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.

 


UN Internet Governance Forum concludes in Riyadh

UN Internet Governance Forum concludes in Riyadh
Updated 20 December 2024
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UN Internet Governance Forum concludes in Riyadh

UN Internet Governance Forum concludes in Riyadh
  • Event witnessed launch of Riyadh Declaration to help strengthen international partnerships in AI
  • Forum featured experts from 170 countries

RIYADH: The UN Internet Governance Forum concluded its 19th edition on Thursday at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.

The forum’s organizers said that the global event had focused on internet governance policies and emerging digital challenges. It had achieved the highest attendance in the history of the forum, surpassing 11,000 participants.

The forum also witnessed the launch of the Riyadh Declaration, a document which aims at strengthening international partnerships in artificial intelligence and digital technologies to serve humanity.

The event featured experts and specialists in internet technology and policy from 170 countries, with more than 1,000 international speakers contributing to over 300 sessions and workshops, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It revolved around four main topics: innovation and risk in the digital space; development and sustainability; promoting human rights and inclusiveness; and improving the digital governance of the internet, the SPA added.


King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concludes with record-breaking prize pool

King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concludes with record-breaking prize pool
Updated 19 December 2024
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King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concludes with record-breaking prize pool

King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concludes with record-breaking prize pool
  • The 17-day event featured 1,032 falconers from nine countries, 3,322 birds and a total prize pool of $9.6 million

The 2024 King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, which featured a prize pool of more than SR36 million ($9.6 million), the largest in the history of the event, concluded on Thursday.

The festival, which began on Dec. 3 and was organized by the The Saudi Falcons Club at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, featured 1,032 falconers, of whom 160 came from outside the Kingdom. They represented nine countries — Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Italy and Ireland — and brought with them 3,322 birds. A youth section included 49 young falconers.

The festival culminated in two rounds of the King’s Sword, the toughest and most lucrative section of the Melwah competition, with total prize pools of SR925,000 for each round.

Barghash Al-Mansouri, who won the first round in the Shaheen and Hur categories, said his falcon SH13 had performed exceptionally well to clinch first place. He said the bird has great strength but can be affected by adverse wind conditions. On the day, however, conditions were favorable and it was able to maintain stability and perform at its best.

He added that he had expected Shama, a falcon owned by Fahd Al-Mansouri, to take the top spot but instead it finished second. He thanked the club for its exceptional efforts in organizing the festival and congratulated all the winners, noting that the competition grows stronger each year.

Talal Al-Shumaisi, CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, thanked the Kingdom’s leaders for their support of falconry and its heritage, in particular Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is the club’s general supervisor. He also thanked Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, the chairman of the board of directors of the club, for his support.


Princess Nourah University launches ‘Itar’ exhibition to highlight student filmmaking projects

Princess Nourah University launches ‘Itar’ exhibition to highlight student filmmaking projects
Updated 19 December 2024
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Princess Nourah University launches ‘Itar’ exhibition to highlight student filmmaking projects

Princess Nourah University launches ‘Itar’ exhibition to highlight student filmmaking projects
  • The exhibition features seven short films, each with distinct themes drawn from the cultural identity of the Kingdom

RIYADH: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, represented by the College of Design and Arts, has launched the “Itar Exhibition 2024” to feature the graduation projects of 26 students from the film production and animation program.

The exhibition, which is part of the Department of Film and Theater Arts’ graduation project course, features seven short films, each with distinct themes drawn from the cultural identity of the Kingdom.

The exhibition highlights the cognitive, technical, and creative skills developed by the graduates through their film projects, demonstrating their proficiency in applying creative and critical thinking methodologies.

The exhibition provides a platform for interaction and collaboration among graduates, university students, employers, industry professionals, researchers, partners, the business sector, and the broader community. It also prepares graduates to compete in the job market and venture into entrepreneurship.

Haya Al-Rashoud, head of the Department of Film and Theater Arts at PNU, said that the exhibition is part of the College of Design and Arts’ commitment to developing national talent. It aims to foster a supportive and inspiring environment for creativity, expertise, and specialized scientific skills, while aligning with the evolving demands of the labor market, particularly in the film industry.

The “Itar Exhibition 2024” at the College of Design and Arts reflects the objectives of PNU’s 2025 strategic plan, aiming to cultivate competitive talent and empower female students. It creates an educational environment that inspires creativity, enriches cultural and artistic expression, and promotes learning, research, and innovation. 

Additionally, it underscores the university’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership in driving development and progress.


Telling stories of Al-Ahsa through art 

Telling stories of Al-Ahsa through art 
Updated 19 December 2024
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Telling stories of Al-Ahsa through art 

Telling stories of Al-Ahsa through art 
  • Fatima Al-Hammadi uses fronds to showcase the history and heritage of her region through a natural element 

 

MAKKAH: In a small house shaded by palm trees in the heart of Al-Ahsa’s palm oasis, artist Fatima Al-Hammadi transforms fronds – often considered mere remnants of palm trees – into works of art.

Her creations tell the story of Al-Ahsa’s ancient heritage. Since childhood, Al-Hammadi viewed the surrounding palm trees from a unique perspective. 

They were not just a source of livelihood; they symbolized civilization itself. Motivated by this, she decided to breathe new life into the fronds, using her art to highlight the beauty of Saudi heritage both locally and internationally.

A graphic artist accredited by the Saudi Ministry of Education, Al-Hammadi told Arab News, “I have always been passionate about graphic art. It is a dream I have aspired to achieve on the global stage. 

“I have always wanted to become an internationally recognized graphic artist. Today, I am working hard to make that dream a reality, armed with my skills and my deep connection to the heritage of my homeland, Al-Ahsa.”

“Al-Ahsa, the famous palm oasis in the Eastern Province, inspired me to transform the land’s natural bounty into art. Palm fronds are the primary material I use in my work. I take them – once considered waste, destined to be burned – and transform them into art that reflects the story of Al-Ahsa’s civilization and heritage. My goal has always been to showcase the history and heritage of my region through this natural element. My work has been highly appreciated in Al-Ahsa and across the Kingdom,” she explained.

“During the various exhibitions and events I have participated in, I noticed the public’s interest and fascination with artwork that blends nature and creativity.” She attributes her choice of palm fronds to her inspiration from nature itself, which has earned her recognition among both art lovers and heritage enthusiasts.

Reflecting on the evolution of graphic art in the Kingdom, Al-Hammadi noted its remarkable growth and prosperity. 

“The fact that young men and women are showing increased interest in graphic arts signals the maturing taste of the Kingdom’s art scene. However, this sector requires greater support from art institutions,” she said, emphasizing the importance of artists’ awareness of their local culture and national heritage in fostering the growth of graphic art.

Underlining the need for more local and international art exhibitions and opportunities for artists to participate in local, Arab and international art fair, she said: “This kind of support is crucial for raising the profile of Saudi graphic art and enabling it to compete on the world stage.”

With her ambitious vision and the support of her community, Al-Hammadi looks forward to a bright future for graphic arts in the Kingdom, where creativity serves as a bridge between the ancient past and the present. 


Attempt to smuggle 180 kg of qat thwarted in Saudi Arabia’s Asir

Attempt to smuggle 180 kg of qat thwarted in Saudi Arabia’s Asir
Updated 19 December 2024
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Attempt to smuggle 180 kg of qat thwarted in Saudi Arabia’s Asir

Attempt to smuggle 180 kg of qat thwarted in Saudi Arabia’s Asir

ASIR: Saudi authorities in Al-Raboah, Asir, have foiled an attempt to smuggle 180 kg of qat. Legal procedures have been initiated and the confiscated drug handed over to the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, the authorities have arrested a resident in Yanbu for attempting to sell methamphetamine (shabu). Legal action has been taken against him, and he has been referred to the Public Prosecution.

Elsewhere, land patrols of the Border Guard in Al-Dayer, Jazan, have apprehended six Ethiopians for attempting to smuggle 162 kg of qat. Preliminary legal procedures have taken place and the suspects, along with the seized drug, handed over to the relevant authorities.

Security authorities have urged citizens and residents to report any activities related to drug smuggling or trafficking. Informants can contact the authorities by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.