The collective experience of gathering at home with your family in front of the TV, is one that is hard to beat, and no time of the year brings families together to share a stream of entertainment than Ramadan. But much like a Super Bowl commercial, ensuring a Ramadan Series of shows gets air time during the month’s prime time slot is hard and the competition between networks is fierce, so securing big name talent is imperative to booking your slot during these eagerly pursued prime time viewing windows.
It also means that what you’re seeing had to fight to be there, which, hopefully, means it’ll be pretty good. So here’s our pick of Ramadan Series you (and your family) should be watching this Holy Month.
Khattaf
A show with a lot of firsts. Not only is Khattaf the first TV Series from celebrated Emirati director Ali F. Mostafa, but it is also the first major TV series produced by Abu Dhabi TV. The gritty epic stars, former Esquire cover star Mohammed Mostafa (Ali’s younger brother), in a story about an aspiring MMA fighter who, against the wishes of his friends and family, defiantly pursues a career in the most bludgeoning sport around. and on the subject of family, two brothers working together to create some magic? What could be better.
Maleeha
Based in Egypt, the show follows a series of events that occurred in Palestine 12 years ago. Ali, played by Esquire cover star Amir El-Masry, is a relatable architype Egyptian middle-class male, focused on his personal life, while his brother is in the army working at the Palestinian border helping people flee Gaza. “I took on the role because of its association with the horrors that are going on right now. It was something that I not only wanted, but needed to do,” El-Masry tells Esquire about the series.
Haq Arab
Revered by many, and feared by many more, this Egyptian thriller tells the story of Arabi whose world is upended when he discovered a traitor within his inner circle, irreversibly altering the course of his life.
Al Shara
Ramadan TV binges are known for their gameshows, and Al Sharah makes its return to challenge viewers’ understanding of Emirati culture. Expect questions about local crafts, proverbs, dialects, and pivotal historical events, and bonus points if you’re an expat and manage to get any of the answers correct.
Kaser Adem
After the unprecedented success of its first season last Ramadan, the Syrian drama continues with a new cast, helmed by Abdel Moneim Amiry and Rashid Assaf. Kaser Adem tells the story of Al Hakam, who embarks on an illegal smuggling run through corrupt policemen, despite his own son Rayan being a police officer, hunting the men helping his father. Here’s a clip from last year.
Al Raheel
Starring Sabri and Ahmed Beder, this highly anticipated Egyptian series follows the perils of a woman recently released from prison for murder due to a crime she committed only to save her brother’s life. Upon release, she is completely rejected by her family, and is soon on the run with her victim’s brother plotting revenge.
Zaman Al Ajaj
An action packed drama about an idyllic village is shattered upon the arrival of Wijdan, who disrupts the status quo, triggering a chain of events that will forever alter the lives of local villagers. Forbidden love, betrayal, and edge-of-your-seat chaos, this is a must for any action fans.
Directed by Jasem AlMuhanna and boasting a star studded cast – Jassim Al Nabhan, Hussain Almahdi, Mona Hussein – the series premieres on TOD and BeIN this Ramadan.
El Kebeer
Embark on the continuing saga of the Egyptian classic, El Kabeer Awy. Starring Ahmed Mekky, the show is about twins on opposite sides of the continent, fighting for their father’s mayoral mantle in Al-Mazareeta. Through triumphs and trials, family bonds reign supreme in this long running Ramadan series.
Massar Egbari
Starring Yasmina el Abd, it tells the story of the younger sister of Essam Omar, and the nature of her relationship with Ahmed Dash, uncovering the dark truths of how, and why, her father died. The series is a social thriller genre consisting of 15 episodes and hails from screenwriter Baher Dowaidar and director Nadine Khan.
Grab some dates, and some popcorn, and enjoy.
