Who are the new Arabs Got Talent judges? Bassem Youssef joins panel as show returns

As the comic prepares to head to Riyadh for filming, he'll team up with fan favourites Najwa Karam and Nasser Al Qasabi

Bassem Youssef's profile has been growing following a series of viral interviews with British TV host Piers Morgan. Chris Whiteoak / The National

After a five-year hiatus, Arabs Got Talent is set to return to the small screen later this year, with hopes that the big ratings it garnered in years past return with it.

Broadcaster MBC will soon begin filming in Riyadh, with weekly episodes to air once more. The celebrity judging panel has a new face joining the returning crowd favourites, who will critique an eclectic array of acts ranging from acrobats to singers.

Previous winners of the competition include Lebanese dance companies Simma and Mayyas as well as Moroccan hip-hop dancer Salah Benlemqawanssa. Here is what to know about the judges of Arabs Got Talent.

Bassem Youssef

The Egyptian satirical comedian Bassem Youssef. AFP

With Arabs Got Talent able to draw more than 100 million viewers across the region during the final stages of the competition, the programme will arguably provide Youssef the biggest platform of his career.

The Egyptian surgeon-turned-comedian who initially found success for a famed satirical show in his home country is on an upswing after several interviews with Piers Morgan regarding the Israel-Gaza war went viral in the past year.

Youssef harnessed that profile boost to perform sell-out shows from the US to Australia. These high-profile gigs included co-headlining Abu Dhabi Comedy Week alongside David Chappelle in May. Known for zany delivery, it will be interesting to see if the small screen captures the onstage energy that served him so well.

Najwa Karam

Lebanese singer Najwa Karam. AFP

The Lebanese pop star is the only judge who has been on the panel since it launched in 2011. Where former arbiters like actor Ahmed Helmy and TV presenter Amr Adib came and went throughout the years, Karam remained and went on to become the face of the series. This is not only due to her continued musical success but the enthusiasm and passion she brings to her television gig.

Karam explained her visceral judging approach in a previous interview with The National. “Actual talent carries all of us artists to the end,” she said. “Such things are undeniable, you are automatically drawn to someone who has amazing talent. I have seen it time and time again, you can’t help but feel moved when you see something that is brilliant.”

Nasser Al Qasabi

Nasser Al Qasabi is one of Saudi Arabia's greatest comedy actors. Photo: MBC

He has had two stints on the panel. In between both, the Saudi actor released a string of acclaimed Ramadan television series, including last year's reboot of the classic sitcom Tash Ma Tash and 2019 drama Al Assouf. His dry humour and flair for the ridiculous not only made Al Qasabi a favourite during his first stint in Arabs Got Talent, but should provide a welcome counterpoint to Karam’s on-screen intensity.

When it comes to what makes a television hit, Al Qasabi previously told The National it all comes down to audience engagement: "Certain things need to be in place for these programmes to become successful and accepted," he said. "It needs to be done in a way where the ultimate goal is touching the heart of the viewers.”