Fan’s kiss ends Tamer Hosni's Kuwait concert

"Heartthrob Tamer Hosni’s concert came to an abrupt end Friday night when a female fan jumped on stage and hugged and kissed the music star, provoking outrage among conservative Kuwaiti officials who called Monday for stricter entertainment controls, according to local press reports. [...]"

Source: Al-Arabiya (Dubai-based, Saudi-owned), October 6, 2008

The future of Egyptian dramas

"The question is: Where is Egyptian drama heading to? With the opening of four new terrestrial TV stations, the demand on TV serials will continue to surge. Arab directors have managed to inject Egyptian drama with a much-needed fresh blood; yet, scripts, written entirely by Egyptian scribers, are deteriorating every year.

"From the perspective of Egyptian producers, Egyptian stars remain the biggest attraction and the focal selling point for wealthy Arabic stations. Yet, the Arabic stations’ growing reluctance to purchase Egyptian-produced dramas, opting instead for homegrown serials and Gulf dramas, puts several question marks about the future of Egyptian productions and their market value.

"Egyptian audiences have been departing from Egyptian terrestrial stations for a number of years now. The serials audiences are increasingly shrinking. Middle-aged mothers are the serials’ largest demographic. The day the new TV ratings institute opens (scheduled to begin operating within the next couple of years); advertising money will depart to Gulf stations.

"The success of [TV series] 'Asmahan' and 'King Farouk' has proved that quality has become fundamentally essential for commercial success in TV. Unless Egyptian producers get their act together, improve writing, take chances and abandon their sluggish strategies, the death of Egyptian TV will be inevitable."

Source: Daily News Egypt (Egypt), September 24, 2008

Read on "Asmahan" TV Series:

http://www.thememriblog.org/arabculture/blog_personal/en/9768.htm]

Daily News Egypt: Egyptian Ramadan Sitcoms

"The highly anticipated, big budget 'El Eyada' (The Clinic) turned out to be one of the biggest let-downs of the season. 'The clinic' kicked off to a promising start but rapidly lost steam before the end of the first week. All three principle characters are well written. Edward plays a dense, unconfident mama’s boy gynecologist who, unwittingly, decides to share his clinic with a nihilistic, unsuccessful psychiatrist (Khaled Sarhan) and a feisty, nerdy dentist (Basma, the weakest of the trio).

"'The Clinic’s' quirky characters are hardly fleshed out or supplemented by solid situational comedy, the backbone of any successful sitcom. Perhaps the sitcom’s gravest failing is that it doesn’t even try to utilize both its characters and premise, and the whole thing feels quite indolent, eventually falling flat on its face.

"Yet, 'The Clinic' looks like a masterpiece compared to 'Café Chino' and 'Sherif we Nos' (Sherif and Half). Producers of both sitcoms have assembled a group of the unfunniest actors working in cinema for works that set a new low for Egyptian comedy. [...]"

Source: Daily News Egypt (Egypt), September 24, 2008

A couture line of kaftan

"In the world of traditional designer clothes, Riyadh-based Sana Saab is a name to be reckoned with. She has been designing exclusive kaftans and abayas for the past 23 years. [...]

"The kaftan is basically a loose ankle-length, long-sleeved tunic that spread from Turkey into the Middle East. The usual high round necklines are generally collarless, with a slit front opening fastened by a button and loop. Comfortably wispy and flowing, kaftans exist in a variety of forms, textiles and colors. [...]

"In Najd, this dress is known as a 'dharaah', in the Eastern Province it is often called a “dishdasha”, while in Hejaz it is called a 'zabun.' The Arabian kaftan is characterized by under-arm gussets which are sections of fabric added to ease body movements. A kaftan not only flatters the figure but it is also extremely versatile. The use of a colorful fabric, embroidery or other embellishments can completely transform the look of a kaftan. [...]"

Source: Arab News (Saudi Arabia), September 21, 2008

Sharaf Fateh Al-Bab, most marketed in Ramadan

The new drama series “Sharaf Fateh Al-Bab” starring the famous Egyptian actor Yehya Al Fakharni is said to be the most marketed drama series during Ramadan.

The series bought the most advertising time on the Egyptian television channel and on all other satellite channels.

The marketing profits have reached $US5 million American dollars and the series is being aired on 8 different satellite channels in addition to the Egyptian television channel.

Al Fakharani is at the top of the list of actors paid the most for their roles in television drama series. This year Al Fakharani’s salary reached 5 million Egyptian pounds for his role in “Sharaf Fatah Al Bab.” The production cost for the series reach 19 million Egyptian pounds.

Sharaf Fateh Al-Bab is a social drama, packed with suspense-filled and dramatic build-ups.

Sharaf Fateh Al-Bab is known by his community to be a decent man and a father of 4. When Sharaf is let go of his job after years of loyal service, he feels betrayed. When his manager offers him a deal to steal 2 million pounds from the company, Sharaf agrees in order to ensure the future of his children. Once Sharaf goes through with this conspiracy, he has a conscious dilemma as he lives in the fear that his image will be distorted in the eyes of family and friends.

Source: Albawaba (Jordan), September 25, 2008

Halima Poland, the best host this Ramadan in Kuwait

The Kuwaiti host Halima Poland received an award for ‘best television host’ this Ramadan for her program “Yabilah,” aired on the Kuwaiti first channel.

The program lasts for an hour and a half . During the program, people call in and win prizes.

Halima’s show also received an award for the ‘best Ramadan television riddles show.’

Source: Albawaba (Jordan), October 1, 2008

Turkish Series on MBC

After the success of the Turkish soap opera "Nour" in the Arab world, MBC (Saudi-owned, UAE-based) launhces two Turkish series: "Elveda Derken" and "Yersiz Yurtsuz".

600 secret abortions in Morocco every day

The Moroccan Organization for Family Planning revealed that 600 abortions take secretly place in Morocco every day.

The first study, conducted by the organization during 2007, revealed that around 8 million women - whose ages range between 15 and 45 years - go through secret or unsafe abortions.

According to the study, 52% of them are married, 42% are single, and 6% are widows.

Source: Alarabiya.net (Dubai-based, Saudi-owned), September 29, 2008

The Voices of Yemeni Women in Media

Editorial on Yemen Times

"Sexual abuse, domestic violence, the female quota system for elections, reproductive health, maternal health and family planning issues are the main women's rights topics featured in the Yemeni media. However, other issues like sexual abuse inside of the family frame, domestic violence, rape inside of marriage and honor crimes get hardly any coverage at all.

"Luckily, the situation has been changing gradually as many reporters start to focus on the influence of war, poverty and injustice on women's development in Yemen. [...]

"Earlier this year, an eight-year-old girl named Nojoud was widely written about, portrayed as a victim of early marriage – a phenomenon that has existed for a long time and is widespread in Yemen.

"Nojoud went to a Sana'a judge by herself to ask for a divorce from her 30-year-old husband. Nojoud’s bravery attracted not just national and the international media attention, but also created grounds for discussion about early marriage among people worldwide.

"The international coverage focused on Nojoud not as individual incident, but as a case representative of Yemeni women's general status. Nojoud’s story was handled in a number of different ways: news, interview, investigation and opinion.

"Because of this intense media coverage, there was a huge debate over the Yemeni law that stipulates the minimum age of marriage. Currently, the minimum age of marriage is 15, but parents and guardians are allowed to overrule that based on their own discretion to judge whether or not their daughter or charge is "ready" for marriage.

"Though the media deals with certain themes related to women's issues, the character of "woman" is lacking in everyday stories and reports on topics like poverty, business and politics. Women are rarely interviewed for stories like these, and as a result the society assumes that they are not concerned or involved with these issues.

"This is where the media can play a significant role in raising awareness and shaping public opinion to make sure that women, who make up 49 percent of the population of Yemen, have their voices heard on all subjects.

"By allowing women to speak, decision makers are reminded that half of the population is female and consider this while making policies. [...]"

Source: Yemen Times (Yemen), October 2, 2008

Egytian singer Ruby's Eid Al Fitr Video

Egyptian singer Ruby's Eid Al Fitr video entitled Yal Romoush

Eid Al Fitr 2008 - Casablanca, Morocco -

Eid Al Fitr

Eid Al Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shaw'waal, at the completion of Ramadan. Shaw'waal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

The Eid Al Fitr is a very joyous day; it is a true Thanksgiving Day for the believing men and women.

Eid Al Fitr 2008 - Mecca, Saudi Arabia -

Tourism Festival in Jeddah

"The 2nd annual Obhur Tourism Festival began last night with fireworks lighting the north Jeddah skies.

"Various activities are lined up for the weeklong festival at Obhur. One of the highlights of the festival is the Formula 2000 race, with top international teams competing. Bike racing, Jet Ski competition, water skiing, rowing and fishing are among the other activities.

"Being held under the auspices of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, the festival has the support of Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed. The event coincides with the Eid Al-Fitr holidays. 'Jeddah is a tourist destination, and hosting such festivals and functions further puts the emphasis on the position of the Bride of the Red Sea in attracting tourists. This plays a very important role in establishing the necessary investment support in the region,' said Ziad El-Chaar, international general manager of DAMAC Proper-ties, which is sponsoring the event. [...]"

Source: Arab News (Saudi Arabia), October 2, 2008

The Cartoon Fatwa on Mickey Mouse

Editorial by Hussein Shobokshi

"As I observed the controversy that occurred after an Islamic Sheikh stated in an interview that “Mickey Mouse should be killed,” I wondered whether the Sheikh actually realises that Mickey is in fact a fictional character and is definitely not affiliated to a terrorist organisation of any kind.

"If Mickey Mouse must be killed, what about Jerry, one half of the Tom and Jerry cat-and-mouse duo or the legendary Mighty Mouse? What about other cartoon characters? Do they deserve the same fate? What about Pink Panther whose colour is too soothing for him to be a wild animal? What about Porky Pig − and there is certainly no need for elaboration here! What about Scooby Doo, a giant friendly dog who affectionately licks his companions, and Goofy and Pluto? How about Sylvester, Felix and Garfield and let us not forget the purple-coloured dinosaur Barney? Moreover, what do we do with Tweety Pie, Donald Duck and Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny or Kermit the Frog and his friend Miss Piggy? [...]

"As far as I know, Mickey Mouse and friends have never donned explosive belts nor have they accused people of being disbelievers simply because their opinion is different. [...]"

Source: Asharq Al-Awsat (Saudi Arabia), September 29, 2008

Prince Saud urges stronger culture of dialogue worldwide

"In his address to the 63rd session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs said the nations of the world need to work together to combat extremists who seek to “propogate notions of intolerance, exclusion, racism and hatred,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

"Prince Saud said with modernization the world has become more interconnected than ever and therefore needs to work more cohesively in order to stop the spread of extremist thought across the world. [...]"

Source: Saudi Gazette (Saudi Arabia), September 28, 2008

Sunni-Shiite hacking war disables 900 websites

The image that appeared on hacked Sunni sites

"In a tit-for-tat retaliatory attack, Shiite hackers infiltrated Sunni religious websites Monday in response to attack on prominent Shiite websites earlier this month.

"The Shiite hackers posted a face painted with the Iranian flag with a logo resembling that of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a picture of the Israeli flag split in two by the Arabian Gulf embossed with words "The Persian Gulf."

"The hackers also posted a verse from the Quran reads "Assault those who assaulted you" in reference to the hacking by Sunnis of the Ahlulbayt Global Information Center, the largest Shiite website in the world, which is supervised by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

"In the cyber-attack earlier this month Sunni hackers posted a religious chant and a video by American comedian Bill Maher in which he made fun of Sistani’s 'sexual fatwas.'

"Among the websites devoted to Sunni teachings hit was Islam Net, a site supervised by Saudi preacher Dr. Aaidh al-Qarni, the London-based Asharq al-Awsat reported on Monday. [...]"

Source: Alarabiya.net (Dubai-based, Saudi-owned), September 30, 2008

Muslims across the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr

"For most Muslim countries Eid al-Fitr began Tuesday marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan and the beginning of three-days of celebration with family and loved ones.

"In Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Yemen, Jordan and even the United Kingdom Muslims packed mosques to attend the special Eid prayer followed by a huge feast to celebrate the festival of breaking fast.

"For those in Malaysia, Egypt, Syria, Algeria, Tunisia and Indonesia Eid began Oct.1, and despite government price hikes people in Kuala Lumpur flocked to shopping malls and markets to buy new clothes and presents."

Source: Alarabiya.net (Dubai-based, Saudi-owned), September 30, 2008

Islamist's daughter is an erotic dancer: paper

"Outspoken preacher Omar Bakri Mohammed paid for his daughter to get a boob job, which led to her becoming an erotic pole dancer, British press reported Saturday.

"Syrian-born Bakri, famous for slamming Western women who flaunt their sexuality, paid £4,000 (about $7,000) in cash for 27-year-old Yasmin Fostock to enhance her breasts to a massive DD cup, The Sun tabloid quoted a source as saying.

"The source said Yasmin managed to convince her religious dad to fork out the cash, saying it would make her feel like a better mother while she was breastfeeding.

"Yasmin, who was raised in a strict Muslim household, said she does not get along with her dad and she does not agree with his views, the paper said.

Source: Alarabiya.net (Dubai-based, Saudi-owned), September 27, 2008

UK artist freed after 'humiliating' Turkish PM

"A Turkish court on Thursday acquitted a British artist who risked up to two years in jail for his collage depicting Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a dog, a report said.

"The court ruled that the work by Michael Dickinson was a 'political warning and criticism delivered through art... even though it had insulting and humiliating elements,' the Anatolia news agency said.

"Dickinson, a long-time resident of Istanbul, displayed the collage -- showing Erdogan as a dog receiving a prize in a pet show from U.S. President George W. Bush -- at a 2006 exhibition here dedicated to peace. [...]"

Source: AFP, Alarabiya.net (Dubai-based, Saudi-owned), September 26, 2008

Chef Ramzy on Future TV

Chef Ramzi has been presenting his live, daily, morning TV show on Future Television (Lebanon) for the past 10 years. He now has to his credit over 3000 shows on both the local and satellite broadcasting.

Chef Ramzi broke the way into the field of TV Cooking shows, Chef Ramzi introduced an innovative program which soon paved the way for a number of cooking shows on other TV channels.

www.cheframzi.com.lb

Source: Jump TV

Bahraini Ghabga is Popular during the month of Ramadan

Ramadan is a month of many things, one of them being social gathering. One of the main occasions for social gatherings in countries like Bahrain and Kuwait is the Ghabga. Basically it is a bit like a dinner invitation as it is a meal to which people are invited that takes place after Iftar (after the break of the fast).

People usually dress up in national dress and on many an occasion Ghabga’s turn into mini-fashion shows. Whilst some people go overboard with these things and send out personalized invitations like those for wedding, it doesn’t have to be.

Source: Waleg (Tunisia)

Ramadan Cartoon

Source: Saudi Gazette (Saudi Arabia), September 24, 2008

Iranian TV Report on Tehran's Heavy Metal Scene

Moroccans use magic on Ramadan's holiest night

"The holiest night of Ramadan falls during the last ten days of the month, Muslims believe that the Prophet Mohammad received revelation of the Quran on this night and many believe that this is the night wishes come true.

"The Night of Power known as 'Laylat al-Qadr' is one of the most special nights of the Muslim calendar and in Morocco women have already begun preparing for the night their wishes come true.

"Women visit spice stores lined with many strange substances, from Indians flies and chameleon eggs the nails, skin, and heads of a variety of birds and animals, in search of spells that promise to subdue their husbands or increase their love or solve any other of a myriad of marital problems.

"Some light incense or candles in their houses so the spirits released on this holy night will find the place warm and inviting and will expel its demons. [...]"

Source: Alarabiya.net ( Dubai-based, Saudi-owned), September 23, 2008

Ramadan Series written by the Ruler of Dubai (Dubai TV)

Sera Ala Al Remal

This Arabic epic is based on the poems of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The drama unfolds in the desert around the early 18th century, poetically weaving stories of star crossed lovers, aspirants, heroes and thieves against a backdrop of incessant war and upheaval. Revenge, betrayal and romance seamlessly project this beautiful poem on our screens.

Seraa ala al Remal, which means ‘battles on the sand', is a television portrayal of nomadic life, filmed in various locations in the region including Dubai and is a combined effort of technical experts and creative pioneers. An ingenious work and a masterpiece, the drama meets the expectations of every avid Arab viewer.

Source: Gudubai.com

Ramadan Comedy Series on Dubai TV

Hayer Tayer

A satirical social comedy, based on real life issues and situations that happen in the UAE, is a series of individual stories portrayed in short film style in every episode.

Writer Jamal Salem doesn't follow one genre in his writings although there is a comedic touch to each episode. The stories range from the eternal struggle of choosing to do the right thing, unfairness and its consequences, shows of weakness and strength and even depicts the lengths people can go for their own selfish gains.

Source: Godubai.com

Ghashamsham 3

In the first Season of this slapstick comedy, hero Rashid Huwairish (Fahd Al Hayan), a simple (minded) villager busts out of his humble little village in search of greener pastures out in the big open world, only to face one hilarious hurdle after the other while failing at each venture before ending up back in the village again.

In series 2, which takes place 8-9 years, Rashid is still in his village, where little has changed other than himself. The juxtaposition of his naivety and bad luck against the know-how of other people place him in everyday situations that lead to hilarious mishaps and misunderstandings, but a lesson in life to be learned from each episode.

Source: Godubai.com

Ramadan Series

"[This Ramadan] Saudis have produced three seasonal soaps while Egypt has led the production charge with 34 programs. Syira is in second spot with 18 shows.

"Ramadan in the Middle East has been traditionally nightly episodes of serials, many of when focus on historical dramas, gather families around the TV after iftar. These programs are re-broadcast throughout the year as re-runs.

"One historical drama was recently stopped after Saudi officials complained that it provoked inter-tribal rivalries. The Syrian-produced soap, called 'Cup of Blood,' which was running on Abu Dhabi Television, revolves around a dispute between the Shammar and Unaiza tribes of northern Saudi Arabia between 1750 and 1830. [...]"

Source: Arab News (Saudi Arabia), September 11, 2008

Game of Belut

Done with your fasting and dinner and don’t know what to do? Call buddies home for a game of Belut. Yes, there can’t be a better pastime in the holy month. For the uninitiated, it’s a popular card game in Saudi Arabia — a slight variant of the French card game Belote. Young and old alike play Belut, which entails four people, two to a team.

Source: Arab News (Saudi Arabia), September 14, 2008

Ramadan Series: Abla Noora on Dubai TV

In Abla Noora, events revolve around Mrs. Noor, the school principal who converts her inability to bear children of her own into positive and effective energy for improving the educational system and successfully building a strong teacher student relationship. Subsequent events lead to her husband's death when the truth about his secret marriage and kids is revealed.

The film brings out the all-important role of a teacher and the need for adequately training education providers on social and psychological issues. It also spotlights the teacher as a key instrument for inspiring students with a passion for effective learning.

Ramadan Series on Moroccan Channel '2M'

Algeria mosques fertile ground for matchmaking

Algerian men flock to mosques during Ramadan to perform the extended taraweeh prayers, a nightly prayer in which a section of the Quran is recited until the entire book is completed by the end of the holy month.

This year, however, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of women attending mosques to perform taraweeh, turning the mosque into a somewhat unlikely matchmaking center.

This Ramadan mosques have become a favored venue for men seeking wives and mothers seeking future daughter-in-laws.

Source: Alarabiya.net (Dubai-based, Saudi-owned), September 10, 2008

Morocco dispatches women preachers to West

The Moroccan Ministry of Islamic Affairs said it had dispatched nine female preachers to five European countries and Canada as part of a Ramadan campaign to reach out to Moroccan expatriate communities, especially women, in the West.

Source: Alarabiya.net (Dubai-based, Saudi-owned), September 11, 2008

Ramadan series: Asmahan

Asmahan aired on Moroccan channel 2M and on other Arab channels

"Asmahan" is a Syrian-Egyptian production about the colorful life of the singer Asmahan al-Atrash, who allegedly led a double life as a spy for the British in Egypt during World War II.

The show has been generating attention due to a legal case brought by the late singer's family, who claim it does not paint an honest picture of her life.

But that hasn't stopped it being a hit.

The series also discusses various details about the different historical stages during Asmahan time and how politics played a major role in her life.

The Director of the drama is the Tunisian Shawqi Al-Majri.

Source: Al-Bawaba (Jordan), Daily Star (Lebanon), September 3, 2008

Ramadan Programs on Al-Rai TV (Kuwait)

Bayni Wa Baynakom

Sheikh Dr. Mohamed ِAl Awadi returns to Al Rai TV with “Bayni Wa Baynakom” after last year’s tremendous success. The program is based on live testimonies and reports that will touch people’s lives during the Holy month of Ramadan.

Zill Al-Mohareb

This series brings forward realistic political issues and a story of government and country corruption.

Karbistan is a country rich with oil, which makes it a site the super powers of the world want to get their hands on. To make matters worse, Karbistan is lead by a repressive government that robs people of their basic human rights, making it a target for terrorism and chaos.

Zill Al-Mohareb tells the story of an unknown actor, paid to impersonate the leader of the revolution in Karbistan. Although his role starts out as an actor, he soon becomes a true hero as he tries to lead the people out of the darkness into a world of freedom and hope.

Al-Baroonat

Al-Baroonat is a social-dramatic Gulf series that tackles possessive love, wealth, betrayal & revenge. The story revolves around Suyoof, a sterile woman in her fourties, her millionaire husband, his 2 children and the problems they all face as they surrender to a life of riches. Suyoof raises her husband’s kids as if they were her own and also runs his business while he is constantly travelling.

However, despite all her sacrifices, Suyoof finds out that her wealthy husband has created a family with another woman overseas. This betrayal fills Suyoof with hatred and fury and she sets out to get her revenge. Overall, the series is filled with twist and surprise as it highlights the role wealth and fury can play in disintegrating the family member’s judgment, leaving them with a blatant disregard for others.

Beit Jiddy

Beit Jiddy is a suspense-filled Syrian drama. It tells the story of the residents of a small, traditional Syrian neighborhood, five years after Syria’s independence.

The story highlights the unfortunate consequences that result from greed and wars over money. Many innocent lives are lost during the course of this series, when criminals go on the search for valuable gold, hidden in a small nearby store.

The series also focuses on the characters of Abu-Rashid’s family, the good times and the hardships they face in their everyday lives. The joys and sorrow of Abu-Rashid’s family is used to symbolise life and culture of Syria as a whole.

Al-Fateen

Al-Fateen is a social, comedy-drama series that sheds light on the themes of love, marriage, disloyalty and the deep personal relationships between the central characters.

Shaheen, the star of the show, is a fun-loving and lovable character . He spends most of his spare time in Om-Soud’s home, where he is treated like a adoring son. However, Shaheen is shocked to learn about her son, Soud’s inconsiderate and cruel character.

The series also highlights the love relationships between couples that come from different social classes and the problems and heartbreak that follows.

Sharaf Fateh Al-Bab

This social drama is packed with suspense-filled and dramatic build-ups.

Sharaf Fateh Al-Bab is known by his community to be a decent man and a father of 4. When Sharaf is let go of his job after years of loyal service, he feels betrayed. When his manager offers him a deal to steal 2 million pounds from the company, Sharaf agrees in order to ensure the future of his children. Once Sharaf goes through with this conspiracy, he has a conscious dilemma as he lives in the fear that his image will be distorted in the eyes of family and friends.

Ramadan's Programs on Al-Sumaria, Iraqi TV Channel

Tsayara

During Ramadan Alsumaria will take you on a daily jaunt throughout Baghdad old and new neighborhoods. You will be introduced to each quarter history and cultural environment.

Tsayara will revive old memories and relate old stories forgotten for long time now.

Jraish and Mraish

Jraish and Mraish is a rural comic series. Each episode tackles comic and exciting scenes spelled out by funny situations between the different characters of the series.

Al Ikhtitaf

A local drama series. Months long after April 2003, the State’s power was gone with the absence of police control as no law rules and no court prevails. Despite many violations and breaches, the nation has faced turmoil as Iraqis were bound to respected values. However, the people’s life was subject to capture, the capture of reputation based on a history of bloodsheds and mayhem.

Qamar Bani Hisham

Qamar Bani Hisham is a Syrian historical series narrating the biography of Prophet Mohammad since the death of Hisham Ben Abed Munaf who has developed Mecca’s facet into more than a simple trade stop. The series lays the emphasis on the most important stages of the Prophet’s life.

Quossat Al Ams

Quossat Al Ams is an Egyptian social drama. This series tackles the issue of immigration in search for money while highlighting its reflection on family bonds.

Rajel Wa Sit Sittat - 3

Rajel Wa Sit Sitat is an Egyptian sitcom. Though he tends to be lonely and loves privacy, Adel finds himself faced with all kinds of women problems as he finds it difficult to cope with the caprices of all the women surrounding him.

Layl Wa Rijal

Layl Wa Rijal, a Syrian social series. In the time of turmoil, violence, natural disasters, wars and diseases, the series points out to the unprecedented occurrence of people consulting charlatans to solve their problems. The series tackles the reasons of this occurrence and its wide expansion.

Kalimat Haq

Kalimat Haq is an Egyptian drama social series. The series relates the story of “Dounia”, a nice beautiful young lady, known for her kindheartedness and tenderness, yet, she has led her life the hard way, subject to some harsh turning points. “Dounia” is torn between her humanitarian and legal duty and between peace of mind and happiness she could enjoy within her family.

Abu Dhabi TV takes Ramadan tribes series off air

"Abu Dhabi TV has taken the controversial Ramadan television miniseries Sadoun Al Awaji off the air by order of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, after prominent Arab tribes portrayed in the show raised serious complaints about their depiction.

"The 30-episode nightly drama about the historic figure Sheikh Sadoun Al Awaji was pulled [...] after Sheikh Khalifa received appeals from the Anazah and Shammar tribes. [...]

"The series, which is about Al Awaji and tribal conflicts of 1750 and 1830, is estimated to have cost US$2.5 million [...]. It starred the Syrian actor Rashid Assaf and also featured actors from Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. [...]

"Viewers tuning in to the channel at 10pm will now see the Zahrat Al Narjis drama series, which is being brought forward from its usual 11pm slot.

"A second soap opera, Finjan Al Dam, which was also due to air over the month of Ramadan on Saudi Arabia’s MBC channel, was cancelled last week as well. Set in the 19th century, the show’s plot revolves around tribal conflict and also features the old tribes.

"Dr Ali al Matroushi, a historian and an expert on tribal lineage, said: 'All of this proves that even after hundreds of years, the tribal traditions and their feuds are still strong.' He said the story of Al Awaji was very popular, with many books written about it. But he added that portraying the story in a big-budget TV production during Ramadan, 'when everyone is watching', may have been too much.

"'The descendants of the tribes pay close attention to every detail about their tribes,' he said."

Source: The National (UAE), September 9, 2008

Tarek Shahin: Egyptian Cartoonist

Tarek Shahin (born 1982) is an Egyptian cartoonist. His works featured in The Egyptian Gazette, The Caravan, The Daily Star of The International Herald Tribune, Egypt Today, Nile FM 104.2, The Daily Titan and Travel Today Arabia, among others.

Daily News Egypt have launched the online version of the daily comic strip, Al-Khan. Al Khan debuted in the print version on 3 May 2008.

Al-Khan is a fictional Egyptian newspaper featured in the new Daily News Egypt comic strip by cartoonist Tarek Shahin. The comic follows the adventures of the newspaper’s staff, particularly the young publisher Omar Shukri, who gives up a banking job in London to run the family newspaper in Cairo.

Tarek Shahin's blog: http://cairofreeze.blogspot.com/

Source: http://www.thedailynewsegypt.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=16332

http://www.hamsaweb.org/crime/27.html

Quran contest takes on reality shows in Algeria for Ramadan

Knights of the Quran, which started at the beginning of Ramadan, allows [Algerian] viewers to vote for their favourite Quranic reciter. But more important, it replaces two racy music talent shows that were pulled out from Algerian screens by the state-owned broadcasters following pressure from Islamic political parties.

It is the latest move by the Algerian government to reduce the number of western television shows and replace them with more conservative religious shows. The government has already banned Star Academy, the Middle East’s answer to American Idol, following complaints the show was inappropriate and “un-Islamic”, along with a locally produced version, Alhan ya Shabab (Welcome Youth).

Knights of the Quran will screen on ENTV, the state-owned television broadcaster, and is being promoted by the religious affairs ministry, which said the show was intended to provide a balance to what many Algerians were watching on TV. It is one of many Quran recitation contests that will be held throughout the Muslim world this month, most notably a popular recitation prize in Dubai.

Source: The National (UAE), September 4, 2008

MTV Arabia drops music videos in Ramadan

"MTV Arabia, the Middle East's first youth entertainment and lifestyle channel, has announced it will mark the holy month of Ramadan in quiet contemplation and air only cultural news programmes and reality shows.

"The channel will refrain from playing music videos during its 24-hour rotation during Ramadan. The popular channel, launched in November 2007, has brought the Arab world the latest in international music as well as the best in Arabic pop and hip-hop. In the nine months since its launch, it has successfully featured the best musical talents, personalities and events in the Middle East.

"[...] MTV Arabia will air the call to Maghreb prayers. The newest programme during the month will be Hogan Knows Best, which follows wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan in his lesser-known roles as husband and father. [...] Another addition to MTV Arabia's line-up of reality shows is Room 401. Taking inspiration from Scare Tactics and Punk'D, it features normal people in spooky situations involving gruesome and creepy special effects. Local programming during Ramadan will include the popular Akher Takka, which puts unwitting victims in hilariously irritating situations."

Source: Islamonline.com

MTV Arabia Website: http://www.mtva.com/

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