08/22/2009 10:43 PM
No Ramadan is complete without a catch-up on your most favourite soaps - and this year the competition is hot. As you can watch only so many episodes in one day I've tried to narrow down the picks for the season to ensure your viewing pleasure (a tough task, to say the least!).
Egyptian drama has a lot to offer this year, such as Afrah Eblis (Satan's delight), starring Jamal Sulaiman. Highly respected comedian Mohammad Sobhi also returns after 10 years with the sixth season of Wanees We Ahfaduh (Wanees and his grandchildren), while cinema star Nour Al Sherif returns with two works, Al Rahaya and Maktkhafoush, (Don't Be Scared), about a newspaper owner who tries to expose corruption cases.
Every year, I can't help look forward to what veteran actor Yehya Al Fakharani has to offer. This Ramadan, the star will appear in a social series titled Ibn Al Arandali.
Stories about the lives of celebrities are usually major hits in Ramadan, and this year they include Abu Dihka Gnan (One With A Wonderful Laugh), which tells the story of late Egyptian comedian Esmail Yaseen, and Ana Albi Dalili (My Heart is My Guide), about singing legend Layla Murad.
As for Syrian drama, my tip is Bab El Harah (Gate of the Neighbourhood) in its fourth season. The series about life in old Damascus was very successful in the past three seasons. This resulted in a wave of similarly themed works such as Beit Jeddi (My Grandfather's Home) and Ahl Al Raya (Holders of the Flag), which are both running for the second season.
A lot of hype surrounds Funjan Al Dam (Blood Coffee Cup), this year, as the Bedouin series which was banned from airing last Ramadan. The series is expected to be a hit.
A series that touches upon the nationalist issue and the Palestinian cause is Rejal Al Hasm (Men of Determination). The story speaks to Arab viewers addressing their patriotic sentiments.
Out of Gulf productions, the most outstanding has to be Saudi comedy Tash Ma Tash. The comedy series has been running for 15 years, and this year people all over the region are looking forward to watching the 16th season.
Others include Umm Al Banat (Mother of the Girls) and Bayni Wa Baynak (Between Me and You), another Saudi comedy series that is expected to attract many viewers. The series is running in its third season.
Happy viewing and Ramadan Kareem!
