SBA unveils 18-series Ramadan drama lineup

Maraya continues to expand its reach this Ramadan with a collection of Gulf, Syrian, and Egyptian series, offering rich, diverse content suitable for all tastes and reflecting the platform’s vision of selecting distinctive works. The platform premieres two exclusive series this year: 11% and A’ila Mayla. 11% presents an unconventional storyline based on a scientific experiment that swaps the bodies of its main characters, creating a series of comedic and social contradictions in a race against time to restore normality. In this series, when bodies switch, reality becomes stranger than fiction. A’ila Mayla explores the daily life of a lively neighbourhood, where Halima navigates the repeated crises of her husband amid never-ending humorous situations: in this district, every day brings a crisis and every household has a story.

Syrian dramas feature Sa’adat Al-Majnoun, a suspenseful story involving the confession of a crime that was never committed and a deal that changes the characters’ destinies. The series Ya Ana Ya Hi returns for a second season, continuing its mysterious plot with family conflict triggered by a will. Shams Al-Aseel tells a touching human story about a family returning from travel carrying a significant secret: a child who alters everything and a truth capable of destroying the family. Another awaited series, Alnuwailati, blends struggles for power with myths and a search for a lost treasure. The platform also presents the third season of the comedy Mardi Wa Ham, continuing the humorous adventures of the main duo, offering new situations and laughter.

Gulf series include Ghanawi Al-Shawq, a heritage series in which each episode is linked to a traditional song narrating a different story, and Darb Al-Dhahab, a tale of revenge that unfolds amid wealth, betrayal, and escalating tension. From Egypt, the platform offers Al-Souq Al-Hurra, a satirical comedy set within the airport environment. For children and animation enthusiasts, the series Qos Wa Lasq provides light, fun adventures designed to entertain young viewers while surprising adults. Maraya also broadcasts all the series aired on Sharjah TV channels, further enriching its content offering. With this variety, Maraya presents a distinct Ramadan season combining suspense, comedy, and drama, making it a preferred destination for viewers.

Sharjah TV: Gulf and Syrian dramas

Sharjah TV showcases a range of notable works, including Shams Al-Aseel, set in a Damascus neighbourhood and offering a social drama with intertwined family secrets and relationships. This series airs daily at 16:10. Khatwat Saghira examines issues of marriage, divorce, domestic violence, and their deep psychological impacts, and is broadcast daily at 00:30. The heritage Gulf series Ghanawi Shawq consists of standalone episodes connected by traditional folk songs, serving as a generational memory, and airs daily at 22:00. Abtal Al-Rimal is a historical epic inspired by pre-Islamic times, presented with modern dramatic craftsmanship that combines historical accuracy and cinematic artistic construction. The series highlights legendary or influential Arab characters through three independent dramatic quintets that together form a cohesive dramatic work, airing daily from the second half of Ramadan at 22:00.

Al Sharqiya and Al Wusta channels

Al Sharqiya from Kalba presents Darb Al-Dhahab, which examines family and wealth conflicts in Gulf society, airing daily at 22:30. The Syrian series Al-Yateem explores the challenges of inheritance and human drama in a Levantine setting, airing daily at 18:45. The channel also broadcasts Drama Queen, a Gulf social drama examining the themes of love and hatred, airing daily at 01:00.

Al Wusta Channel from Al Dhaid offers the Bedouin series Thalab Al-Sahra, telling a story of love and challenge in a desert environment, airing daily at 19:00. The channel also airs Sumum Al-Qayd, which takes viewers back to the 1960s in Kuwait, highlighting complex family relationships and generational conflict, broadcast daily at 23:00. This diverse offering demonstrates Sharjah Media Corporation’s commitment to presenting a complete dramatic experience that balances authenticity and modernity, meeting the expectations of Emirati and Arab families during Ramadan with works that combine artistic enjoyment and deep social themes.

Cast insights

Actor Ahmed Al Jasmi commented on A’ila Mayla, describing it as a social comedy that addresses family issues with a light touch suitable for Ramadan. The series features a multi-generational family, from grandparents to grandchildren, and explores neighbourly relationships, social media influence, children, and school issues, all presented comically. Al Jasmi emphasised that the series relies on situational comedy rather than verbal jokes, making it a light family show. He invited the audience to watch the series on Maraya, promising a balanced work that combines comedy, drama, and touches of romance and suspense.

Actor Ahmed Al Mazem expressed pride in his role in 11%, which allows him to portray two characters—student Hamid and Dr Jassim—after their bodies are swapped. He described the series as a social comedy with human and dramatic dimensions, exploring themes such as gratitude, family unity, humility, and openness to others. Each viewer can connect to the messages in a personal way. He highlighted the significance of filming entirely in Sharjah, collaborating with renowned director Hani Al Shaibani and writer Ahmed Al Arshi, and working alongside prominent Arab actors, noting that the series represents both a professional challenge and a return to Sharjah drama. The project holds a special place in his heart because he is from Sharjah.

Actor Hassan Rajab said he was drawn to 11% for its unconventional concept, which places characters in unexpected dramatic tests with human and social messages. He emphasised that the series presents unique characters and innovative ideas. Rajab praised the distinctive direction of Hani Al Shaibani and the dedication of the actors, which enhanced the value of the experience. He explained that the title itself sparks curiosity, linking to the theme of maximising human potential compared with untapped abilities. The series addresses realistic social issues affecting family and daily life, presented through a combination of comedy and humanistic storytelling, featuring situations of contradiction and conflict arising from unusual circumstances. He added that filming was a positive, collaborative experience, despite the tight schedule and long hours, and he commended the professionalism of the production team, expressing hope that the audience would enjoy the series upon release.