Social media platforms in Saudi Arabia witnessed widespread interaction following artist Talal Al-Seder's announcement, via his official account on the "X" platform, of a formal and public apology to artist and producer Hassan Ahmed Asiri. This action comes in compliance with a decision issued by the Primary Commission of the Ministry of Media, bringing to a close a legal and media dispute between the two parties, thus affirming the rule of law and the importance of adhering to professional ethics in the artistic community.

Details of the reconciliation and apology decision

In his post, Al-Sadr explained that this apology comes in compliance with Decision No. (233) in the lawsuit filed against him by Hassan Asiri. The decision stipulates the implementation of the terms of the settlement agreement, which includes Al-Sadr offering a clear apology for his actions, along with full recognition of Asiri's artistic stature. The apology reads as follows:
"I, Talal Marzouq Mishaan Al-Sadr Al-Otaibi, apologize to the esteemed actor Hassan Ahmed Asiri for the offense I committed against him. I acknowledge his pioneering work throughout his career, which has left a clear mark on Saudi drama and contributed to the development of the artistic scene."

In compliance with the terms of the agreement, Al-Sadr indicated that this post will be pinned to his account for fifteen days, in a step that reflects the seriousness in ending the dispute and implementing the rulings issued by the competent authorities.

Background of the conflict: From scathing criticism to the courts

To understand the context of this apology, we must go back a little, to when Talal Al-Seder launched a scathing attack on Hassan Asiri in a series of tweets and posts. These criticisms included accusations that Asiri was "tampering with Saudi drama" and holding him responsible for what Al-Seder described at the time as the weakness of the drama industry. In his earlier attack, Al-Seder focused on the fact that Asiri's production style relied on monopoly and repetition, which emptied artistic works of their creative content and emotional depth. This prompted Asiri to resort to the courts to protect his moral and intellectual property rights.

Hassan Asiri: An influential artistic career in Gulf drama

Al-Sadr's acknowledgment of Hassan Asiri's "pioneering work" in his apology reflects an undeniable truth in the history of Saudi drama. Hassan Asiri is one of the most prominent figures who shaped the dramatic landscape in the Kingdom and the Gulf for decades, both as an actor and as a producer through his company, Al-Sadaf. Asiri contributed to dozens of works that tackled bold social issues and played a pivotal role in discovering many young talents who later rose to prominence on screen. Recognizing his contributions and stature in the apology restores the value of a long history of effort in establishing a competitive Saudi drama industry.

The importance of the decision and the role of the Ministry of Information

This event carries implications that extend beyond a mere personal dispute between artists; it underscores the active role of the judicial committees within the Saudi Ministry of Media in regulating the media and artistic landscape. This decision reinforces the principle of responsibility in online publishing and clarifies that freedom of expression does not extend to personal attacks or defamation. Furthermore, it strengthens the artistic work environment in the Kingdom, guaranteeing creators their rights and establishing clear legal frameworks for resolving disputes, thus contributing to a healthy climate conducive to the development and flourishing of Saudi drama, free from personal squabbles.

Abla Kamel sparked widespread joy and celebration across social media and in the Egyptian public following her surprise appearance in a Ramadan advertisement for a major telecommunications company. This appearance comes after years of complete absence from the artistic and media scene, making her return a significant artistic event that has captured the attention of the Arab audience.

Abla Kamel's conditions for agreeing to return

The renowned actress's agreement to appear in the advertisement was not easy, as she set specific conditions related to the content and message of the project. According to sources close to her, Abla Kamel stipulated that the advertisement must carry a noble humanitarian message reflecting the values ​​of social cohesion and family warmth, far removed from mere commercialism. This was achieved in the advertisement's concept, which focused on the importance of communication and bridging the gap between loved ones.

Nostalgia brings her together with Menna Shalaby and Yasmine Abdel Aziz

One of the most notable aspects of this project is the selection of Abla Kamel to appear alongside two stars with whom she shares a special artistic and historical relationship: Menna Shalaby and Yasmin Abdel Aziz . This choice was not arbitrary, but rather a deliberate evocation of artistic memories etched in the minds of viewers.

• Her relationship with the artist Yasmine Abdel Aziz to 1998, when they achieved resounding success in the series "A Woman from the Time of Love," which was a strong launch for Yasmine.
• As for her relationship with the artist Menna Shalaby , it brings back memories of the film “Kalem Mama” which was produced about 23 years ago, and witnessed a high level of artistic chemistry between them.

A tribute to director Mohamed Shaker Khodair

the scenes, a touching human side of Abla Kamel's acceptance of the role was also revealed, related to the advertisement's director Mohamed Shaker Khodeir . The actress expressed her happiness at working with him, acknowledging her close relationship with his late father, who had been her professor at the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts. Furthermore, she expressed her deep admiration for the series "Grand Hotel," directed by Khodeir, considering it one of her favorite works, which she follows with great enthusiasm.

The impact of the comeback and the status of Abla Kamel

Abla Kamel's appearance in the advertisement is more than just a commercial; she is considered an icon of Egyptian and Arab drama, enjoying immense popularity thanks to her roles that authentically and spontaneously reflected the realities of Egyptian families. She concluded her appearance with a touching voice message: "Don't let anything separate you from what you miss... As long as we're together, Ramadan shines brightly with us," a statement that encapsulates her philosophy of life and reaffirms her status as one of the most important stars of Arab cinema.

Young Syrian actress Sarah Baraka expressed her immense happiness and pride in her first artistic experience in Saudi Arabia, praising the warm reception she received from the Saudi audience during the performance of the play "Saman Ala Asal" (Ghee on Honey). In exclusive statements to the Okaz newspaper, Baraka affirmed that the atmosphere provided by Riyadh Season for Arab artists is a fertile ground for creativity. She also commended the tremendous efforts exerted by the General Entertainment Authority, led by His Excellency Advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, which have transformed Riyadh into a global destination for art and entertainment.

Echoes of "Samman Ala Asal" and Riyadh Season

Speaking about the play, which was part of the season's events, Sarah explained that despite its lighthearted comedic nature, the production required extensive preparation and considerable physical and artistic effort due to its numerous dance numbers. She noted her deep passion for performing arts, which made the experience "delightful and enjoyable" despite the fatigue. This performance comes at a time when the Kingdom is witnessing unprecedented cultural and artistic activity, with Saudi theater becoming a platform that brings together stars from across the Arab world, thus strengthening cultural and artistic exchange between Arab countries.

Artistic chemistry with Moatasem Al-Nahar and the stars

Regarding her experience working with her colleagues, Sarah Baraka singled out her fellow Syrian star, Moatasem Al-Nahar, for special praise, describing him as a "humble star" and noting that they have shared a strong friendship for years, which positively impacted their on-stage chemistry. She also expressed her delight at working alongside a distinguished group of Arab stars, including Jumana Murad, Ayman Reda, Shukran Murtaja, and the Egyptian artist Ahmed Abdel Wahab, emphasizing the strong team spirit that prevailed among the cast and crew.

The challenge of Egyptian drama in "Ali Clay"

Regarding television drama, Sarah discussed her upcoming role in the Egyptian series "Ali Clay," starring Ahmed El-Awady. She revealed that she will appear in the final third of the series, noting that this role represents a new and different challenge in her career. Baraka admitted that she initially felt very apprehensive about accepting the role, attributing this to her lack of familiarity with the details and culture of the "folk hero" in Egyptian drama—a genre that enjoys immense popularity and requires a particular mastery of dialect and behavioral nuances.

She added that the support of star Ahmed El-Awady and director Mohamed Abdel Salam played the biggest role in encouraging her to embark on this artistic adventure, reflecting the importance of Egyptian-Syrian artistic cooperation that has long enriched Arab screens with timeless works.

New cinematic and dramatic steps

Sarah Baraka concluded her remarks by revealing her future projects. After Ramadan, she will begin filming a new series titled "90 in Clothes." This project marks a significant milestone in her career, as it reunites her with the renowned actor Mahmoud Hamida for the first time, where she will portray his daughter. The series is directed by Shadi Fouad, and Sarah has high hopes for it to solidify her position in Arab drama, benefiting from working alongside an artist of Mahmoud Hamida's stature.