From Saudi Arabia’s first soap opera to the return of notorious prankster Ramez Galal: MBC reveals its star-studded Ramadan line up

The great Egyptian comic Adel Imam also returns to the small screen with a new series

The pan-Arab broadcaster MBC has revealed another bumper television line up for Ramadan.

More than 30 new shows will screen across MBC's five channels, featuring some of the biggest stars from the region. Included in the mix is what is dubbed as the Arab world's first soap opera series, an action packed account of an Egyptian military hero and the return of the Egyptian comedy king Adel Imam.

Broadcast times will be announced a few days before Ramadan begins, which is approximated to be on or around Thursday, April 23.

Here are some of the biggest shows coming your way during the holy month:

The eagerly awaited

Al Mirath (MBC 1)

A Saudi Arabian production with an Abu Dhabi twist.

Al Mirath (The Inheritance), dubbed the Arab world's first soap opera, will continue daily throughout Ramadan and beyond. The series – developed by MBC Studios, twofour54 and Image Nation Abu Dhabi – aims to showcase the modern-day realities of life in the kingdom through the experiences of a Saudi family. Since this is a soap opera, expect the usual rivalries and the occasional scandal.

Valentino (MBC 1)

The Ramadan television landscape just wasn't the same last year due to the absence of Adel Imam. After sitting out of 2019's batch of shows, the legendary Egyptian actor and comic returns as the star of Valentino. In this comedy, Imam plays the title character, who is an owner of large school franchise in Egypt. It doesn't take long to realise that Valentino is a shady businessman. However, that gravy train is about to stop once his headmistress wife (Dalia Elbeheri) – a disciplinarian both at home and in class – finds out about his schemes.

Al Ekhteyar (MBC Drama)

One of the most anticipated dramas of the year. Amir Karara channels his trademark intensity in this biopic of Egyptian army colonel Ahmed Al Mansi. Renowned as the leader of the elite tactical group the Thunderbolt Forces, the series traces his career and his tragic death in a 2017 terrorist attack in Northern Sinai.

Makhraj 7 (MBC 1)

One of the greatest comedic chroniclers of Saudi Arabian life is back with another Ramadan offering. After giving us a glimpse of the kingdom pre-oil boom in last year's Al Assouf, Nasser Al Qasabi returns with the sitcom Makhraj 7. Translated to Exit 7, the series has Al Qasabi playing a lowly government clerk stuck working in the complaints department. Set in present-day Saudi Arabia, even the coronavirus gets a mention in the show, the show has Al Qasabi's character juggling concerns heard both at work and home.

El Prince (MBC Drama)

After the success of 2016's high-voltage thriller Al Ostoura, Egyptian action man Mohamed Ramadan teams up, once again, with director Mohammad Sami in what is promised to be a sprawling crime family saga.

Just for laughs

Ramez Galal Returns (MBC 1)

Will you laugh or cry? That has always been the line notorious Egyptian prankster Ramez Galal skirted with during his popular yet controversial series. Once again, expect Galal to lure his star-studded guests (past episodes include a flight gone wrong with Paris Hilton) into what they think is a benign meeting before drama ensues and celebrities are reduced to a teary mess.

Mahadesh Fahem Haga (MBC 1)

If Ramez Galal’s hair-raising schtick doesn’t tickle your funny bone, you will enjoy this charming and low-key affair. Translated to “No one Understands a Thing”, it has celebrity comic Mohammed Tharwat hit the street in disguise and ask ordinary people to do unusual things.

Heart and mind

Manaber Al-Nour (MBC 1)

Esteemed Islamic scholar Saleh Al Maghamsi is the guest of this 30-part interview series where he will explore modern-day issues through an encouraging spiritual lens.

Ihsan Men El Mostakbal (MBC 1)

Popular Saudi youth personality and bestselling author Ahmad Al Shugairi fronts another educational Ramadan series. This time around, his subject of interest is technology and through his interviews and investigations, Al Shugairi looks at the rise of artificial intelligence.

Hala B Ramadan

Learn to prepare your favourite regional dish from some of the Arab world’s finest cooks. Each episode will host a celebrity chef as they provide tips on how to elevate simple dishes into Instagram-ready status.

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Read more:

From dramas to game shows: Abu Dhabi TV and Emarat TV reveal colourful Ramadan line-up

Ramadan line-up: Sharjah to release more than 90 new radio and TV shows in time for the holy month

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