This month brings an array of new movies and TV shows to streaming services in the Middle East, offering something for every viewer. From Turkish dramas to thrilling action movies, here’s what to look forward to.
Hajara Waraqa Miqas (Shahid, out now)
Titled Tas Kagit Makas in Turkish, this drama arrived on Shahid on Monday. It chronicles the tale of Umut, a cleaner with Alzheimer's who relies on his son, who has hyperthymesia, to clear his name and fight against a powerful family in Istanbul after being framed for murder.
The show stars Ekin Koc, who previously appeared in the series Bozkir. Other cast members include Ozan Guven, Serra Ariturk and Hande Ataizi.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (Netflix, Wednesday)
Eddie Murphy returns to play one of his most beloved roles in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, the fourth film in the series that started in 1984. Arriving on Netflix on Wednesday, the film reunites Murphy with co-stars from previous films including Judge Reinhold and John Ashton.
The previous three Beverly Hills Cop films feature some of Murphy’s most memorable comedic scenes, as well as typical Hollywood action. It also continues Murphy’s return to his previous characters after making a sequel to Coming to America, with a new Shrek film on its way next year.
Australian filmmaker Mark Molloy makes his directorial debut with this.
Five Nights at Freddy’s (OSN+, Friday)
The supernatural horror flick Five Nights at Freddy's brings the eerie world of the popular video game series to life. Directed by Emma Tammi, the story follows Josh Hutcherson as a troubled security guard starting a job at an abandoned pizzeria that houses animatronic mascots.
Discovering the mascots are possessed by murdered children's souls, he faces terrifying encounters. Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Mary Stuart Masterson and Matthew Lillard also star in the film. Despite mixed critical reception, the film proved a box office hit, grossing $297 million globally for Blumhouse Productions, paving the way for a highly anticipated sequel.
Abbott Elementary, season three, part two (Disney+, July 10)
In the third season of Abbott Elementary, the dynamic team at Philadelphia's public school, led by Principal Ava Coleman, face fresh challenges and triumphs. Budget cuts, curriculum changes and personal revelations test their resolve.
The show, created by Quinta Brunson, has won adoration for its fresh take on awkward workplace comedies such as The Office and Parks and Rec.
Bye Bye Tiberias (OSN+, July 12)
One of last year's most moving documentaries, directed by Lina Soualem, chronicles Hiam Abbass's journey from her Palestinian village of Deir Hanna to pursue an acting career, leaving behind her family. Years later, Abbass returns with her daughter, Soualem, to examine the impact of her choices on her family and community.
Set against the backdrop of cultural change and urban development, this co-production between Palestine, Belgium, France and Qatar explores themes of identity, sacrifice and the enduring ties that bind.
Descendants: The Rise of Red (Disney+, July 12)
Descendants: The Rise of Red is a musical fantasy film that continues the beloved franchise. Directed by Jennifer Phang, the movie is a spin-off from the original trilogy and a sequel to Descendants: The Royal Wedding.
The film stars Kylie Cantrall as Red, daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Malia Baker as Chloe Charming, daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming. With Uma (China Anne McClain) now headmistress of Auradon Prep, tensions rise when Red's arrival sparks a vengeful plot by her mother against Auradon.
As chaos ensues, Red and Chloe embark on a time-travelling mission to alter the course of history and prevent a catastrophe that could shape Red's destiny for ever.
Those About to Die (Starzplay, July 18)
Sir Anthony Hopkins stars in Those About to Die, a series set during the Roman Empire which focuses on gladiators. The show is directed by Roland Emmerich, who previously made Independence Day and 2012, as well as Marco Kreuzpaintner, who previously worked on the Netflix series Bodies.
The cast includes Iwan Rheon, Dimitri Leonidas, Jojo Macari and Sara Martins. The show also features actors with Arab backgrounds including Moe Hashim who previously appeared in the hit series Ted Lasso, as well as Mohammad Bakri, whose previous credits include Homeland and The Night Of.
Unsolved Mysteries: Volume 4 (Netflix, July 31)
Netflix's Unsolved Mysteries resurrects the investigative series with a modern flair, focusing on compelling real-life mysteries that have baffled investigators and the public alike. This reboot stays true to its roots by exploring eerie disappearances, perplexing crimes and supernatural occurrences, presenting each case with meticulous attention to detail.
The show invites viewers to ponder the unexplainable and perhaps contribute to solving these enigmas.
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
UAE rugby season
FIXTURES
West Asia Premiership
Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Knights Eagles
Dubai Tigers v Bahrain
Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Division 1
Dubai Sharks v Dubai Hurricanes II
Al Ain Amblers v Dubai Knights Eagles II
Dubai Tigers II v Abu Dhabi Saracens
Jebel Ali Dragons II v Abu Dhabi Harlequins II
Sharjah Wanderers v Dubai Exiles II
LAST SEASON
West Asia Premiership
Winners – Bahrain
Runners-up – Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership
Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners – Dubai Hurricanes
Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Conference
Winners – Dubai Tigers
Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers
Plan to boost public schools
A major shake-up of government-run schools was rolled out across the country in 2017. Known as the Emirati School Model, it placed more emphasis on maths and science while also adding practical skills to the curriculum.
It was accompanied by the promise of a Dh5 billion investment, over six years, to pay for state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements.
Aspects of the school model will be extended to international private schools, the education minister has previously suggested.
Recent developments have also included the introduction of moral education - which public and private schools both must teach - along with reform of the exams system and tougher teacher licensing requirements.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
