Ramadan is home to a plethora of television premieres ranging from star studded new dramas, the return of old favourites and religious programming focusing on the benefits of The Holy Month. We take a look at 15 key shows coming your way during the Holy Month.
The dramas
Al Sayida Al Oula (Abu Dhabi Al Oula)
This one has shades of the American hit drama The Good Wife. The Egyptian star Ghada Abdel Razek portrays a woman who is determined to become Egypt's first lady. When the president survives an assassination attempt, the country descends into a whirlpool of chaos and suspicion. Visit www.adtv.ae for show times
Saraya Abdeen (Abu Dhabi Al Emarat)
Set in 18th-century Egypt, the blockbuster historical drama is set in a harem where the women are competing to win the heart of the leader, Al Khidyawi Ibrahim (played by Qessi Khawli). The series also tackles the political tensions surrounding the region at the time. Also starring Yusra and Nelly Karim. Visit www.adtv.aefor show times.
Bab Al-Hara (MBC)
The wildly popular Syrian drama returns for its sixth season. After being presumed dead in season two, Abu Issam returns to his old Damascene neighbourhood to find things have changed. He finds it hard to settle in the community, a task not made any easier by his wife, who remains traumatised by his disappearance and long absence. Visit www.mbc.net for show times
Lel Hol Jonoon (OSN Yahala HD)
Featuring Abdulmuhsen Al Nimr and Maisa Moghrabi, the new Gulf drama follows their turbulent relationship that moves from love to suspicion and hatred. Daily at midnight
Al Khatai’a (OSN Yahala HD)
A thriller reminiscent of the hit American series 24. Egypt’s Sherif Salama puts in an intense performance as his character, wounded by a broken relationship, falls into a series of seemingly disparate events that tests his family and friendship bonds. Each episode ends with a new twist. Daily at 1am
Halawat El Rouh (Abu Dhabi Al Oula)
A star-studded Arab drama with an ensemble cast featuring Khaled Saleh, Ghassan Mas'ood and Dana Mardini. The series follows a crusading journalist who relocates her family from Syria to Dubai to start a new life. However, the Arab Spring stretches the family to breaking point. Visit www.adtv.ae for show times
The comedies
Shaabiat Al Cartoon (Sama Dubai)
The UAE's favourite animated series returns for its ninth season. Local curmudgeons Shambee and Bo Mhayer lead the series, which is based on the daily goings-on of their Dubai neighbourhood. Shaabiat Al Cartoon is renowned for its blend of outrageous humour and social commentary. Visit www.dmi.ae for show times
Saheb El Saada (MBC)
The Egyptian comic legend Adel Imam returns this Ramadan with Saheb El Saada. The comedy revolves around Imam's eccentric character (aren't they all) who is trying to keep up with the demands of his kooky family. Visit www.mbc.net for show times
Habbit Ramil (Abu Dhabi Al Emarat)
A drama starring Bilal Abdullah and Abdullah Zayed as an Emirati father trying to keep his rowdy family together through life's pressures and tragedies. Visit www.adtv.ae for show times
Cookery and quiz shows
Sararyed Khulood (Abu Dhabi Al Emarat)
The Emirati celebrity chef Khulood Atiq returns to the small screen. Her new cooking series is shot in an intimate style in a home kitchen as she serves up batches of local treats with a healthy twist. Visit www.adtv.ae for show times
Ingredient (Sharjah TV)
A mix of culinary show and travelogue, the chef Majid Al Sabbagh travels across different areas of Sharjah in search of home dishes and family stories. Al Sabbagh also cooks up his own array of local and international dishes. Visit www.smc.ae
Al Sharah (Abu Dhabi Al Emarat)
The popular 90-minute Emirati quiz show returns for its fourth season. The evergreen host Hissa Al Falasey returns and challenges contestants with questions about UAE history and customs. Winners walk away with prizes including cash. Visit www.adtv.ae for show times
Spiritual shows
Essence of Ramadan (OSN Yahala HD)
The Saudi journalist Mustafa Alaidaroos discusses the benefits of the Holy Month. Presented in a light and breezy manner, the show is packed with practical Ramadan advice for everyone. Visit www.osn.com for show times
Guided by Quran (Sharjah TV)
This documentary series follows the lives of Europeans who recently converted to Islam. Producers focus on subjects from the UK, France, Belgium and Sweden who discuss their journey to Islam and their life after entering the faith. Visit www.smc.ae for show times
Dubai International Holy Quran Award (Sama Dubai)
Dubai is hosting one of the world's biggest Quran-reciting competitions, with up to Dh600,000 dirhams in prize money. The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has international contestants arriving in the emirate to showcase their skills – they have to memorise all 6,236 verses and deliver them in a clear, melodious voice. The heats and finals are broadcast live from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce Hall. Visit www.dmi.ae for show times
What time is my favourite TV show?
In a regional television industry quirk, broadcasting times for certain anticipated series are only revealed on the first day of Ramadan. This is to limit the chances of broadcasters rearranging their programming schedules to compete with rivals. Visit the channel website to find out what time your favourite show is on.
sasaeed@thenational.ae
