An array of Arabic content is coming to the MENA region in 2024, from heartwarming dramas and side-spitting comedies, to fresh new titles, putting Arab talent on the global map.
Netflix reveals a thrilling line-up of upcoming content, featuring new and returning fan-favorites for 2024, including a diverse range of shows and films from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Kuwait, and Jordan. Netflix’s journey in the region has included exceptional Arabic shows and films that have offered both emerging and seasoned voices to tell authentic stories that resonate widely.
The sneak peek offers a first look into a diverse range of best-in-class regional content, ranging from captivating unscripted shows, gripping dramas, youth-centric series, heartwarming love stories and much more. Included in the highly anticipated 2024 slate, are some returning favorites:
Al Rawabi School for Girls S2 (Jordan): A new chapter is about to unfold as a new school year begins at AlRawabi School for Girls, welcoming with it a whole new class of thriving students. Season 2 of one of Netflix’s most successful and highly anticipated Arabic series is Produced by Filmizion Productions, from Showrunner and Creator Tima Shomali, with Co-Creators Shirin Kamal and Islam Alshomali. This Season features new students with unique stories, backgrounds and secrets that are about to shake things up. The rules and classmates may be changing, and the stakes are higher, but the essence of the Rawabi playground remains unbroken.
Finding Ola S2 (Egypt): After the success of Season 1, Finding Ola returns to screens this year starring the beloved Hend Sabri, an exciting new entrant, Dhafer L’Abidine. The show stars Sawsan Badr, Hany Adel, Nada Moussa, Mahmoud El Leithy, Acel Ramzy, Omar Sherif, Yasmina El-Abd and Tarek el Ebiary, known for his role as Ola’s brother on “Ayza Atgawez. As Ola’s business teeters on the edge of collapse, she discovers the need to reinvent herself, embarking on a journey that could potentially alter the course of her life forever. Directed by Hadi El Bagoury with Hend Sabri and Amin al Masri as executive producers, the show is set to release later in the year. First Look Photos here.
MasameerJunior (KSA): The adored characters from Masameer County returns to screen this year in Masameer Junior with its quintessential wit & unique brand of humor. In this animated film inspired by the show, three 6-year-old kids—Trad, Saltooh, and Saad—embark on a adventurous journey to find heaven after being terrified by their teacher’s warning about the consequences of being mischievous kids, leading them to seek the ultimate good deed to avoid an unpleasant fate. Masameer Junior, written by Abdulaziz Almuzaini and directed by Malik Nejer, will be released in 2024. First Look here
The Exchange S2 (Kuwait): After the resounding success of the first season, The Exchange returns to Netflix with its second season. The show sees the comeback of the beloved cast comprised of Mona Hussain, Rawan Mahdi, Mohammed Al Mansour, Hussain Almahdi, Faisal Alameri and more. Directed by Jasem AlMuhanna, produced by Abdullah Boushahri and created and written by Nadia Ahmad, Anne Sobel, Adam Sobel, and Rulan Hassan, The Exchange follows a unique story of two trailblazing women, Farida and Munira who have blazed a trail into the Kuwaiti stock market of the 1980s, but now that they have a foot in the door, can they continue to make progress, or will they lose everything they struggled to gain? First Look Photos here.
Dubai Bling S3 (UAE): A global hit 8-episode Arabic reality series returns to screens for its third season this year. Season 3 delves deeper into the lives of our favorite friends along with new additions to the Dubai Bling family, exploring new relationships, evolving ambitions, and the ever-present drama.
In addition to the eagerly anticipated return of beloved favorites, Netflix is thrilled to introduce a lineup of new shows slated for release this year, expanding its varied content library, to captivate audiences and further enrich the entertainment experience. Among the noteworthy new releases to anticipate in the coming year are:
Honeymoonish (Kuwait): In the romantic comedy Honeymoonish, Hamad and Noor find themselves in a whirlwind marriage that takes an unexpected turn. Through tangled misunderstandings and a shocking revelation, the film explores the complexities of love and the power of second chances, culminating in a heartwarming journey. Starring Nour AlGhandour and Mahmoud Boushahri, written by Eiad Saleh and directed by Elie El Semaan, the film is set to release early this year. First Look Photos here
Basma (KSA): Saudi actress and filmmaker Fatima Al-Banawi makes her directorial debut in the upcoming Netflix Film “Basma”, taking on the roles of writer, director, and lead actress. Delving into mental health, the drama unfolds as Basma, a young Saudi woman returning to Jeddah after studying in America, confronts the challenging truths her family had kept from her. First Look Images here
Echoes of the Past (Egypt): Echoes of the Past includes a star studded cast led by Mahmoud Hemida and Asser Yassin alongside Saba Mubarak, Sherif Salama, Shereen Reda, Rakeen Saad, Mohamed Tharwat, Mohammed Alaa, Tamer Nabil and Huda Elmufti. Directed by Al Sadeer Massoud and written by Mohamed el Masry, the limited 8 episodes series, premiering this year, follows Yehia’s quest for vengeance when his sister Nadia tragically dies in a seemingly accidental incident. The series is produced by Charisma Group with Mohammad Mashish serving as the executive producer. Images here.
Love Is Blind, Habibi (UAE): “Love is Blind, habibi” is coming to the Arab World, presented by Elham Ali and Khaled Saqr. This unique social experiment follows young single Arabs living in the UAE on their quest to find true love. On their journey, they will get the chance to meet other like minded people who share their values and desire to build a family as well as a true partner who loves them for who they are and not what they look like. They will have the opportunity to deepen connections, fall in love, and even propose – all before actually seeing each other. As they eventually meet in the real world and prepare for their wedding day, they will open up and involve friends and family in the unique experience. But the question remains: will they successfully tie the knot, or will external factors and physical realities intervene? First Look Images here.
The debut of Netflix’s extensive 2024 line-up marks an exciting chapter for the streaming service, aiming to captivate audiences. The rich array of Arabic talent showcased in the upcoming productions reflects Netflix’s commitment to investing in authentic storytelling from the Arab world and giving more people a chance to see their lives reflected on screen.