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.

 


Rare manuscripts on show at international book fair

Rare manuscripts on show at international book fair
Updated 28 September 2024
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Rare manuscripts on show at international book fair

Rare manuscripts on show at international book fair

RIYADH: Visitors to the King Fahd National Library pavilion at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair have been captivated by a collection of six rare historical manuscripts.

Among the treasures on display is an Arabic Qur’an manuscript dating back to 1009 AH featuring Persian interpretations in the margins, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Other highlights include a Hebrew scroll and a manuscript of Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziya’s “Al-Kafiyah Ash-Shafiyah” from 1274 AH.

Since its establishment in 1983, the library has been dedicated to acquiring, organizing, preserving and disseminating intellectual works. Today it is a national institution housing over 6,000 rare original manuscripts.

The library’s book fair pavilion features several sections that highlight its various roles and contributions.

The manuscripts and rare books section features a collection of cultural and intellectual treasures, while the registration section demonstrates the library’s commitment to documenting and preserving Saudi intellectual and cultural heritage. An interactive screen section provides visitors with informative videos about the library’s services and activities.

Meanwhile, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts pavilion offers experiences that combine exploration, entertainment and education by presenting the traditional art of Al-Sadu. The art form is a national heritage and a craft passed down through generations.

The pavilion gives visitors the chance to discover Al-Sadu tools and techniques and features a visual display of the weaving stages, as well as a coloring activity that features Al-Sadu patterns. It aims to enhance the Saudi national identity for both local and international visitors, highlighting the craft’s cultural value.

The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, which organizes the book fair, has introduced advanced technological services to elevate this year’s visitor experience. Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role with robots equipped to communicate in multiple languages stationed throughout the fair.

They assist visitors in navigating the event, helping them locate publishing houses and specific books, and offer audio summaries that highlight key themes and content.

Participating pavilions have fully embraced digital technology, with many publishers integrating interactive digital devices, AI-operated robots and informative screens into their exhibitions. Some booths even feature printing devices that allow visitors to obtain stories and publications on demand.

The fair, under the theme “Riyadh Reads,” runs until Oct. 5 at King Saud University. More than 2,000 publishing houses from over 30 countries are participating, spread across over 800 pavilions.

The fair also features Saudi, Arab and international cultural organizations and institutions, making it a key platform for publishers, intellectual and cultural exchange, and a meeting point for writers, thinkers, and culture and book enthusiasts from both within and outside the Kingdom.

This year’s guest of honor is Qatar, offering visitors a rich cultural experience that emphasizes the country’s literary and intellectual achievements, cultural heritage, history and diverse arts.


Saudi embassy celebrates National Day in Tokyo

Saudi embassy celebrates National Day in Tokyo
Updated 28 September 2024
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Saudi embassy celebrates National Day in Tokyo

Saudi embassy celebrates National Day in Tokyo

TOKYO: The Saudi embassy in Tokyo celebrated Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day with a reception at a local hotel attended by over 400 guests, including Japanese government officials, business leaders, diplomats, Saudi students and members of the Arab and Muslim communities.

The event started with the Saudi national anthem performed by Nahomi Koyasu, followed by the Japanese anthem.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Dr. Ghazi Binzagr welcomed everyone and said: “It was a day to be proud of our beautiful kingdom, its past, present and future, and the vision of its leader who guided us to establish the firm foundations of our nation based on values of our Arab and Islamic identity, a Kingdom of peace and prosperity.

“Today, we have become a beacon in the worlds of science, industry, economy and trade, a destination for the dedicated, committed and honest, and a place where people from all over the world gather to work with great pride in our diverse institutions.”

Binzagr shared his vision for the future, adding: “Yesterday, we were an oil-producing nation. Tomorrow, we aim to be a leader in energy and a powerhouse for alternative energy. We aim to become the global logistical hub that connects the East with the West, localizing industry and technology. Our commitment is to lead the world towards a responsible digital transformation and ensure a high quality of life for every citizen.”

He also highlighted the strength of the Kingdom's relationship with Japan: “Our relationship is of utmost importance, especially as we approach the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic ties next year. It is a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, common interests and shared values. Today, we see cooperation between our nations in all political, social, cultural, and economic fields. Japan is one of our most important partners in achieving the vision of the Saudi leadership 2030.”


KSrelief signs deal to support WHO’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine

KSrelief signs deal to support WHO’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine
Updated 28 September 2024
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KSrelief signs deal to support WHO’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine

KSrelief signs deal to support WHO’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency, KSrelief, has signed a $ 2million cooperation agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the organization’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, state news agency SPA reported.

The agreement was signed by KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

It is part of KSrelief’s efforts to enhance joint coordination with UN organizations and its humanitarian agencies towards serving the vulnerable and war-hit communities, according to a statement. 

As part of its medical projects, KSrelief also launched a medical project to fit prosthetic limbs for Ukrainian refugees in the city of Rzeszow, Poland, from September 23 to 29.


KSrelief signs deal with WHO to support healthcare in earthquake-hit Syria 

KSrelief signs deal with WHO to support healthcare in earthquake-hit Syria 
Updated 28 September 2024
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KSrelief signs deal with WHO to support healthcare in earthquake-hit Syria 

KSrelief signs deal with WHO to support healthcare in earthquake-hit Syria 

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency, KSrelief, signed a $4.7 million cooperation agreement on Friday with the World Health Organization (WHO) to support emergency and specialized health services in earthquake-hit areas in northwestern Syria. 
The agreement aims to provide treatment to more than 1.2 million people, including the displaced and the host community in these areas.
The agreement targets enhancing primary, secondary, and specialized healthcare. It will also work on reducing the spread of epidemics, and provide a safe health environment for the most vulnerable. 
Dialysis services will also be supported in 20 centers. 
The agreement was signed by KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.


Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis

Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis
Updated 28 September 2024
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Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis

Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis
  • Prince Faisal spotlighted the growing rift between a divided Security Council and the international consensus

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Friday urged the United Nations Security Council to get its act together and find a way to stop the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from widening further.
Speaking at a Security Council meeting in New York, Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat lamented that despite the successive resolutions passed by the General Assembly, there is no end in sight to the
“catastrophic  humanitarian situation” the people of Gaza are facing.
Prince Faisal made the plea as fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah continued to escalate, with Israel expanding its air strikes to the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, while Hezbollah targeting key Israeli facilities with missiles.
He faulted members of the council for being quick to use the veto rather than find consensus to resolve the Gaza crisis. He noted that since last October there were six draft resolutions where the veto was used out of ten.
Even then, he said, the resolutions that were adopted failed to achieve a ceasefire, failed to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and failed to pave the way for a creditable political path towards peace.
Last March, Russia and China vetoed a US-proposed resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an Israel-Hamas hostage deal. Other resolutions saw the US objecting and Britain abstaining.
In the 15-member Security Council, the permanent members — Britain China, France, Russia and the US — are entitled to a special voting power known as the ‘”right to veto.” A veto could defeat a resolution even if it is supported by a majority of the council members.
“What does the UNSC need to end the suffering, to implement international law?,” Prince Faisal said. “It is clear there is a widening gap between international consensus and divides within the Security Council, which undermine its performance.”
Prince Faisal cited the General Assembly for passing successive resolutions that reflected what countries where calling for: the urgent need for a ceasefire, providing humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip without interruption, and the right of Palestinians to self determination,
“We value the resolution of the General Assembly that recognized the eligibility of Palestine for full membership at the UN, by virtue of which Palestine received additional privileges, as well as the latest resolutions that called on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territory, he said.