Ramadan entertainment is no longer the purview of television stars.
Some of the region’s biggest social media personalities and content creators have gotten into the Ramadan spirit through exclusive content to celebrate the holy month.
From lifestyle, comedies, health and cooking shows to specialised hashtags, stars and social media platforms have launched campaigns celebrating the virtues of Ramadan, while having some good natured fun along the way.
Here's a look at what’s on offer.
Comedies and cooking shows on YouTube
The small screen is not the only the place you can watch the latest comedy series. YouTube is home to fresh content featuring the next generation of comedic actors.
Egyptian dentist turned popular YouTuber Hadeel Marei stars in Mosalsal Kabasa, a scripted series playing a hapless call centre operator looking for fame.
Aiding her hijinks are best friends, played by Saudi social media stars Amy Roko and Noura Majed.
Iraqi fashionista Noor Stars takes the lead role in The Friends, a series produced in the style of a faux reality show and follows the adventures and conversations of five teens (including fellow YouTubers Banen Stars, Rand Dalati and Saqr) stuck at home.
From the latest beauty tips to Arabic slang, The Friends is full of witty insights into Arab youth culture today.
And for those amateur chefs looking to nail that iftar dish, check out Atyab Tabkha's channel, which is hosting two Ramadan cooking shows.
In Not So Clueless Anymore, aspiring chef Shatha will cook up simple Levant recipes, while We're Going Outside is for the more advanced cooks as chef Hassan whips up regional meals and deserts amid luscious outdoor greenery.
Subscribe to the relevant channels for notifications on all new episodes.
Quizzes and talk shows on TikTok
TikTok has rolled out a number of hashtags and live events focusing on various aspects of Ramadan, from the spiritual to the delectable.
For a bit of culinary trivia, click on #guessthedish. With more than 60 million views received in April, the hashtag quizzes you to name the meal in the photo within three seconds.
For tender moments of gratitude, head to #ramadanCheck to share and read reflections on what makes the holy month poignant.
And if you are looking for style tips for that iftar and suhoor outing, #ramadanstyle gathers the TikTok community as they share modest fashion choices suitable for the occasion.
TikTok will also host a number of star-studded live streams.
On Wednesday and Saturday at 5pm UAE time, click on #CookwithTheStars to see Egyptian actors Amir Karara, Hend Sabry, Nelly Karim and Hana Shiha create their favourite Ramadan treats.
While Ramadaniat Live Cooking will have star TikTok creators inviting us to their kitchens as they prepare iftar for their families. Check out the app's Discovery page for the broadcast schedule.
And for some late night entertainment, there's the talk show Aghla Min Al Dahab, that broadcasts nightly at 2am UAE time, for casual interviews with Arab celebrities and social media stars.
Ramadan camera effects, greeting and lectures on Facebook and Instagram
Both platforms, owned by Facebook, engaged popular Muslim creators to produce content for the holy month. Under the joint campaign #MonthofGood, Muslim personalities from the worlds of culture and finance share advice on maximising both spiritual and work opportunities during Ramadan.
Answering Awkward Ramadan Questions!In this video we answer all your questions about Ramadan in our family, so who do you think gets moodier when they are fasting? 😅❤️ #MonthOfGood #رمضان_الخير
Posted by Khalid Al Ameri on Saturday, April 24, 2021
Facebook Watch will also air lifestyle segments by Emirati personality Khalid Al Ameri and popular culinary channels The Food Rangers and Foodies and Spices will be a good stop to learn great Ramadan Levant recipes.
There is also the Live Suhoor Talks series with conversations on fasting, mental health and well-being.
Instagram has also brought back a series of filters for the season.
They include the popular AR Ramadan Lantern camera effects, which comes with Ramadan Kareem greetings in English, Arabic, Bahasa, Turkish and Farsi.
The platform also teamed with Bahraini artist Hala AlAbbasi for three seasonal stickers.
The first is an image of a mosque with crescent hanging above, the second is of tea and dates and the last visual is a crescent floating amid the stars.
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Read more:
28 of the best Ramadan TV shows to watch in the UAE
Ramadan 2021: The best playlists from Anghami, Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music
Ramadan 2021: 15 global celebrities who observe the holy month
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