A strong comeback for the comedy star on Riyadh stages

Egyptian comedy star Mohamed Henedy is preparing to return to his Saudi Arabian audience with a new play titled "The Happiness Merchant." This production is part of the prominent artistic events of the current Riyadh Season and is scheduled to run at the Mohammed Al Ali Theater from January 27th to February 2nd, promising audiences an intense dose of laughter and entertainment.

Riyadh Season: The region's premier entertainment destination

The hosting of the play "The Happiness Merchant" comes within a broader context reflecting the growing importance of Riyadh Season as one of the largest entertainment festivals in the Middle East. Since its launch as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives, the season has successfully established Riyadh as a global tourist and cultural destination. Each year, the season attracts the brightest stars of Arab and international theater and presents a diverse and high-caliber production that caters to all segments of society, thus enhancing cultural exchange and artistic dialogue between the Kingdom and various countries around the world, particularly Egypt, a leader in the field of theatrical arts.

Mohamed Henedy and the Saudi audience: A special relationship

This show cannot be viewed in isolation from the long history that connects Mohamed Henedy with Saudi and Gulf audiences. Henedy is considered one of the icons of comedy in the Arab world, and his previous theatrical works, such as "Afroto" and "Hazemny Ya," achieved unparalleled popular success in the region. His return to the stage with a new production is a highly anticipated event, as audiences trust in his ability to deliver sophisticated comedy that addresses social issues in a satirical and engaging manner.

Details and cast of the play "The Happiness Merchant"

His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, officially announced the release of tickets for the play, emphasizing that it will offer a unique comedic experience. The cast includes Mohamed Henedy and a distinguished group of stars, including Rahma Ahmed, who has achieved widespread fame in recent years, as well as veteran actors Alaa Morsi, Mohsen Mansour, and Mohamed Mahmoud, in addition to Reham El-Shenawy and several other theatrical talents. The play relies on social comedy, drawing its situations from everyday life, which is guaranteed to engage the audience.

Henedy's future artistic projects

On another note, Mohamed Henedy’s artistic activities are not limited to the stage only, as he is currently preparing for his new television series “Uncle Qandil”, which brings him together with the great writer Youssef Maati and the director Hassan Al-Manbawi, and it is expected that filming will begin after the next Eid al-Fitr, to be a new addition to his full artistic career.

Yasmine Raees puts an end to the rumors with a behind-the-scenes photo

Egyptian actress Yasmine Raees has put an end to the speculation surrounding the future of her new series, "Ask Your Soul," confirming that preparations are continuing for its broadcast during Ramadan 2026. This confirmation came through her posting of the first behind-the-scenes photos on her official social media accounts, putting an end to the speculations that arose after director Reda Abdel Razek apologized for not completing the project. This step reassured her fans and followers who were anxiously awaiting the fate of the series.

Background to the crisis and the importance of the Ramadan drama season

The production of Ramadan series in Egypt and the Arab world is a fiercely competitive field that demands significant artistic and production stability. The withdrawal of a director in the early stages of production poses a challenge that could lead to the project's complete cancellation or postponement. Therefore, director Reda Abdel Razek's resignation sparked concern in artistic circles and fueled rumors about the series being pulled from the Ramadan lineup. However, the swift action taken by the production team and Yasmine Raees's confirmation of its continuation reflect the project's immense importance and their determination to participate in the most crucial drama season of the year, which serves as a true test of the actors' star power and the strength of the production companies.

Work details and expected impact

The series "Ask Your Soul" brings together Yasmine Raees and star Ahmed Fahmy in a highly anticipated pairing, and features a stellar cast. Written by Mohamed El-Henawy, the series is directed by Osama Orabi. It is expected to be a major success given the popularity of its stars, and its resumption of filming after the recent controversy has garnered additional media attention. This project represents a significant step in Yasmine Raees's career, solidifying her position as a leading lady in television drama, especially after her string of successes in film.

Cinematic successes boost audience attendance

This dramatic challenge comes at a time when Yasmine Raees is enjoying a period of cinematic brilliance. Her film "El Hana Elly Ana Feih" (The Happiness I'm In) continues to achieve remarkable success in the Gulf market, ranking third on the list of highest-grossing films in Saudi Arabia in 2025. Her latest film, "Mama w Baba" (Mama and Papa), co-starring Mohamed Abdel Rahman (Tota), also achieved massive box office success, grossing nearly 200 million Egyptian pounds in Saudi Arabia, in addition to 15 million Egyptian pounds in Egypt. This commercial success, particularly in the Saudi market, enhances her artistic and popular standing regionally and makes her upcoming projects, including "Es'al Rouhak" (Ask Yourself), highly anticipated. Furthermore, she recently wrapped filming on "El Set Lama" (When the Lady), which brings her together with a constellation of stars such as Yousra and Dorra, underscoring her prolific artistic activity and the diversity of her roles.