Keeping up with Ramadan TV tradition

This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)
This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)
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Updated 24 March 2024
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Keeping up with Ramadan TV tradition

Keeping up with Ramadan TV tradition
  • From family comedies to thrillers and drama, these bingeworthy series are perfect for post-iftar leisure time

JEDDAH: During Ramadan there is a tradition of families gathering around after iftar for a leisurely break to watch shows together.

This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world.

‘Al-Atawla’

Nassar and Khidr are two brothers running a criminal organization that their father passed on to them before his death. A girl named Henna appears in Nassar’s life, making him seek change and aspire to leave the criminal life behind. But as deeply involved as he is in this dark side of life, as hard as it is to cut ties with it.




This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)

Starring Ahmed El-Sakka, Tarek Lotfy, Zeina, Bassem Samra, Mai Kassab, Salah Abdallah, and others, the series airs on MBC, MBC1, MBC Masr, MBC5.

‘Selat Rahem’

Anesthetist Dr. Husam was living a normal life until one day his wife got into a disastrous accident. This unfortunate event becomes the turning point for the doctor as he finds himself tangled in the dark underbelly of the illegal practice of surrogacy in pursuit of fulfilling their dream to have a baby.

The series stars Eyad Nassar, Asmaa Abulyazeid, Yosra El-Lozy, Safaa Galal, Mohamed Gomaa, and others. It airs on MBC Masr and the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Highest Viewing Rate’

Amina, a young simple girl living a simple life with her family in a low-class neighborhood has her life turned upside-down after her sister shared a video of her on social media that made her go viral. The girl ventures into this new world and discovers the dangerous impact a simple word from an influencer can have on others through social media platforms.

Starring Salma Abu-Deif, Layla Ahmed Zaher, Entesar, Ahmed Faheem, and others, the series will be aired on MBC Masr and the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Ghalia Al-Bogammiah’

Ghalia Al-Bogami was a Saudi woman whose courage and bravery on the battlefield forced the Ottoman Empire’s army to retreat from the lands of the first Saudi Kingdom after they lost to the Arab forces. The warrior was then given the title “amira,” meaning “princess.”




This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)

This historical drama stars Elham Ali, Abdulmohsen Al-Nemr, Salloum Haddad, Rashid Assaf, and more. It airs on SBC.

‘Qalam Rasas’

A family escapes the destruction caused by the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, but the daughter gets lost in the process and is found by a woman who decides to take her under her wing and raise her as her own child. Years later, the girl decides to look for her biological family and succeeds in her mission. The only thing left is reconnecting and adapting with her long-lost relatives.

The series stars Ibrahim Al-Harbi, Sanaa Bakr Younis, Abeer Ahmed, Shaila Sabut, and others. It will be aired on Rotana Khalejia.

‘Khoyout Al-Ma’azeeb’

Farhan is a young boy forced to work for the stone-hearted Abu Issa, until one day, life gives him the chance to stand up to himself and to confront the oppression and injustice he faces, leave everything, and run far away.

Starring Abdulmohsen Al-Nemr, Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, Reem Arhama, Faisal Al-Dokhei, and more, the show streams on Shahid.

‘Al-Hashshashin’

Taking place in the 11th century, a group of assassins called Al-Hashashen are following the orders of their leader, Hassan Alssabah, to execute the bloody killings of big figures ruling the cities of the period.




This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)

This historical drama stars Karim Abdel Aziz, Fathy Abdel Wahab, Nicolas Mouawad, Myrna Nour El Din, and others, and it airs on DMC.

‘Emberatoreyet Meem’

Based on a novel by Egyptian author Ihsan Abdel Quddous, “Emberatoreyet Meem,” is a remake of the first movie adaptation with the same name. The series sticks to the original story and reveals more details that were removed from the film. It tells the story of a widower trying to take care of his children who rebelled against him and deal with the modern-day issues they are going through.

The new adaptation will star Khaled El-Nabawy, Hala Shiha, Nour Nabawy, Mahmoud Hafez, Nashwa Mustafa, Mayan El-Sayed, and more. It streams on Shahid.

‘Noqta Entaha’

Faris Yaqoub, a small neighborhood pharmacist struggling with Parkinson’s disease struggles to hide his first crime, which he committed by mistake against his wife's teenage brother. On the other hand, his wife seeks to uncover the truth about the murder of her only brother.

The crime series stars Abed Fahd, Nada Abu Farhat, Adel Karam, Fouad Ghazi, Anas Tayara, Khaled El-Sayed, and others, and airs on MTV.

‘Farawla’

Fortune Teller Farawla, the daughter of a security guard, tries to get herself and her family out of poverty by becoming a social media celebrity. Going through many comic events and struggles, things turn out in her favor, fortunately, and she becomes the leading expert in the field of energy.




This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)

The series stars Nelly Karim, Shaimaa Saif, Ahmed Faheem, Ola Rushdy, and others. It airs on DMC and other streaming platforms.

‘Baba Ja’

Hisham finds himself at a crossroads after being laid off from his job in a hotel, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he must find work and take care of his family under difficult circumstances. A new life unfolds as he faces the responsibility of taking care of his children at home while encountering many paradoxes and surprises along the way to finding a new job.

The comedy-drama stars Akram Hosny, Mahmoud El-Bezzawy, Nesrine Amin, Sama Ibrahim, Mohamed Otaka, and others. It streams on Shahid.

‘Bedon Sabeq Inthar’

Two parents face the worst fear of their lives when they find out that their son is suffering from late stage cancer with no hope of survival. The parents explore possible ways to save their son while going through the helplessness, sorrow, and heartbreak of losing a child.

Starring Asser Yassin, Aicha Ben Ahmed, Nihal Anbar, and others, the series airs on DMC and other streaming platforms.

‘Sodfa’

A history teacher named Sodfa experiences a coincidence that makes her life take an unexpected turn of events. She becomes involved in a relationship with Fouad Mohran, the owner of a hair salon, that pushes her to tell him a secret she has been keeping for a very long time. This makes Mohran determined to uncover the truth behind the information he now has.




This year’s lineup of TV shows promises enticing plots and twists in all genres, drama, slice of life, sci-fi, thriller, crime, historical, and more, starring A-list actors from around the Arab world. (Supplied)

The show stars Riham Haggag, Khaled El-Sawi, Essam Elsaka, Salwa Khattab, and others. It airs on CBC and DMC.

‘Atabat Al-Bahja’

The 70-year-old widower Bahgat Alansari is the sole carer for his grandchildren as his son and daughter-in-law are busy making a living. The grandfather of two, Hala and Omar, goes through unexpected conflicts with his grandchildren and meets new people every day.

This comedy series stars Yahia El-Fakhrany, Jomana Morad, Salah Abdallah, Sama Ibrahim, and more. It airs on DMC.

‘Cobra’

Fresh out of prison with a new mindset and goal to live a clean life, Ali Saleh Alma’adawi, known as Cobra, meets his previous mentor Shaykhon, who frames him for a murder and disappears. Cobra then loses his mother and sister and begins to move between cities with a bunch of friends to hide from the law until he provides evidence to prove his innocence.

Starring Mohamed Imam, Ahmed Fathy, Magdy Kamel, Mahmoud Abdul Moghni, Menna Fadali, Mohamed Tharwat, and more, the series airs on MBC Masr and the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Khaled Noor and His Son Noor Khaled’

Noor is a sound engineer whose father Khaled and mother Ghada died in a nuclear explosion when he was a child. One day, when Noor was taking his son to kindergarten, he shockingly meets his father from the past taking the child Noor to kindergarten as well. As they cannot believe their eyes, the father and son embark on a journey to find the reason behind this phenomenon.

Starring Chico, Karim Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, Aya Samaha, Donia Maher, Sharif Ramzy, and others, the show will be aired on MBC Masr and the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Ashghal Shaqa’

A family of four — a husband who works as a doctor, a wife who works as a TV presenter, and their twins — face endless crises with nannies and housekeepers that affect the working parents’ flow of life.

This comedy series starring Hesham Maged, Asmaa Galal, Salwa Mohamed Ali, Moustafa Ghareeb, Mohamed Abdel Azim, and more, airs on MBC Masr and the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Nema El-Avoccato’

From the heart of one of Cairo’s old neighborhoods, lawyer Nema rolls her sleeves up to go on a mission to defend wronged prisoners and help those who are looking for a shoulder to lean on, all while protecting herself from her oppressive and irresponsible husband.

Starring Mai Omar, Ahmed Zaher, Arwa, Kamal Abu Raya, Emad Zeyadah, and others, the series airs on MBC Masr and the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Kamel El-Addad +1’

After Ahmed and Salma’s love blossomed with marriage in the first season, the relationship and communication between the couple’s children starts shaking as they face issues and troubles that bring them together at times and pushes them apart at other times.

This comedy show stars Dina Al-Sherbiny, Sherif Salama, Essad Youniss, Olfat Imam, Aya Samaha, and others, and airs on the Shahid streaming platform.

‘Sayed Al-Aqarib’

Ayda is a middle-aged woman living a miserable life that gets even worse after her brother dies. She tries to find the culprit while facing and resolving the conflicts between her family and another family in the new hell she is living in.

The show stars Ghada Abdel Razek, Ryadh El-Khouly, Mohamed Alaa, Simone, Mahemmed Aly Rizk, and others. It airs on Shahid.

‘Masar Egbari’

Two friends, Hassan and Hussein, discover a secret that turns their lives upside-down. They embark on a journey to unravel the truth behind this secret, which gets more mysterious with each revelation.

This thriller series stars Ahmed Dash, Essam Omar, Basma, Sabreen, Roshdy El-Shamy, Mai Elgheity, Nour Ehab, and others. It airs on Shahid.

 


Saudi Arabia, Argentina discuss strengthening ties in Riyadh meeting

Saudi Arabia, Argentina discuss strengthening ties in Riyadh meeting
Updated 52 min 51 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia, Argentina discuss strengthening ties in Riyadh meeting

Saudi Arabia, Argentina discuss strengthening ties in Riyadh meeting
  • Reviewed key regional and international developments; exchanged views on global diplomatic efforts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan welcomed Gerardo Werthein, his counterpart from Argentina, at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their meeting, the two ministers discussed avenues to enhance relations between the Kingdom and Argentina, as well as exploring opportunities to expand joint cooperation in various fields, SPA added.

They also reviewed key regional and international developments and exchanged views on global diplomatic efforts, reflecting both nations’ commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic ties while addressing shared international challenges.

The reception was also attended by Saud Al-Sati, undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs.


‘Countryside Winter’ festival in Madinah draws more than 7,000 visitors

‘Countryside Winter’ festival in Madinah draws more than 7,000 visitors
Updated 09 February 2025
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‘Countryside Winter’ festival in Madinah draws more than 7,000 visitors

‘Countryside Winter’ festival in Madinah draws more than 7,000 visitors
  • Event highlights local agriculture and boosts rural economy
  • Festival part of effort to improve quality of life in the region

MADINAH: More than 7,000 visitors attended the “Countryside Winter” festival in Madinah, organized by Reef Saudi, the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, to highlight local agricultural and heritage products while boosting the rural economy.

The three-day event set out to promote rural tourism and show off the authentic rural charm of different regions in Saudi Arabia. It attracted families and individual visitors, with a significant turnout from locals and tourists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival reflects the growth of rural tourism in Madinah, according to Reef Saudi spokesperson Majed Al-Buraikan, who said that it had 22 program beneficiaries participating to present a range of products.

These included fresh fruit, natural honey, aromatic oils, and traditional handicrafts, all representing the region’s heritage.

Visitors enjoyed cultural performances, traditional games, and interactive displays of handicrafts and sustainable farming practices, providing an immersive experience for all age groups.

Al-Buraikan said that the strong turnout highlighted the community’s interest in supporting local products, contributing to the economic sustainability of rural communities and enhancing the quality of local production.

He added that each booth at the festival showed a success story, reflecting Reef Saudi’s ongoing efforts to empower small farmers and artisans through training in modern agricultural techniques.

Reef Saudi continues to strengthen the rural economy by supporting small-scale farmers and producers while providing marketing platforms to increase awareness and expand opportunities for local products, he said.

The event is part of wider efforts to boost the local economy and improve living standards in Madinah under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

On Wednesday, officials from the Madinah Region Development Authority said that quality of life, the economy and culture were improving, and that they aim to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.


KSrelief continues global humanitarian works

KSrelief continues global humanitarian works
Updated 09 February 2025
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KSrelief continues global humanitarian works

KSrelief continues global humanitarian works

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues its global humanitarian works with recent initiatives ranging from the provision of shelter kits to the delivery of dates in some countries.

At the Samoun Camp in the Al-Shihr District of Yemen’s Hadhramaut governorate, the aid agency distributed emergency shelter kits to displaced people amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

In Bangladesh, KSrelief 500 food boxes as part of a larger initiative to provide food to those affected by floods and cyclones in the country.

In Pakistan, 4,450 winter kits were distributed in several districts in the Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces as part of KSrelief’s efforts to support countries and communities around the world.

KSrelief also delivered 25 tonnes of dates Sierra Leone and 25 tonnes of dates to Cambodia as a gift from Saudi Arabia.


Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu’s remarks on displacing Palestinians

Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu’s remarks on displacing Palestinians
Updated 09 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu’s remarks on displacing Palestinians

Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu’s remarks on displacing Palestinians
  • Kingdom reiterates the right of Palestinian people ‘will remain firmly established and no one will be able to take it away from them’
  • Lasting peace will only be achieved by ‘returning to the logic of reason and accepting the principle of peaceful coexistence,’ it adds

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday reiterated its categorical rejection of statements regarding the displacement of the Palestinian people from their land, particularly those made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it rejected “such statements that aim to divert attention from the continuous crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian brothers in Gaza, including the ethnic cleansing they are subjected to.”

The ministry likewise expressed its appreciation of the “condemnation, disapproval and total rejection announced by the brotherly countries” regarding the Israeli leader’s comments.

“The Kingdom also points out that this extremist, occupying mentality does not understand what the Palestinian land means to the brotherly people of Palestine and their emotional, historical and legal connection to this land, and it does not think that the Palestinian people deserve to live in the first place, as it has completely destroyed the Gaza Strip, killed and injured more than 160,000, most of them children and women, without the slightest human feeling or moral responsibility,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said.

“The Kingdom affirms that the Palestinian people have a right to their land, and they are not intruders or immigrants to it who can be expelled whenever the brutal Israeli occupation wishes.

 

 

“The Kingdom notes that the proponents of these extremist ideas are the ones who prevented Israel from accepting peace by refusing peaceful coexistence, rejecting the peace initiatives adopted by the Arab countries, and systematically practicing injustice toward the Palestinian people for more than 75 years, with disregard to the truth, justice, law and the values established in the United Nations Charter, including the human’s right to live in dignity on his land,” the statement added.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry also reiterated that the right of the Palestinian people “will remain firmly established and no one will be able to take it away from them no matter how long it takes.”

It added lasting peace would only be achieved by “returning to the logic of reason and accepting the principle of peaceful coexistence through the two-state solution.”

Egypt earlier condemned as “irresponsible” statements by Israeli officials suggesting establishing a Palestinian state on Saudi territory, with its Foreign Ministry emphasizing that the suggestion was a “direct infringement of Saudi sovereignty.” It added that the Kingdom’s security was a “red line for Egypt.”

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry described the Israeli remarks as “inflammatory and a clear violation of international law, relevant UN resolutions and state sovereignty.”

Spokesperson Sufian Qudah criticized what he described as Israel’s continued provocative policies and rhetoric, stressing that such statements reflect an exclusionary and hostile approach that undermines regional stability, Petra reported.

Jordan, he added, stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia against these statements, urging international actors to take a firm stance against irresponsible rhetoric that threatens peace efforts.

The UAE also strongly condemned and denounced Netanyahu’s “reprehensible and provocative” statements regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia and “affirmed its categorical rejection of these unacceptable statements.”


Saudi Arabia reiterates rejection of Israeli comments on displacement of Palestinians from their land

Saudi Arabia reiterates rejection of Israeli comments on displacement of Palestinians from their land
Updated 09 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia reiterates rejection of Israeli comments on displacement of Palestinians from their land

Saudi Arabia reiterates rejection of Israeli comments on displacement of Palestinians from their land
  • Kingdom appreciates ‘condemnation, disapproval and total rejection of brotherly countries’ toward Israeli statements
  • Egypt, Jordan, Gulf states and GCC all issued statements

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday reiterated its categorical rejection of statements regarding the displacement of the Palestinian people from their land, particularly those made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it rejected “such statements that aim to divert attention from the continuous crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian brothers in Gaza, including the ethnic cleansing they are subjected to.”

The ministry likewise expressed its appreciation of the “condemnation, disapproval and total rejection announced by the brotherly countries” regarding the Israeli leader’s comments.

“The Kingdom also points out that this extremist, occupying mentality does not understand what the Palestinian land means to the brotherly people of Palestine and their emotional, historical and legal connection to this land, and it does not think that the Palestinian people deserve to live in the first place, as it has completely destroyed the Gaza Strip, killed and injured more than 160,000, most of them children and women, without the slightest human feeling or moral responsibility,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said.

“The Kingdom affirms that the Palestinian people have a right to their land, and they are not intruders or immigrants to it who can be expelled whenever the brutal Israeli occupation wishes.

“The Kingdom notes that the proponents of these extremist ideas are the ones who prevented Israel from accepting peace by refusing peaceful coexistence, rejecting the peace initiatives adopted by the Arab countries, and systematically practicing injustice toward the Palestinian people for more than 75 years, with disregard to the truth, justice, law and the values established in the United Nations Charter, including the human’s right to live in dignity on his land,” the statement added.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry also reiterated that the right of the Palestinian people “will remain firmly established and no one will be able to take it away from them no matter how long it takes.”

It added lasting peace would only be achieved by “returning to the logic of reason and accepting the principle of peaceful coexistence through the two-state solution.”

Egypt earlier condemned as “irresponsible” statements by Israeli officials suggesting establishing a Palestinian state on Saudi territory, with its Foreign Ministry emphasizing that the suggestion was a “direct infringement of Saudi sovereignty.” It added that the Kingdom’s security was a “red line for Egypt.”

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry described the Israeli remarks as “inflammatory and a clear violation of international law, relevant UN resolutions and state sovereignty.”

Spokesperson Sufian Qudah criticized what he described as Israel’s continued provocative policies and rhetoric, stressing that such statements reflect an exclusionary and hostile approach that undermines regional stability, Petra reported.

Jordan, he added, stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia against these statements, urging international actors to take a firm stance against irresponsible rhetoric that threatens peace efforts.

The UAE also strongly condemned and denounced Netanyahu’s “reprehensible and provocative” statements regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia and “affirmed its categorical rejection of these unacceptable statements.”

Jassim Al-Budaiwi, the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, on Sunday condemned the Israeli statements, describing them as “dangerous and irresponsible.”

He noted that the GCC countries strongly supported Saudi Arabia’s advocacy for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of a Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders.

Al-Budaiwi urged the international community to take a “serious and decisive” stand against aggressive Israeli statements that threaten the security and stability of the region.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs also rejected Netanyahu’s statements and expressed its support for Saudi Arabia in defense of its stability and sovereignty.

Bahrain said that these Israeli comments were “irresponsible,” and the suggestion of establishing a Palestinian state on Saudi territory was “a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter.”

The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that Manama was fully supportive “of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and stands by its security, stability, and sovereignty.”

It added that preserving the rights of Palestinians and preventing their displacement from their lands, alongside establishing a Palestinian state, was the only path to a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

Qatar also condemned Netanyahu’s comment suggesting establishing a Palestinian state inside Saudi territory, the Qatari foreign ministry said in statement.

Qatar, a key mediator in Gaza ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel, described Netanyahu’s statement as “provocative.”

with Reuters