Ramadan marks the blockbuster season for TV across the region.
Throughout the holy month, hundreds of hours of new content are slated to run across local stations and streaming platforms. It includes several societal dramas, historical works, religious programming, as well as cooking shows and comedy titles, including the return of a popular Khaleeji slapstick.
But with the sheer amount of content, it can get dizzying trying to figure out what to watch. Here are our top 16 picks.
Tash Al Awda
First aired in 1993, Tash Ma Tash was among the most popular Saudi comedies to air during Ramadan. After an 11-year break, the series has returned as Tash Al Awda and features star Saudi actors Nasser Al Qasabi and Abdullah Al Sadhan.
The series will be available to watch on MBC 1 and the MBC streaming platform Shahid.
Stand Up! Ya Arab!
Stand Up! Ya Arab! aims to be a platform for emerging Arab stand-up comedians and give Arab audiences a chance to discover regional talent.
Each episode will feature 30 minutes of stand-up from comics from across the Arab world. More than 50 comedians will appear including Shaikha Al Khalidi, Reem Nabil, Alhashmi Faisal, Ammar Najjar, Stephanie Ghalbouni and Ghada Salah.
The show will air throughout Ramadan on OSN Yahala and OSN Comedy, and stream exclusively on OSN+.
Al Ajhar
In Al Ajhar, a teenager responsible for his siblings finds himself accused of his mother’s murder, which pushes him into embarking on a wild adventure. Eventually, he reaches Africa where he works in the precious stones trade and gets involved with organised crime groups, all while falling in love. The series stars Egyptian actor Amr Saad and Tunisian actress Dorra Zarrouk.
The series will be available to watch on MBC 1 and the MBC streaming platform Shahid.
Bab Al Hara
A firm fan favourite during Ramadan, Bab Al Hara will return exclusively to Starzplay for its 13th season. The series is set in Syria towards the end of 1945, during the French mandate when the Syrians were eagerly anticipating the Evacuation Day of the last French soldier and the proclamation of independence on April 17, 1946. Nizar Abu Hajar is set to make a comeback and portray a new character in the series alongside Nijah Sefkouni, Fadia Khattab and Tayser Iddriss.
Studio 23
Comedy stars from Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region come together in a series that merges skits, singing and impersonations of well-known personalities from around the world.
The troupe includes Habib Al Habib, Khaled AlMozafar, Reem Abdullah and Khaled AlFaraj. The series will run for 30 episodes and be available to stream on MBC Shahid.
Iftaruna Gheir
Chef Omar Alwatban will join food experts from Saudi Arabia and beyond in a show that aims to enhance viewers' appreciation for a finely-crafted iftar. Alwatban and his guests will tour the Arab world to highlight the diversity of regional cuisine.
Iftaruna Gheir will be available to stream on MBC Shahid.
Kashf Mestaagel
A dark comedy that follows an assassin’s journey towards redemption. When he seeks psychiatric help to repent for his crime-ridden past, complications begin to arise as the therapist finds himself entangled in his patient’s bizarre life. The show stars Mostafa Khater, Mohamed Abd al Rahman Toota and Hanady Mehanna.
Kashf Mestaagel will be available to watch on Starzplay.
Fintas
A family comedy series, Fintas tells the story of a 40-year-old who falls into a series of unfortunate and comic situations due to his love for money.
The series stars Tariq Al-Ali, Khalil Al-Rumaithi, Shihab Hajia, Mais Kamar and Medhat Tekha.
It will air on Abu Dhabi TV throughout Ramadan, as well as the ADtv application.
AlZanad
Set at the turn of the 20th century in an area between Syria and Lebanon, AlZanad tells the story of Assi Al-Zand, who witnesses his father murdered in cold blood and soon becomes embroiled in a plot involving politically influential figures from across the Levant in the years leading up to the First World War.
AlZanad stars Syrian actors Taim Hasan and Dana Mardini.
The series will be available to watch on MBC 1 and the MBC streaming platform Shahid.
Qafas Mikhmali
Qafas Mikhmali tells the story of a wealthy woman who raises her late brother's children in a strict and curt manner. It features several stars from across the Gulf, including Haya Abdel Salam, Fouad Ali, Bader Al Shuaibi, Maytham Badr, Sarah Salah, Rahaf Al Anzi and Maram Al Balushi.
The drama will air on Abu Dhabi TV throughout Ramadan, as well as the ADtv application.
Matbakh Manal Al Alem
Chef Manal Al Alem, fondly known as “The Queen of the Arabian Kitchen”, will return in the show's fourth series. Matbakh Manal Al Alem will showcase her different recipes for the holy month.
Matbakh Manal Al Alem will be available to watch on Starzplay.
AlNikran
In AlNikran, the sons of Youssef Al-Arab scuffle to obtain their share of the inheritance and chart their own path, going against their father’s charitable works. The series stars Daoud Hussein, Basma Hamada and Amal Muhammad.
AlNikran will air on Abu Dhabi TV throughout Ramadan, as well as the ADtv application.
Mihrab Al Haramain
The documentary series looks at the lives of the imams at the Grand Mosque in Riyadh and the Prophet's Mosque in Makkah. Archive footage, photography and animations are used to reimagine the lives of the chosen few that lead two of Islam's holiest sites.
The series will be available to watch on the SBC and STV1 channels of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority.
Game Show
An annual Ramadan favourite, comedy duo Hisham Alhowaish and Shaimaa Saif host a live quiz show where they call families at random and test their local and pop culture knowledge. Winners who answer correctly can receive cash prizes.
Game Show will be available to watch on the SBC and STV1 channels of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority.
A Sit Down with Anas and Hala
Anas Bukhash, Emirati entrepreneur and host of #ABtalks, will appear with his mother Hala Kazim on A Sit Down with Anas and Hala.
The mother-son duo will discuss topics including grief, creating boundaries and making connections, while offering a glimpse into their personal relationship.
New episodes, lasting 30 minutes, will air weekly on OSN+.
Jaafar Al Omda
Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan stars as the eponymous character in Jaafar Al Omda, who is a wealthy businessman and husband to three women. The series manoeuvres between comedy and mystery. Drama unfolds between the four when another woman approaches Al Omda asking for 400 million Egyptian pounds ($13 million).
The series will be available to watch on MBC 1 and the MBC streaming platform Shahid.
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes.
Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Sri Lanka World Cup squad
Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Isuru Udana, Milinda Siriwardana, Avishka Fernando, Jeevan Mendis, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal.
Yemen's Bahais and the charges they often face
The Baha'i faith was made known in Yemen in the 19th century, first introduced by an Iranian man named Ali Muhammad Al Shirazi, considered the Herald of the Baha'i faith in 1844.
The Baha'i faith has had a growing number of followers in recent years despite persecution in Yemen and Iran.
Today, some 2,000 Baha'is reside in Yemen, according to Insaf.
"The 24 defendants represented by the House of Justice, which has intelligence outfits from the uS and the UK working to carry out an espionage scheme in Yemen under the guise of religion.. aimed to impant and found the Bahai sect on Yemeni soil by bringing foreign Bahais from abroad and homing them in Yemen," the charge sheet said.
Baha'Ullah, the founder of the Bahai faith, was exiled by the Ottoman Empire in 1868 from Iran to what is now Israel. Now, the Bahai faith's highest governing body, known as the Universal House of Justice, is based in the Israeli city of Haifa, which the Bahais turn towards during prayer.
The Houthis cite this as collective "evidence" of Bahai "links" to Israel - which the Houthis consider their enemy.
STAGE%201%20RESULTS
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Test squad: Azhar Ali (captain), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan(wicketkeeper), Musa Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Yasir Shah
Twenty20 squad: Babar Azam (captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir, Wahab Riaz
The specs: Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Price, base: Dh1 million (estimate)
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 563hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 850Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 15L / 100km
Company%20profile
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Primera Liga fixtures (all times UAE: 4 GMT)
Friday
Real Sociedad v Villarreal (10.15pm)
Real Betis v Celta Vigo (midnight)
Saturday
Alaves v Barcelona (8.15pm)
Levante v Deportivo La Coruna (10.15pm)
Girona v Malaga (10.15pm)
Las Palmas v Atletico Madrid (12.15am)
Sunday
Espanyol v Leganes (8.15pm)
Eibar v Athletic Bilbao (8.15pm)
Getafe v Sevilla (10.15pm)
Real Madrid v Valencia (10.15pm)
The biog
Marital status: Separated with two young daughters
Education: Master's degree from American Univeristy of Cairo
Favourite book: That Is How They Defeat Despair by Salwa Aladian
Favourite Motto: Their happiness is your happiness
Goal: For Nefsy to become his legacy long after he is gon
Bert van Marwijk factfile
Born: May 19 1952
Place of birth: Deventer, Netherlands
Playing position: Midfielder
Teams managed:
1998-2000 Fortuna Sittard
2000-2004 Feyenoord
2004-2006 Borussia Dortmund
2007-2008 Feyenoord
2008-2012 Netherlands
2013-2014 Hamburg
2015-2017 Saudi Arabia
2018 Australia
Major honours (manager):
2001/02 Uefa Cup, Feyenoord
2007/08 KNVB Cup, Feyenoord
World Cup runner-up, Netherlands
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
SPECS
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Company%20profile
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Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
