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Fasting isn’t the only shared experience we look forward to during Ramadan. Beyond the spiritual reflection lies another staple of the Holy Month: Entertainment. Our friends at Publicist Inc, the regional communications and public relations firm headquartered in Egypt, compiled data from 24 sources and 34 reports to analyze entertainment habits in the MENA region, giving us insight into an season-specific industry worth USD bns every year.
Tap or click here to read the report (pdf).
Egypt is still the biggest producer of Ramadan serials, accounting for 58% of all regional output.
What are we watching in the Kingdom? Five shows streaming on Shahid dominated the small screen this year, led by the Kuwaiti Zawga Wahida La Takfi. Khyout El Maazeeb, El Sharar, and Gak El Elm also made the cut, as did Egyptian entry Neama El Avocato.
The shows we spent the most time Googling:
- Al Sharar
- Zawja Waheda La Takfi
- Ne’ma El Avocato
- Haq Arab
- El Atawla
Period dramas stole the spotlight: The most popular genre in The Kingdom was the period drama, “showcasing a significant leap in production value and quality compared to past years,” Publicist says.
Saudi serials edge out Kuwait for most popular GCC-produced shows this season: The improved production values are making a dent in the GCC market, where Saudi shows have pulled ahead in viewership to dethrone Kuwaiti productions as the most popular series to emerge from GCC production houses.
While four actresses garnered praise for their performances, the public eye turned toward international celebrities’ involvement in Ramadan campaigns. Lubna Bokhamsen, Maryam Hussain, Amal Alrmdan, and Reem Abdallah were commended for their acting chops, but Messi and Cristiano claimed center stage for their ad work for Sayyar and Noug.
