Giant subscription streaming services Netflix and OSN are dedicated to amplifying authentic stories from Arab storytellers, and their latest announcement of their upcoming Arabic films and TV shows is just proof of that. The diverse and high-quality content will be hailing from *all around* the MENA region, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan. While we’re sat here patiently waiting for Al Rawabi School For Girls season 2, we can indulge in these new releases.
Scroll down to check out the 8 upcoming Arabic films and TV shows coming out
Al Thaman
Via @razanejammal on Instagram
Featuring Lebanese-American actress Razane Jammal and Syrian actor Bassel Khaiat, ‘Al Thaman‘ follows the story of a mother trying to raise funds for her son’s cancer treatment. Last-minute, her boss makes her an offer she can’t deny, but on the condition that she spends a night with him. This drama will be available to watch on Shahid VIP and MBC 1.
Finding Ola season 2
Netflix
After the success of Netflix’s Finding Ola season 1, we’re beyond excited to reveal that the sequel *will* be happening in 2023. Last March, Hend Sabry announced that the Arabic comedy would be returning in February. The slice-of-life series follows the story of recently divorced mother-of-two, Ola, who is played by Hend, as she navigates the ups and downs of finding herself.
This is one of the Arabic films and TV shows that we’ll deffo scheduling in our calendar under ‘must-watch.’
My Driver & I
‘My Driver & I’ is the story of Salma a young girl from Saudi who is from an affluent family and Gamar, a young Sudanese man. Gamar moves to Jeddah when he becomes Salma’s driver, leading to something more than friends between them. A story of independence and finding family in the least expected places.
Dubai Bling
HYKU DESESTO/NETFLIX
This 8-episode Arabic docu-soap is set to launch on 27 October featuring some of the *biggest* Middle Eastern names and their luxurious lives. Think: Radio host Kris Fade and his wife Brianna Ramirez, Saudi TV host and actress Lojain Omran, Emirati DJ Marwan Al Awady and his wife Danya Mohammed, AKA Diva Dee, as well as influencers, socialites, and businessmen who are at the top of their fields including Zeina Khoury, Safa Siddiqui, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Farhana Bodi, and Loujain Adada. We can’t say no to reality TV tbh.
HYKU DESESTO/NETFLIX
For everything you need to know on Dubai Bling, click here.
The Exchange
SIMA DIAB / NETFLIX
This Kuwaiti TV show has a star-studded cast with the likes of Rawan Mahdi, Mona Hussain, Hussain alMahdi, Mohamed Mansour, and Faisal alAmiri. Following the story of two trailblazing women who disrupt the corrupt boys club of Kuwait’s banking industry in the late 1980s, this workplace drama is about to ~rock~ our screens in early 2023. We cannot wait (!!)
Alkhallat+
TELFAZ11 / NETFLIX
Looking for something a bit more mysterious? This satirical suspense film based on Telfaz11’s hit digital show Alkhallat, which was first released in 2017 and received more than 1.5 billion views across YouTube and social media, is making a comeback. The popular stories of social deception and trickery will be bringing back this beloved Saudi show to life once again. Expect to see it on your Netflix screens next year.
The Matchmaker
TELFAZ11 / NETFLIX
Here’s another exciting Saudi film to add to your looong watch list. ‘The Matchmaker‘ is a psychological thriller with supernatural themes, set in Al Ula. This looks like one of the Arabic films that’ll make it to Netflix’s top 10 (fingers crossed). Set to launch in early 2023, the cast includes Hussam Alharthy, Reem AlHabib, Nour Alkhadra.
Masameer County Season 2
MYRKOTT / NETFLIX
This Saudi 8-episode youth-inspired show portrays the chronicles of the ever-changing Kingdom with quintessential wit and a unique brand of humour. We all love animation, and especially a funny one. Get ready to press play on this sequel in 2023.
Mimo
Via @ahmedhelmy on Instagram
Egyptian artist Ahmed Helmy has announced the final date for the premiere of his new play “Mimo”, confirming that the first show will take place on February 20 as part of the Riyadh season events, in the Boulevard Riyadh City area which will host the activities.
Ahmed Helmy posted the first official poster for the play “Mimo” on his personal Instagram page, commenting: “Mimo, February 20th in the Riyadh season.” the play will be featuring many stars including Ahmed Rizk, Hamdy El Marghany and Hana El Zahed.
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