Culture and Art
Amr Saad reverses his retirement decision: The reasons and the future of drama
Learn about the details of Amr Saad’s reversal of his decision to retire from drama, and how digital platforms and the pressures of Ramadan production affect the decisions of top stars in Egypt.
Egyptian star Amr Saad to the forefront of the artistic and media scene after his swift reversal of his decision to retire from television dramas. This move sparked widespread controversy and reopened the debate surrounding the immense pressures faced by A-list actors. This reversal was not a mere coincidence, but rather the result of intensive efforts by decision-makers in the entertainment industry. Specialized reports covering the global entertainment industry, such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter , indicated that a wave of intensive contact from major Arab producers and production companies played a decisive role in convincing Saad to reconsider his position, especially given the existence of several major projects in development for upcoming seasons.
Context of the event: Between the pressures of Ramadan and the allure of cinema
To understand the implications of this decision, one must consider the broader context of Amr Saad's career, as he is considered one of the pillars of Egyptian drama in the last decade. Saad has always been known for portraying popular heroes and social stories that resonate with the realities of Egyptian street life, making him a force to be reckoned with in the Ramadan television season. However, the commitment to producing 30-episode series annually imposes immense psychological and physical pressures, prompting many stars to consider retirement or temporary hiatus in search of rest or to focus on cinema, which offers less demanding schedules and greater artistic impact.
Market shifts and the impact of digital platforms
Informed sources within the production market confirm that the crisis is not personal, but rather a reflection of fundamental shifts in the industry. The current phase is witnessing a rapid transition from traditional television broadcasting to digital platforms , which have changed the game by favoring short-form content (10 or 15 episodes) with a fast pace. This shift is forcing stars, including Amr Saad, to rebuild their artistic strategies to deliver content that aligns with the evolving tastes of the platform audience, avoiding the "stretching and drawn-out" that can plague longer productions.
The phenomenon of fluctuation and the future of drama
Art critics believe that Amr Saad's reversal of his retirement decision reflects a state of flux within the artistic community, where artists are torn between the desire to maintain their public presence and the pressing need to reassess their careers. Predictions suggest that Saad's return will be anything but conventional, focusing instead on works with profound human and social themes, in an attempt to present a mature artistic image that aligns with new global standards of quality and responds to the challenges posed by fierce competition in the Arab drama market.
Culture and Art
The series "Ana wa Hiya wa Hiya": The return of Taj Haidar and Basel Khayat
Learn about the details of the series “Ana wa Hiya wa Haya” for Ramadan 2026, which brings together Basel Khayat and Taj Haidar in a new Syrian social drama produced by Ibla International.
In a move that is expected to reshape the landscape of Syrian drama early on, all eyes are on Beirut, Lebanon, where filming has begun on the new Syrian series "Ana wa Hiya wa Haya" (Me, Her, and Her). This project is not just another new drama; it represents a significant artistic event, bringing together stars Basel Khayat and Taj Haidar, marking the latter's return to the small screen after years of absence that had sparked curiosity among her fans.
A strong comeback for top-tier stars
The series "Ana wa Hiya wa Hiya" (Me, Her, and Her) marks the return of star Taj Haidar, whose name is etched in the memory of Arab viewers for iconic roles in works such as "Bab Al-Hara" and "Al-Zeer Salem." Her return today through this social drama reflects a desire to present mature and different content, especially with a leading role alongside the renowned actor Basel Khayyat. Khayyat, who has achieved resounding success in recent years through pan-Arab dramas and adaptations, is a major asset to the series, with critics predicting that his on-screen chemistry with Haidar will create a unique artistic phenomenon reminiscent of the brilliance of successful Syrian duos.
A distinguished cast and a fresh directorial vision
The production's strength lies not only in its two main characters but also in its cast of prominent Syrian actors, including the esteemed Nadine Khoury, Ali Karim, Tayseer Idris, and Sawsan Mikhail. It also provides a platform for emerging talents such as Taraf Al-Taqi, Taif Ibrahim, Shahd Al-Zalaq, and the young actress Roussel Al-Ibrahim. The script, penned by writer Iyad Abu Al-Shamat, is brought to life visually by director Nour Arnaout in her directorial debut, infusing the work with fresh energy and a contemporary visual perspective, under the artistic supervision of Firas Al-Omari.
Story and production context
The series revolves around contemporary social drama, departing from the traditional setting of the Levant to delve into the complexities of human relationships and the intertwining of destinies amidst the vicissitudes of daily life. This ambitious project is being produced by Ebla International for Artistic Production, a company renowned for its high-quality artistic output.
With filming having begun last November, “Ana wa Hiya wa Haya” is expected to be the dark horse in the Ramadan 2026 drama race, as the Syrian and Arab audience eagerly awaits what this unique artistic combination will yield, which combines the longing for the return of beloved stars with a renewal in presentation and treatment.
Culture and Art
Sarah Al-Wadaani without a hijab ignites social media and tops the trending list
A video of Sarah Al-Wadaani without a hijab has sparked widespread controversy in Saudi Arabia. Learn the details of the story, the reactions, and the public's stance on her recent appearance, which has gone viral.
Saudi beauty expert and famous influencer, Sarah Al-Wadaani , has been at the forefront of events on social media platforms in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, after she posted a recent video in which she appeared for the first time with her hair uncovered, in a move that followers considered a radical and surprising transformation in her career, which sparked a wide wave of controversy and discussions.
Details of the video that went viral
The video clip spread like wildfire across Al-Wadaani's official accounts, garnering millions of views within a few hours. This unprecedented appearance led to a sharp division of opinion among social media users, with a large segment of the public expressing shock and recalling Al-Wadaani's previous statements emphasizing her adherence to the hijab as a deeply held religious conviction, not merely a social custom.
Between personal freedom and social pressures
In contrast, another group defended the Saudi influencer, asserting that the issue of wearing or removing the hijab falls under the umbrella of personal freedom, which no one has the right to interfere with or infringe upon. However, the scene was not without its sharp criticisms, with some linking this change to what they described as a "fame-seeking obsession" and an attempt to boost viewership, especially given the intense competition among Snapchat celebrities.
What intensified the debate was the re-circulation of an old video clip of Sarah Al-Wadaani’s father, in which he had previously appeared completely dismissing the idea of his daughter removing her hijab, saying in a confident tone: “By God, you will not do it.” This clip was widely shared by the public to compare the previous stance with the current reality.
Sarah Al-Wadaani: From makeup artist to social media icon
To understand the extent of the controversy, one must consider the broader context of Sarah Al-Wadaani's career. Sarah is one of the first Saudi women to enter the world of social media through the beauty industry, initially known for her expertise in "cinematic makeup" and special effects, before gradually transforming into one of the most prominent influencers in the fields of "lifestyle" and motherhood.
Sarah Al-Wadaani has a massive fan base, with nearly 7 million followers on Snapchat alone, making any change in her lifestyle a matter of public interest and a hot topic of discussion. She shares glimpses of her daily life with her five children, creating a kind of familial connection with her audience, who have been accustomed to a certain image of her for many years.
Returning to the spotlight and Ramadan dramas
This controversial event coincides with Al-Wadaani's notable media activity, as she recently appeared in the promotional campaign for the popular series "Shabab Al-Bomb 14," scheduled to air during the upcoming Ramadan season. Observers of the media scene believe this timing has contributed to greater scrutiny of her recent actions, whether intentional or not.
As of the time of writing, Sarah Al-Wadaani has remained silent and has not issued any official explanation regarding the motives behind this change, contenting herself with continuing to publish her content, leaving the digital arena boiling with speculations and analyses about the future of her mental image among the Saudi and Arab public.
Culture and Art
The TV series "Media of Inheritance" (Ramadan 2026): Sahar El-Sayegh and inheritance issues
Learn about the details of the TV series "Inheritance Media" starring Sahar El-Sayegh in Ramadan 2026. Behind the scenes, cast list, and the story of the series which discusses the thorny family inheritance conflicts.
The production company of the series “Inheritance Media”, starring Egyptian star Sahar El-Sayegh, revealed the first pictures from behind the scenes of filming, thus announcing that the work is close to being fully ready to compete in the anticipated drama marathon in Ramadan 2026. The pictures showed an atmosphere of focus and seriousness among the crew, reflecting their keenness to present rich dramatic material that befits the taste of the Arab audience.
The series' production team confirmed that filming is nearing completion, with production on schedule to ensure its timely broadcast. This comes amidst critical and popular expectations that the series will make a significant impact during the upcoming Ramadan season, given the nature of the issues it addresses and the prominent actors involved.
Heroes and creators of social dramas
The series "Inheritance Media" brings together a stellar cast of Egyptian drama stars. Alongside Sahar El-Sayegh, the cast includes veteran actor Salah Abdullah, star Amr Abdel-Galil, and actress Entisar, as well as up-and-coming talents Dahab Tamer and Hagar Afifi. The work is based on a story by Karim Sorour, who also co-wrote the screenplay and dialogue with Heba El-Husseini. Director Hassan Saleh is at the helm, translating the script into a compelling visual experience.
Inheritance issues: an open societal wound
The series focuses primarily on a highly sensitive and complex social issue: inheritance. This topic is among the most realistic and resonates deeply with broad segments of the Egyptian and Arab public. The work reveals the details of escalating family disputes arising from the division of estates and how materialism can shatter kinship ties. This type of work is particularly important, as drama plays a vital role in highlighting social and legal loopholes and the impact of greed and material conflicts on the cohesion of the Arab family. This typically guarantees high viewership ratings, given viewers' identification with stories that mirror their own lives.
Sahar El-Sayegh and a renewed artistic career
With this project, Sahar El-Sayegh continues to solidify her position as one of the leading actresses of her generation, consistently showcasing a diverse range of roles spanning tragedy, mystery, and social drama. Her most recent work was the series "For Lack of Evidence," which garnered widespread acclaim and featured a stellar cast including Mohamed Tharwat, Sabry Fawaz, Gouri Bakr, and Mahmoud Abdel-Moghni. "Inheritance Media" is expected to further enhance her career, particularly given the fierce competition during Ramadan, the largest and most important market for television drama production in the Middle East.
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