Ramadan TV: 25 mustwatch shows: From Adel Imam to Yasmine Sabri, soap operas steal the spotlight
One of the joys of Ramadan is not just spending time with family and friends, but doing so while tuning in to some top-billed programming on the telly. Of course, over the years, streaming platforms have also jumped in on delivering exclusive content for the season.
tabloid! clicks on to bring you our shortlist of shows that are perfect for some rest and relaxation with loved ones this Ramadan.
Bab Al Hara Where to tune in: Weyyak
Despite much press last Ramadan, the makers of Bab Al Hara were unable to release the 10th season of the popular Arabic-Syrian series. Fans had to wait a whole year to tune into this popular soap opera set in colonial Damascus. The show is set in the fictitious city of Al Hara with its denizens engaged in a fight against the French occupation. Will the French army prevail or will the resistance stand strong?
Awalem Khafiya
Where to tune in: Zee Alawan Ramadan favourite, Egyptian star Adel Imam plays Hilal Kamel, a veteran journalist who discovers the memoir of an actress who was killed years ago. Although her death was ruled as a suicide, the memoir reveals clues that point towards murder at the hands of the mafia over fears of secrets being divulged through her book. Hilal investigates the story, especially after discovering the corruption scandal involves many influential figures.
The Writer
Where to tune in: Abu Dhabi TV and Netflix Syrian actor Bassel Khayyat and Lebanese starlet Daniella Rahme star in The
Writer, a story of a bestselling crime novelist who becomes the primary suspect when a murder case is eerily similar to a plot in his novel. Once accused, he must navigate a web of hidden enemies to clear his name. The
is directed by the renowned Rami Hanna.
Hogan
Where to tune in: Abu Dhabi TV Hulk Hogan he’s not, but a young man with supernatural abilities does earn the nickname when he’s able to pull cars with his brute force and dares to eat glass. Will society accept him for who he is? Mohammad Imam stars.
Kalabsh 3 Where to tune in: MBC 4
Action star Amir Karaara returns as Selim Al Ansari for the third season of the hit series. We learn Selim has resigned from his job in the Ministry of Interior Affairs and has launched his own security firm. However, things don’t go according to plan.
Wa Ma Adrak Ma Omy Where to tune in: OSN Ya Hala Al Oula
The series narrates the story of a mother who treats her children unfairly. After years of convincing her loved ones she’s suffering from an illness, they come to realise she has deceived them.
Bil Afiya Maa Hayat (Bon Appetit with Hayat) Where to tune in: Fatafeat TV
An Emirati with Bahraini roots, Hayat Al Shaibani is a chef of Arabic cuisine, specialising in Khaleeji food. In a new concept, Al Shaibani will devise a mixed menu.
Haramlak Where to tune in: MBC 1
The historical fantasy takes fans into the reign of the Ottoman Empire, following the Mamluks as the progress from slavery to militar leaders and infiltrate the po Soliman, Bassem Yakhour a
Hekayti Where to tune in: OSN Ya Hala Al Oula
Egyptian star Yasmine Sabri returns to the small screen with Hekayti. Her character suffered a great trauma as a child. Moving away to the big city as she grows up, the trauma begins to resurface.
Baytak Wa Matbakhak Where to tune in: Zee Alawan
What’s Ramadan without a cooking show or three to borrow ideas from? Baytak
Wa Matbakhak shares cooking tips to prepare delicious Arabic recipes in simple and easy ways.
Zelzal
Where to tune in: MBC 1 Mohammad Ramadan returns with a new series, playing the role of father and son on the show. Zelzal or Earthquake takes us into the devastating tremor that hit Egypt back in 1992. Hala Shiha returns to the screen after a 12-year hiatus.
Khamsa W Nos
Where to tune in: OSN Ya Hala Al Oula Ghamar Al Ghanem is a businessman who falls in love with Bayan Najm Al Deen, a successful doctor. But things are never that easy and their romance hits a hurdle.
What If? Where to tune in: Abu Dhabi TV and Netflix
Munther Rayhana, Khalid Amin, Aseel Omran, and Rawan Mahdi star in this Kuwaiti drama directed by Hussain Dashti, which tells the story of four individuals at a crossroads.
In the Bosom of a Thorn Where to tune in: Netflix
Elham Fadala, Ibrahim Al Harbi, Laila Abdullah and Abeer Ahmad star in this drama set during the Gulf War. After Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, a woman’s infant daughter is taken from her. Now, years later, her daughter looks to make her way back home. This drama is directed by Hamad Al Badri and produced by Kunooz Al Khaleej.
I Have a Script Where to tune in: Netflix
Starring Kuwaiti TV veteran Souad Abdullah and Kuwaiti TV sweetheart Shejoun Al Hajri, the social comedy revolves around a woman who decides to pursue her passion for writing by penning television scripts following the death of a loved one. The series is directed by Munir Al Zoubi and produced by Kunooz Al Khaleej.
Weld Al Ghlaba Where to tune in: MBC Masr
An impoverished Egyptian tries to make an honest living. By day, he’s a teacher, and by night, he drives a taxi. Yet, despite his best intentions, he gets caught in the web of a drug cartel.
Sanie Al’ahlam Where to tune in: Abu Dhabi TV
A physicist, played by Maxim Khalil, inherits a dream-interpreting talent of his father. Soon he finds a way to influence dreams, as well as the ability to plot and control events.
Mamlaket Al Ghager
Where to tune in: Weyyak Directed by Abdelaziz Hashad, this series gives an in-depth look into the lives of gypsies, who many believe, originated from Egypt. Fifi Abdou takes the lead here, playing a gypsy woman from Egypt.
Super Miro Where to tune in: Weyyak
Superhero fatigue? What’s that, especially when Arab world’s Super Miro is ready to kick some baddies into shape? Amy Samir Ghanem is a journalist by day and Super Miro by night, a vigilante who may not always get everything right in the first go, but her heart’s in the right place. Comic genius Samir Ghanem plays her father.