The Arabic adaptation of Suits will have all the wit and sophistication that made the US legal drama a favourite, the show’s producer said.
The first OSN Original series will still be distinctive, however. Specifically tailored to regional audiences, it will feature court cases and relationship dynamics that are unique to Egypt and the wider Arab world.
“The show is similar to the original version,” said Tarek El Ganainy, founder of TVision for Media Productions, at a red carpet event held on Tuesday at Emirates Towers, Dubai, to mark the show’s imminent launch.
“But for those who haven’t heard of or never watched the US version of Suits, they will feel like it’s an Arabic series. Maybe it will be a little bit different to what they’re always used to, but it’s an Arabic series.”
Suits is scheduled to be released this Ramadan, which is predicted to begin on April 2. Most of the Egyptian talents starring in the show attended the event, including Ahmed Dawood, Tara Emad, Asser Yassin, Reem Mostafa and Mohamed Shahin.
“We are launching the first two seasons during Ramadan,” El Ganainy told The National. “Other seasons are on the table.”
He said he had been working on the Arabic version of Saturday Night Live when he approached NBC Universal in 2017 for the rights to Suits. He said he was "lucky enough" that the production company had the rights to both shows, as he is "a really big fan" of Suits and was long considering spearheading an Arabic adaptation.
"Five years later and it's about to be released.” El Ganainy said.
“Production was hectic and inspiring and you lose a lot of sleep and your beard starts turning white and a lot of things happen. But when problems do arise on a project that you really love and enjoy and have a lot of passion for, it’s all the sweeter to bear.”
Actress Emad plays a character based on Rachel in the original Suits, a role made famous by Meghan Markle.
She said she is a dedicated fan of the legal drama, and could always relate to Rachel’s ambitious and hardworking nature as well as her love for food.
“While watching Suits, I always thought ‘God, I want to be in that series, in that role’,” she told The National. “I connect very much with Rachel as a personality. She constantly wants to prove herself and to the people around her that she can do it that she can succeed that she's gonna pass that exam that she needs to pass in order to be a lawyer.”
Emad said the OSN adaptation of Suits takes a lot of cues from the original show, but that the end result is remarkable and distinct.
“We’re speaking in a different language, we're in a different place where discussing different matters and different lawsuits. There are a lot of things that have the same core as the original show, but a lot has been Arabised and Egyptianised for the Arab audience.”
While Emad said she has long seen all nine seasons of the original Suits, actor Dawood, who takes on the role that is a counterpart to Patrick Adams’ Michael Ross, only watched the show after he was cast in the part. Even then, he was careful not to imbibe too much, wanting to put his idiosyncratic spin on the character, a college dropout turned unlicensed lawyer.
“An Egyptian show must have uniquely Egyptian elements to it,” he said. “From how my character has the opportunity to get into law, to his relationship with those around him, his upbringing and background, it’s all based on uniquely Egyptian elements. If you adapted the character too similarly to the original Mike, you’ll find yourself quite confined.”
Dawood said there was some scepticism when the Suits adaptation was first announced in January. However, after the show’s teaser and trailer were released, Dawood said the cynicism transformed to excitement.
“I hope people are looking forward to the show, to see how much work we put into it and to see the attention to detail,” he said. “I hope people like it.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Abdul Jabar Qahraman was meeting supporters in his campaign office in the southern Afghan province of Helmand when a bomb hidden under a sofa exploded on Wednesday.
The blast in the provincial capital Lashkar Gah killed the Afghan election candidate and at least another three people, Interior Minister Wais Ahmad Barmak told reporters. Another three were wounded, while three suspects were detained, he said.
The Taliban – which controls much of Helmand and has vowed to disrupt the October 20 parliamentary elections – claimed responsibility for the attack.
Mr Qahraman was at least the 10th candidate killed so far during the campaign season, and the second from Lashkar Gah this month. Another candidate, Saleh Mohammad Asikzai, was among eight people killed in a suicide attack last week. Most of the slain candidates were murdered in targeted assassinations, including Avtar Singh Khalsa, the first Afghan Sikh to run for the lower house of the parliament.
The same week the Taliban warned candidates to withdraw from the elections. On Wednesday the group issued fresh warnings, calling on educational workers to stop schools from being used as polling centres.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
SPECS
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- 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.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
FIGHT CARD
Fights start from 6pm Friday, January 31
Catchweight 82kg
Piotr Kuberski (POL) v Ahmed Saeb (IRQ)
Women’s bantamweight
Cornelia Holm (SWE) v Corinne Laframboise (CAN)
Welterweight
Omar Hussein (JOR) v Vitalii Stoian (UKR)
Welterweight
Josh Togo (LEB) v Ali Dyusenov (UZB)
Flyweight
Isaac Pimentel (BRA) v Delfin Nawen (PHI)
Catchweight 80kg
Seb Eubank (GBR) v Mohamed El Mokadem (EGY)
Lightweight
Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Ramadan Noaman (EGY)
Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) v Reydon Romero (PHI)
Welterweight
Ahmed Labban (LEB) v Juho Valamaa (FIN)
Featherweight
Elias Boudegzdame (ALG) v Austin Arnett (USA)
Super heavyweight
Roman Wehbe (LEB) v Maciej Sosnowski (POL)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
THE SPECS
Engine: 4.4-litre V8
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 523hp
Torque: 750Nm
Price: Dh469,000
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