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)
Short Url
Updated 24 March 2024
Follow

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’s mental health revolution driven by awareness and accessibility

Saudi Arabia’s mental health revolution driven by awareness and accessibility
Updated 13 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s mental health revolution driven by awareness and accessibility

Saudi Arabia’s mental health revolution driven by awareness and accessibility
  • Expert describes how younger generation is more accepting
  • Government support plays key role in improving perceptions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is experiencing a shift in perceptions of mental health, driven by younger generations and supported by continuous education and outreach programs.

“In the past 20-30 years, there has been a huge advancement in the outlook towards mental health,” said Dr. Majid Al-Desouki, consultant psychiatrist and founder of Psyter, a Saudi mental health app.

In previous decades, mental health was considered a taboo topic, often misunderstood as a sign of weakness or moral failing.

Dr. Al-Desouki told Arab News about how in the past, this misunderstanding sometimes led to drastic measures taken against individuals who exhibited signs of mental illness.

“Previously people would be embarrassed to admit that they had a mental health problem and would do their best to make it hidden,” said Dr. Al-Desouki.

“Now people don’t have a problem waiting in the waiting area in the mental health clinic or mentioning to their friends ‘I’ve seen this professional, and I recommend them to you,’” he said.

The National Center for Mental Health Promotion plays a central role in Saudi Arabia’s mental health landscape.

Established in 2019 to advance awareness, education, and accessibility, it is one of the key government-backed organizations dedicated to tackling stigma and expanding support services.

The center provides consultations through its mental health service app, Qareboon, conducts training courses, and works to enhance support across rural and urban areas through psychological assistance programs and community activities.

According to Sara Al-Duhayan, a 23-year-old student who has sought mental health support and witnessed the changes in perceptions in Saudi firsthand, attitudes have shifted even within families.

 “Five or so years ago, it was impossible for (my family) to acknowledge any sort of mental issue,” Al-Duhayan said.

“Now their viewpoint has changed. They realize it’s a normal thing for people to go through,” she added.

A key factor in this transformation is accessibility. Digital tools like Psyter and Qareboon have revolutionized how mental health support is provided in Saudi Arabia.

Psyter offers virtual therapy sessions, while Qareboon provides localized mental health resources and professional guidance. These platforms reduce the stigma of seeking help by allowing individuals to access support privately and conveniently.

Dr. Al-Desouki highlighted the practical benefits of such platforms, noting that for many people in rural areas, traveling to mental health clinics can be challenging due to time and distance.

“When it comes to geographical distance, people living in the extreme north of the country or the extreme south, if they’re in a village around Riyadh or any other city they’re not going to be able to find care anywhere near them,” Al-Desouki said.

“There must be a better way to help these people without having them either take a plane or drive and put themselves at risk of accidents just for an appointment,” he adds.

Digital tools offer a solution by saving time and bridging geographical gaps, making it easier for individuals to access support regardless of location.

Awareness campaigns have significantly reduced stigma. The National Center for the Promotion of Mental Health has promoted mental well-being through educational initiatives, community activities, and workplace programs across public and private sectors.

“Everyone is so much more aware about it,” said Al-Duhayan. “People encourage others to seek therapy and aren’t embarrassed to share their experiences.”

This shift is a testament to the effectiveness of continuous education and outreach programs.

Generational differences further illustrate the cultural shift. Younger Saudis, in particular, are at the forefront of this change, according to Dr. Al-Desouki. They openly discuss their struggles and actively seek help.

“A big reason for the change in perception is because a lot of the population is a younger generation who are more open to accessing mental health care and bettering themselves in that respect,” said Dr. Al-Desouki.

Older generations are also beginning to adopt a more accepting view of mental health. “Even that age group has changed in perception somewhat over the years,” he added.

Dr. Al-Desouki stressed the importance of maintaining the momentum of reducing stigma around mental health. “If you can prevent mental illness, the outcomes are much better than waiting for a condition to develop,” he said. “And a cornerstone of prevention is education.”

As Saudi Arabia continues educating its citizens and expanding mental health care access, it paves the way for a future where mental health is more widely embraced.

Sustained efforts in awareness and accessibility will ensure these changes endure, according to Dr. Al-Desouki.

“Mental health awareness is a continuous process; it shouldn’t stop,” he said.

 


Young Saudi’s journey to enrolling at one of the world’s oldest tailoring academies

Yousef Tammar is a 23-year-old Saudi bespoke tailor currently studying at one of the world’s oldest schools of its kind in Italy
Yousef Tammar is a 23-year-old Saudi bespoke tailor currently studying at one of the world’s oldest schools of its kind in Italy
Updated 4 min 19 sec ago
Follow

Young Saudi’s journey to enrolling at one of the world’s oldest tailoring academies

Yousef Tammar is a 23-year-old Saudi bespoke tailor currently studying at one of the world’s oldest schools of its kind in Italy
  • Yousef Tammar studies for 12 hours a day at the Accademia Nazionale dei Sartori
  • Aspiring tailor was inspired by Italian cuts at a young age

RIYADH: Yousef Tammar is a 23-year-old Saudi bespoke tailor currently studying at one of the world’s oldest schools of its kind in Italy.

Currently enrolled at the Accademia Nazionale dei Sartori in Rome — a tailoring academy that traces its roots back to 1575 — the Jeddah native has gone on a personal journey, which reflects his deep commitment to craftsmanship.

Tammar’s passion for fashion was ignited at the age of 14. Initially driven by a desire to present himself well among family and peers, he soon found inspiration in the vast world of style through YouTube videos focused on men’s fashion. “Fashion became a way for me to express myself and connect with others,” he told Arab News.

Growing up in Saudi Arabia, where traditional garments such as the thobe dominate daily wear, Tammar’s early exposure to fashion was characterized by a limited variety of clothing. He noticed that deviating from the norm could attract unwanted attention.

But a pivotal moment in Tammar’s journey occurred during a family trip to Italy just before his final year of high school. This trip introduced him to the intricate world of tailoring and artisanal garment-making.

A visit to Fortela in Forte dei Marmi, where he met owner Alessandro Squarzi, opened his eyes to bespoke tailoring and niche ready-to-wear garments.

“Meeting Alessandro was like unlocking a door to a whole new world of fashion,” Tammar said. This experience solidified his interest in pursuing a career in the industry.

His choice to study in Italy was largely serendipitous; the right course in pattern-making and sewing happened to be available there.

Still, “Italy has this aura about it that makes you feel fashion in your bones,” he explained. Even if other options were available, he would still choose Italy for its rich fashion heritage and vibrant atmosphere.

Throughout his educational journey, Tammar learned valuable lessons that shaped his approach to tailoring. He described how he discovered a way to exceed his own limits, and learned the importance of maintaining composure during challenging times.

“Every challenge is an opportunity to grow,” he said.

The contrast between the Italian approach to tailoring and what he experienced in Saudi Arabia soon became clear.

In Italy, the emphasis is on handwork and artisanship, while the garments he encountered in Saudi Arabia were predominantly mass-produced, even in prestigious tailoring shops.

Saudi culture significantly influences contemporary fashion, particularly in menswear, where traditional styles tend to dominate.

“Mainstream Saudi culture keeps fashion somewhat dormant,” Tammar said, noting that the culture leans toward conventional shapes and cuts.

However, he sees potential in modernizing traditional Saudi garments, such as the thobe and daglah, incorporating them into contemporary designs.

The fusion of Western and Middle Eastern styles excites him, as it creates opportunities for innovative silhouettes and distinctive combinations. “Fusion can bring a refreshing perspective to fashion,” he said, emphasizing the importance of blending influences.

Studying abroad presented its own set of challenges for Tammar, particularly in terms of language. Learning Italian became essential for effective communication, but it was a challenge he embraced with enthusiasm.

“Learning a new language opened up a whole new world for me,” he said.

Another hurdle has been adjusting his sleep schedule to accommodate the demanding nature of his studies, which often see him working for 12 hours a day.

A highlight of his journey was designing a daglah for the Harrod’s Hive 2025 event in Riyadh. “Creating something for such a prestigious event was surreal,” he said.

Most rewarding, however, has been the realization of his aspiration to become a master tailor.

Looking ahead, Tammar aims to bring artisanship and luxury bespoke craftsmanship to Saudi Arabia.

“I want to create a space where tradition meets modernity,” he said, as he hopes to establish his own bespoke tailoring shop and start his own fashion line once he accumulates enough experience.

Tammar hopes to see a future in Saudi fashion characterized by locally made garments and fabrics. “We should aspire to be producers, not just consumers,” he said, envisioning a broader range of styles beyond the traditional.

Tammar describes his personal style as adaptive, varying based on occasion and mood.

“I believe in the power of versatility in fashion,” he said. His own style incorporates tailored elegance in some situations while opting for loose and comfortable fits for work.

While current trends may not capture his attention, Tammar still draws inspiration from his peers in the fashion world: “My classmates inspire me daily; we learn from each other.” 

He said that his peers have had a significant influence on his approach to tailoring, including the designer, Noe Falchi, with whom he collaborated on a fashion show.

Speaking to aspiring tailors and designers in Saudi Arabia, Tammar emphasized the importance of devotion.

“You must be ready to commit fully to your goals,” he said, noting that success in the industry requires unwavering commitment.

He encouraged aspiring creatives to embrace change and remain open to growth, as adaptability is crucial in a dynamic field.

Sustainability is another cornerstone of Tammar’s philosophy. “We have a responsibility to promote sustainability in fashion,” he said. Each garment he creates is made to order, minimizing waste and ensuring that material consumption is carefully calculated.

Tammar’s journey demonstrates the power of passion, dedication and the fusion of different cultures, as he continues to carve out his path in the industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond.


Saudi Arabia, Argentina discuss strengthening ties in Riyadh meeting

Saudi Arabia, Argentina discuss strengthening ties in Riyadh meeting
Updated 09 February 2025
Follow

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
Follow

‘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
Follow

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.