A Comprehensive Bouquet of Programmes Comprising Drama, Comedy, and Religious Themes

Dubai-UAE: 5  August 2009 - The Holy Month of Ramadan is that time of the year which holds significant value for families across the Arab world and calls for contemplative thoughts and collaborative activities.

This year, Sama Dubai TV, part of Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), one of the pioneering media organizations and creative services group in the Middle East, once again reiterates its status as a discerning channel that has its ears close to the ground when it comes to comprehending the television viewing needs of people across the region. 

Its comprehensive programming commemorating the Holy Month of Ramadan encompasses various genres such as drama, comedy and religious content.

On the GCC drama front, Hadeel Al Layl (Nightfall) will take centre-stage as the largest GCC production to be aired on Sama Dubai TV. A popular drama, it revolves around a place ruled by Sheikh Jalil, who is fair and loved by people. Among his three sons, two commit injustice and abuse the people. Hadeel Al Layl depicts a family conflict that is set within a deep social framework.

The social series Al Jeeran (Neighbours) traces the relationship between neighbours against a background of the shifting social and economic landscape in the Gulf community. It serves as a warning against the gradual disintegration of the 'neighbourhood' concept. It also underlines the people's inability to withstand foreign influence that nurtures selfish tendencies such as love of material ownership and accumulation of wealth, as well as class status, all at the cost of social relationships including neighbours.

Bringing a smile on viewers' faces will be the social comedy Hanna Wa Ranna that takes us back to an era prior to the discovery of oil and the economic boom. Within the same comedy format, Sama Dubai also airs Sawalef Taffash (Stories of Taffash) that tells independent stories through the eyes of well-delineated characters about life in the GCC during the 1940s and 1950s.

The Emirati cartoon Sha'beyat Al Cartoon comes back this year with new episodes and vision, drawn through characters of the neighbourhood from different nationalities and accents. The new cartoon Khoosa Boosa, meanwhile, will portray the daily life of an Emirati family with its actors delving into the everyday nuances of a local as well as an expatriate resident's lifestyle, albeit from a humorous perspective.

Sama Dubai's Ramadan programming will include a competitive segment as well. In an interactive and informal format, Al Fanar will pose questions and riddles to the viewer on the culture and folklore aspects of the GCC, with a special focus on Emirati life. Shot in the ambience of heritage buildings amidst folkloric scenes in the 'Al Shandagah' area in Dubai, the programme will see the presenter exploring the art and cultural fabric epitomised by the area. During her quest, she discovers a 'Fanar' (magic lamp) inhabited by a fun, witty and peaceful genie that is eager to grant 30 of her most dear wishes.

The competitive segment will also include Ghaltet Al Shater, presented by Jamal Mattar. In Ramadan Wal Nass, presenter Akram Al Mulla will visit shopping malls and Ramadan tents to quiz people and give away interesting prizes.

A new surprise awaits viewers in the competitive segment with Al Esanseed. In addition,  Sama Dubai has something for the young ones too in the series Qetalat Al Shoja'an.     

Sama Dubai has also dedicated a segment of its Ramadan programming for religious content. In each episode of Ana Ma'a Abdi Etha, Sheikh Ahmed Al Kubaisi will describe the benefits of practising worship as recommended for Muslims. The religious programme - Feqh Al Sa'em -  will also offer instructions on the appropriate methods of fasting, ways to conduct oneself during the period, and night worship during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

As in previous years, Sama Dubai TV will provide live coverage of events at the Dubai International Holy Quran Awards held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. The audience will get a chance to watch and listen to contestants reciting verses from the Holy Quran as well as the critical reviews of the jury panel. Discussions by Islamic scholars from Arab and Muslim countries will be brought straight into the homes of viewers through this programme that will also award a cash prize considered one of the biggest in the world.

In addition, Hamset Amal, presented by Dr. Amal Balhoul, is a social show that highlights psychological and social issues. It will aim to offer solutions through consultations and psychological exercises that restore inner calm.

Every night, following Iftar, Sama Dubai will also offer a glimpse of the 'human' side of Emirati celebrities on Candid Camera, while Ramadan Nights, presented by Mohammed Al Salti and Amal Salem, will provide a daily round up of activities during the Holy Month of Ramadan. 

Sama Dubai's Ramadan offering will additionally be enhanced by Hana we Afia, a cookery show in which Emirati Chef Mosbah Al Ka'abi will present an exhaustive range of salads, appetizers, main courses, and desserts with an innovative flourish. He will also add contemporary flavours to a palette of traditional dishes. The show will additionally include tours around hotels in and out of the UAE and the various services they offer.

The GCC society regards Sama Dubai as its window to the world, for viewing the latest GCC productions. Through rich content that touches on spiritually as well as socially relevant topics befitting the Holy Month of Ramadan, Sama Dubai TV will offer a well packaged bouquet that will serve as irresistible fare during the fulfilling month of Ramadan.

-Ends-

About Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI)
Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI) has achieved extraordinary success to gain its prestigious status as one of the major regional broadcaster in spite of the intense competition among satellite channels. The company is moving firmly on its course and to offer viewers content that stands out as unique, creative, and respectable par excellence.

With the adoption of latest technology and the emergence of a vibrant Arab media landscape, DMI is committed to create a new generation of Emirati media persons who can project their overall achievements to an international audience, thereby augmenting the global image of Dubai and the UAE.

Dubai Media Incorporated is the umbrella entity for five TV channels currently operating in Dubai. These are Dubai TV, Sama Dubai, Dubai One, Dubai Sports, and Dubai Racing.

For Further Information, Please Contact:
Agency:
Dina Samhout
Associate Account Manager
Jiwin Public Relations
A member of the Media Services Group
Phone: +971-4-3755247
Email: Dina.Samhout@jiwin.ae

Dubai Media Incorporated.
Joyce Khouri
Corporate Communications
Phone: +971-4-3077793
Fax: +971-4-3077358
Email: joyce.khouri@dmi.ae

© Press Release 2009