Top biling
Egyptian programmes will dominate TV screens, with more than 40 series shown on almost every Arab TV channel. This year sees the rise of sitcoms and entertainment programmes but drama serials still have top billing. Tackling broad topics from politics to history, religion and autobiographies, these programmes star Egypt's rising talent as well as the country's A-listers.
Standouts include the drama series Sharaf Fath Al Bab, starring Egyptian Yahia Al Fakharani. He plays a government employee who gets framed for a crime he didn't commit. The serial will be broadcast on 14 channels. Meanwhile if you loved last year's hit Al Dali, you'll be pleased to hear that it will return with its star Nour Al Sherif. The follow-up explores the conspiracy-filled world of politics and the dealings of entrepreneur Saa el-Daly.
Syrian Drama
Syrian dramas are expected to make a big impact on Arab audiences, with the return of soap opera Bab Al Hara and the release of several other shows. Bab Al Hara, aired exclusively on MBC, was a huge success last year. The show, in its third season, is set in an old Syrian town where loyalty, brotherhood, friendship and family ties are tested.
Syrian productions Abu Jaafar Al Mansour and Oudah Abou Tayeh are epic series that have been picked up around the Arab world. They are showing on Noor in the UAE. “These shows have so far gained full sponsorship and we predict they will be very successful," said Nahla Al Fahad, Noor's programming manager.
Abu Jaafar Al Mansour is set during the seventh century Abbasid dynasty and centres on the political events of that era, including the founding of Baghdad. Syrian actor Abbas Al Noori and Jordanian actor Nabeel Al Masheeni play the main characters. Filming took place in Jordan, Lebanon and Kazakhstan.
Another Syrian production, Qamar Bin Hashem, brings to life the story of the Prophet Mohammad.
And in Ahl Al Raya, Syrian actor Jamal Sulaiman brings Syrian folklore to the fore.
Khaleeji colour
Kuwaiti and Qatari shows have also made their way to several channels. MBC 1 will be running the Gulf series Sharr Al Nufous, which looks at human relationships and the disastrous consequences of greed. Dubai TV will be broadcasting Sira' Ala Al Raml, which focuses on Bedouin life and was filmed in several Arab countries, including the UAE.
New to screens in the UAE is Noor, an Arabic-language channel based in Dubai. On Laish! Ma' Umm Khalid, presenter Muna Khalil discovers the differences between two generations of Emirati women in her debates with Umm Khalid, a 70-year-old Emirati woman. The show focuses on social and family issues such as marriage, divorce and debt.
“The local community is concerned by the issues we bring up in this programme and that is what makes any programme successful," Al Fahad said.
Marmas Al Noor is a daily show in which officials from public and private companies get together to discuss community issues in depth.
“We want to find out who is to blame for incidents or accidents in Dubai. What is the kind of awareness that should take place? This will be open for the audience to call and give their opinions," says Al Fahad.
Spreading the word
Some of the most popular shows during Ramadan give viewers the chance to interact with presenters, especially in religious programme. Many TV shows host clerics and shaikhs who discuss religious matters and answer the viewer's questions. While some focus on teaching Arab and Islamic values and the meaning of the religion of Islam, its teachings and values, other News channels like Al Arabiya will be airing reports on charity work, renowned Islamic personalities, the nutritious value of Ramadan food and reports on the cities of Makkah and Madina.
Additionally, Al Arabiya will be taking a close look at the importance of TV during Ramadan with Drama in Ramadan, analysing all the shows that MBC 1 will broadcast during the month.
Don't miss it!
Freej is aired at 7.15pm on Sama Dubai and 2.30pm on Dubai TV during Ramadan. Sama Dubai will also host the third season of Cartoon Sha'biya, a locally produced animation that tackles issues related to society and the Arab world as a whole.
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