Dubai TV and Samaa Dubai are the latest networks to announce their Ramadan line-up.
They join Abu Dhabi TV and radio stations, MBC's online platform Shahid, OSN and Sharjah Broadcasting Authority in revealing their programming for the holy month.
Scheduled to broadcast from the beginning of Ramadan (most likely to fall on April 12), the two channels will showcase a mixed bag of high-octane Egyptian dramas in addition to Emirati comedies, quiz shows as well as the much-loved local animated series Shaabiat Al Cartoon.
These are some of the key shows coming soon to the small screen.
The big dramas
‘Harb Al Ahliya’ (Dubai TV)
With a dynamite cast including Youssra and Bassel Khaiat, the Egyptian thriller is all about fraught family dynamics. Abandoned as a child, a savvy businesswoman (Jamila Awad) unexpectedly meets her mother and their subsequent relationship is nothing less than rocky.
‘La’bat Newton’ (Dubai TV)
Egypt's Mona Zaki and Mohamed Mamdouh star as a seasoned couple who have one too many fights. Anguished by the experience, Zaki's characters calls it quits, packs her bags and travels abroad. On her search for identity, she meets interesting characters along the way.
‘Did Al Kassar’ (Dubai TV)
How long should you try before walking away? That's the core problem for Salma, played by Egypt's Nelly Karim, as she suffers from the recklessness and infidelities of her husband. The series see her evolve from a victim to a strong woman with a ruthless streak of her own.
‘Al Kandoush’ (Dubai TV)
Also showing on Sharjah TV, this Syrian series was first announced in 2018. The drama was initially put on hold because of disagreements between the various production companies involved. It has since gone back on track.
With everyone back on the same page, viewers can revel in the stellar Syrian cast led by Ayman Zidan and Sulaf Fawakherji in a period drama that explores Damascene society in the early 20th century.
Al Namoos (Dubai TV)
Similar to 2020's well-received Ramadan drama Mohamed Ali Road, Kuwaiti screenwriter Moe Anwar conjures up another ambitious drama spanning pre- and post-oil boom Kuwait.
The ensemble drama, led by Mohammed Al-Mansour and Haifaa Adel, follows the free-wheeling life of Rashid Al Mather and how his murder unleashes a torrent of pent-up secrets and painful memories. The series will also broadcast on OSN.
Local and regional productions
‘Shaabiat Al Cartoon’ (Sama Dubai)
Dubbed the UAE's version of The Simpsons, the popular animated series returns for its 15th season with its blend of humour and cutting social commentary.
Shaabiat, a word that means "rural neighbourhood" in Arabic, follows the lives of a group of families and individuals living in a small Dubai neighbourhood. Each episode focuses on different individuals and their quirky troubles.
'Hamed Hilou' (Sama Dubai)
After last year's hit Kashe' Nashe, Emirati comedy duo Abdullah Zeid and Gomaa Ali return for another zany sitcom set in an Emirati village of the 1960s.
While the humour is sweet natured, the series illustrates the pioneering spirit of previous generations that powered the UAE’s development.
‘Wa Anna Ahebak Ba'ad’ (Sama Dubai)
The Kuwait comedy shows that it’s not always "happily ever after" once the wedding is over, in fact, some can argue that is when the troubles begin.
From family squabbles to getting to really know your true life partner, Wa Anna Ahebak Ba'ad, translated to I Love You Too, is a quirky look into Gulf relationships.
Cultural shows
‘Al Rawi’ (Dubai TV)
Dig into Dubai's archives and listen to the prose of some of its greatest poets in this culture programme.
In looking at the past and its great personalities, Al Rawi shows how Dubai evolved to where it is today.
‘Al Mandoos’ (Sama Dubai)
A mix of talk show and competition, Al Mandoos has viewers calling in to share their reflections on the UAE and Ramadan while quizzed about the country's heritage for prizes.
More details are at dubaitv.ae and samadubai.ae
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
AUSTRALIA SQUAD
Aaron Finch, Matt Renshaw, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Defending champions
World Series: South Africa
Women’s World Series: Australia
Gulf Men’s League: Dubai Exiles
Gulf Men’s Social: Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors
Gulf Vets: Jebel Ali Dragons Veterans
Gulf Women: Dubai Sports City Eagles
Gulf Under 19: British School Al Khubairat
Gulf Under 19 Girls: Dubai Exiles
UAE National Schools: Al Safa School
International Invitational: Speranza 22
International Vets: Joining Jack
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
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Director: Romany Saad
Starring: Mirfat Amin, Boumi Fouad and Tariq Al Ibyari
Petrarch: Everywhere a Wanderer
Christopher Celenza,
Reaktion Books
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THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Titanium Escrow profile
Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
How to get there
Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
