In a historic move that is reshaping the cultural landscape of the Kingdom, the capital, Riyadh, witnessed an exceptional moment: a strategic collaboration between the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and the Saudi Music Authority to relaunch the "Saudi Television Theater." This initiative is not merely a fleeting event, but a massive cultural project aimed at connecting the flourishing present with a rich artistic heritage that has shaped the Saudi consciousness for decades and contributed directly to forging the national musical identity we know today.

The roots of this venerable artistic institution go back to the 1960s, a pivotal period in the history of Saudi media. It evolved from "Radio Theater," launched in 1961, to "Television Theater" in 1966. Since then, it has become the premier platform for musical evenings, theatrical performances, and monologues, contributing to the dissemination of Saudi art and enhancing its presence not only locally, but also at the Gulf and Arab levels, as Saudi television at that time served as the Arab world's window to art in the Arabian Peninsula.

On this stage, the birth certificates of Saudi Arabia's artistic giants were written; prominent names emerged who shaped the features of modern Saudi song, most notably "The Voice of the Earth," Talal Maddah, and "The Artist of the Arabs," Mohammed Abdu. The public became acquainted with these giants early on through the musical programs hosted by this theater, before they became icons of authentic Arabic music, making this place a living testament to the evolution of Eastern music.

The role of theater didn't end with the pioneering generation; it continued to nurture subsequent generations, presenting concerts by voices that represented an extension of Saudi creativity, such as Abadi Al-Johar, Abdul Majeed Abdullah, and Ali Abdul Karim. Theater solidified its role as a true platform for discovering talent and creating stars, as appearing on Saudi television was the "passport" to the hearts of audiences during that golden era.

The relaunch of the theater today is of paramount importance in light of the accelerating cultural movement that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing within Vision 2030. This step comes in conjunction with huge educational and artistic projects in the fields of music, theater and performing arts, reflecting a strategic direction to enhance the cultural sector and diversify its community presence, and to make Riyadh a leading artistic destination in the region.

The anticipated impact of this theater's return extends beyond mere entertainment; it represents a revival of Saudi Arabia's soft power, a documentation of its musical heritage, and an inspiring platform for emerging young talents. Between the memory of the past and the aspirations of the future, the return of "Saudi Television Theater" appears to be a gateway for the emergence of new voices who will write their future chapters on the same stage where the giants once stood, ensuring the continuation of artistic creativity in the Kingdom.

In an atmosphere filled with family and deep appreciation, the set of the highly anticipated series "Mawlana" witnessed an exceptional celebration of the birthday of the iconic Syrian and Arab actress, Mona Wassef. The cast and crew, including star Taim Hassan, participated in the celebration, transforming the set into a space of love and loyalty for one of the most important figures in Arab art.

The stars of the series expressed their deep appreciation for the long and inspiring artistic career of the star Mona Wassef, considering that her presence in any artistic work gives it weight and added value, describing her as an example to be followed in commitment and artistic creativity.

Documenting emotional moments and audience reactions

The production company documented these joyous moments in a video posted on its official Instagram account. The video was accompanied by a touching message praising the stature of "Umm Joseph" in Syrian drama, describing her as a cornerstone of Arab art and a figure with an unforgettable, timeless presence—a testament to the deep respect the drama industry holds for this great icon.

The video clip received a wide and immediate reaction from the Arab public and a large number of artists, who rushed to express their great love for the Syrian star, confirming her established artistic and human value through comments full of love and prayers for a long life.

Mona Wassef... a pillar of drama and a history of giving

This celebration reaffirms the undeniable stature of Mona Wassef, dubbed the "Oak of Syrian Drama." She is not merely an actress, but a living artistic legacy spanning decades, from her timeless roles in international cinema, such as Hind bint Utbah in the film "The Message," to her portrayals of strong and wise mothers in modern television dramas. Her participation in the series "Mawlana" is considered a significant addition to the production, especially after the resounding success of her on-screen partnership with star Taim Hassan in the series "Al-Hayba," where they created a unique artistic harmony between mother and son, raising expectations for the new project.

A renewed artistic partnership in "Mawlana"

The series "Mawlana" reunites a select group of artists under the direction of the creative director Samer Barqawi, who formed a successful duo with Taim Hassan over the years, producing works that dominated the Arab drama scene. The presence of Mona Wassef in this equation enhances the chances of the work's success and lends it a touch of authenticity.

The series “Mawlana” presents a human drama that carries deep symbolic messages, in which Taim Hassan embodies a complex pivotal character who tries to escape the consequences of his past, to enter a journey of transformation that makes him an influential and decisive factor in shaping the fate of an entire village, in a dramatic plot that promises a lot of suspense and social implications.

The cast and crew of the TV series "Mawlana"

The series boasts a stellar cast of Syrian drama stars who come together to deliver this epic production. Alongside the esteemed Mona Wassef and the renowned Taim Hassan, the cast includes Nour Ali, Fares Al-Helou, Nancy Khoury, Alaa Al-Zoubi, Hima Ismail, Ghaith Ramadan, and others. Written by Lubna Mashlah and directed by Samer Al-Barqawi, the series is expected to be one of the most prominent drama productions of the upcoming season.

In a new artistic move that strengthens the anticipated cinematic competition, it was officially announced that Egyptian star Maged El Masry the cast of the film "Weekend." He will star alongside a group of prominent young actors, including Ahmed Dawood , Huda El Mufti , and Abdel Rahman Mohamed. This signing comes as the production company finalizes the casting of the remaining actors for the film, which is expected to garner widespread public attention due to its star-studded lineup.

Extensive preparations and enchanting filming locations

The film's production company is currently finalizing logistical preparations, conducting meticulous location scouting for carefully selected filming sites that serve the film's dramatic context. A number of Egypt's most prominent tourist and coastal landmarks have been chosen, including Cairo, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and the stunning beaches of the Red Sea. These locations are chosen to showcase the beauty of Egypt's natural landscape and incorporate it into the cinematic visuals, in preparation for filming to begin immediately after the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The artistic context and the creators of the work

The film "Weekend" belongs to the genre of suspenseful social dramas, unfolding within a framework brimming with mystery, surprises, and thrills—a cinematic style that has recently enjoyed considerable popularity at the Egyptian and Arab box office. Written by Hussein Niazi and directed by Sarah Karim, the film aims to present a fresh visual and narrative vision that aligns with the evolution of modern Egyptian cinema.

Majed El Masry... Intense artistic activity during Ramadan

On another front, and in parallel with his film preparations, actor Maged El Masry is experiencing a surge in dramatic activity, as he will be participating in the upcoming Ramadan season with the series "Awlad El Ra'i" (The Shepherd's Sons). This production is considered a major production, bringing together a constellation of stars, including Khaled El Sawy, Ahmed Eid (who has recently achieved remarkable success), Amal Bouchoucha, Nermin El Feky, and Ehab Fahmy.

The series, directed by Mahmoud Kamel, consists of 30 episodes and falls under the action thriller genre. Sources have revealed that the work will include challenging and complex action scenes, requiring physical fitness and special preparation from the actors—an arena in which Maged El Masry excels, drawing on his long history of portraying complex roles and powerful characters that leave a lasting impression on Arab audiences.

This diversity in Majed Al-Masri’s choices between cinema and drama confirms his keenness to have a strong and influential presence in the artistic scene, offering his audience a rich feast of high-quality art, whether through the big screen or through seasonal television drama.