Broadcasters Abu Dhabi TV and sister channel Emarat TV have unveiled their Ramadan line-ups.
More than 20 new shows will appear on screen, ranging from Emirati and regional dramas to comedies. Also in the mix is a healthy array of informative programmes focused on the history of the UAE and its founder Sheikh Zayed.
Broadcast times will be announced a few days before Ramadan begins, which is approximated to be around Thursday, April 23.
Here are some of the key shows premiering during the holy month:
The big dramas
'Al Saahir' (Abu Dhabi TV)
Syrian star Salam Ksiri leads this taut Lebanese drama. He plays Mina, who hopes to turn his fortunes by seeking the help of astrologer Aziz (Stephanie Saliba). Their stormy relationship leads to Mina falling out with senior political figures and before long he is on the run.
'Al Nahaat' (Abu Dhabi TV)
This romance series is a Syrian Lebanese joint production and boasts stellar leads Bassel Khayyat and Algerian singer Amel Bouchoucha. The latter plays Maya, who in her search for clues behind her mother’s death, falls in love with the mysterious Yaman (Khayyat). Their subsequent relationship is as passionate as it is doomed.
'Reggalet Al Beit' (Abu Dhabi TV)
Translated to "men of the house", Egypt’s Ahmed Fahmy and Akram Hosny play a pair of careless cousins fighting against an eviction notice by a livid landlord. In order to win that battle, they have to prove they have what it takes to run a household, while finding ways to pay their longstanding rent.
'Jannat Halli' (Abu Dhabi TV)
The always brilliant Souad Al Abdallah leads a big cast in this Kuwaiti drama. The series is cross-generational saga about family and examines the notion of unconditional love in a Kuwait that’s rapidly changing and modernising.
Emirati productions
'Al Shahd Al Murr' (Emarat TV)
Emirati actor and playwright Habib Ghuloom returns with another provocative Ramadan drama. The show examines the concept of marriage through two distinct relationships. Suhail is having trouble navigating a relationship between his two strong willed wives Moza and Tarish. Meanwhile, Suhail’s brother is married to Noura. Tensions between both brothers and wives festers in a drama that will surely get people talking.
'Khashe’ Nashe’' (Emarat TV)
A sweet comedy set in an Emirati village in the 1960s. Stars Abdullah Zayed and Jomaa Bin Ali give us a glimpse of a simpler time in their role as brothers coming to terms with a rapidly evolving UAE.
'Miftah Al Qifl' (Emarat TV)
Written in the Emirati dialect, this series stars local stalwarts Jaber Naghmoush and Mais Kamara. The zingy plot revolves around the luckless artist Miftah and his relentless quest to become a celebrity.
Culture and History
'Rijalon Sadako' (Abu Dhabi TV)
An informative bite-sized selection of evocative quotes by the nation’s founder Sheikh Zayed. Aired throughout the month, these intimate five-minute segments recall Sheikh Zayed’s pioneering views on tradition, UAE culture, education and spirituality.
'Al Shara' (Emarat TV)
Ramadan TV would not be complete without a nightly game show. Al Sharah returns to test your knowledge of Emirati culture with questions based on local crafts, proverbs, dialects and key moments in history.
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Read more:
Ramadan line-up: Sharjah to release more than 90 new radio and TV shows in time for the holy month
'Health is more important than work': how the coronavirus is disrupting this year's Ramadan TV dramas
Box sets to binge: How to watch 'The Sopranos', 'This is Us', 'The Wire' and more in the UAE
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