Amr Diab to star in new Arabic Netflix series marking his 'glorious return' to the screen

Untitled project will be the first time the Egyptian star has taken on a role since 1993's 'Dehk Wele’b Wegad Wehob'

Egyptian singer Amr Diab is to star in a new Netflix original series. Courtesy Netflix 

Amr Diab is set to star in a new Arabic Netflix original series, marking the Egyptian actor's return to acting for the first time in 27 years.

Not much is known about the series at this point – even its title is under wraps – but what is known is that the show will be a musical drama.

The project will be the first time Diab has taken on a role since he played Adham in 1993's Dehk Wele'b Wegad Wehob opposite the late Omar Sharif.

"I am thrilled to work with Netflix on this new project,” Diab said. “I have always believed that art is a global language, and we have been able to build bridges of connections and love with diverse cultures through music.

"Now with this new project with Netflix, I am excited that we will be reaching more than 193 million members in more than 190 countries around the world where they will be able to watch new content made in Egypt."

On Twitter, Diab shared a teaser video, which sees him singing to camera on a beach, with a band accompanying him.

Ahmed Sharkawi, director of Arabic Original Series at Netflix, said the show will mark the “glorious return of Amr Diab to the screen”.

“For the past thirty years, Amr Diab has captured people’s hearts all over the world,” Sharkawi said. “He is a trendsetting icon who resonates with different generations through his music and talent. We are confident that this new project will excite fans.”

Diab has been a household name in the region for decades. He began his musical career in 1983 with the album Ya Tareeq. Within a decade he had established himself beyond the Arabic-speaking world, with his 1996 hit Nour El Ain becoming one of the most popular pop songs to have come out of the Middle East.

His career has only picked up momentum since then. Six of his albums made it to Billboard's global top 10 chart, with 2014's Shoft El Ayam claiming the top spot. He's also raked in six African Music Awards and seven World Music Awards, setting a Guinness World Record for most World Music Awards won by a Middle Eastern artist.