Netflix will release four Arabic-language original series and films this year.
The popular streaming platform is growing its Arabic-language repertoire after the success of shows like The Exchange and Alrawabi School for Girls and films like Honeymoonish and From the Ashes.
Speaking to The National, director of content for Netflix Middle East, North Africa and Turkey Nuha Eltayeb said: “This past year, we launched incredible stories that have resonated with audiences in the Arab world and globally.
This journey reflects the immense creativity and talent in the Arab world, and we are proud to keep the momentum going into 2025. Get ready for what's next.”
Here are the four Arabic Netflix originals coming this year.
Catalog
Directed by Waleed El Halafawy and starring Mohamed Farraag, Bayoumi Fouad and Khaled Kamal, Catalog is an Egyptian series that follows a workaholic widower as he struggles to navigate life with his children.
Guided by his late wife’s online tips, the father attempts to correct course and get his life back on track. El Halafawy has previously directed four films, including the popular 2023 film Wesh x Wesh.
Chasing Shadows
Kuwaiti heist caper Chasing Shadows follows Habib, a con artist who is on a Robin Hoodesque quest to steal from the rich, all the while trying to remain vigilant to evade capture by the detective on his tail. The series stars Abdullah El Seif, Sherine Reda, Ali Kakooli and Fay Fouad and is directed by Essam Abdel Hamid.
Franklin
Mohammed Al-Ahmad, Daniella Rahme, Fayez Kazak and Tony Issa star in the Lebanese series Franklin. The show follows a counterfeit artist who is also a single father as he is forced to work with his ex-lover to craft the perfect $100 bill to save the life of his dying daughter. Franklin is directed by Hussein Al Menibawi and written by Cherine Khoury.
Groom & Two Brides
This Kuwaiti film stars Abdullah Boushehri, Lulwa Almulla, Layla Abdullah and Hamad Ashkanani.
Directed by Honeymoonish director Elie ElSemaan, the film follows Adam, a man juggling a marriage to his boss’s daughter while attempting to rekindle a relationship with a former girlfriend as chaos ensues. The film also sees the return of the writing duo behind Honeymoonish, Eiad Saleh and Ramy Ali.
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- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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