Latest news with #OmarAlMulla
The National
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Second season of Al Boom 'puts Emirati culture in international context'
The wind is gaining strength at the makeshift coastal village in Ras Al Khaimah. It's a cue for the cast and crew to pick up speed and complete the final sequence for an episode of Al Boom, the second season of the acclaimed Emirati historical drama airing during Ramadan on Abu Dhabi TV. As extras dressed as tribesmen rehearse what appears to be a climactic showdown in the village square, Algerian director Lassaad Oueslati is preoccupied with something tightly pressed within his hands. 'What do you think? Accurate enough?' he asks the crew before extending his palm to reveal a battered piece of raw meat – resembling a hamburger patty. It is one of many questions posed to those tasked with ensuring the series remains as historically authentic as possible. Set in the mid-20th century, the series follows sea trader-turned-burgeoning tycoon Shahab (Omar Al Mulla) as he navigates the intersection of geopolitics and business in the northern emirate – then a key trade hub between the Gulf and Southeast Asia – amid the waning influence of the British in the region. Despite the region's growing economic significance, life in these coastal communities remained harsh, necessitating a reliance on natural resources. Raw meat, for instance, was not only a food source but – as in the case of what Oueslati holds – also used to treat certain flesh wounds. This attention to detail – from recreating the village based on historical sources to incorporating Emirati words once prevalent but now rarely used and using real-life dhows – has made Al Boom one of the most acclaimed local productions in recent years. According to Ouselati, the warm reception could harbour a new way of bringing local stories to the screen. 'Many previous historical shows followed a stereotypical image of old Emirati life, often repeating the same visual style and reliance on factual retellings than engaging narratives. We wanted to offer something more authentic and visually richer,' he tells The National. 'For example, we included traditional village architecture, but we also showed more advanced buildings, because people back then didn't just live in straw huts – they also built solid homes from stone and wood, integrating elements from both the mountains and the sea. 'We also added period-accurate cars to the coastal setting – not necessarily common at the time, but our research showed they did exist in some areas. Since many historical details weren't well-documented, we used a mix of research and some creative interpretation to bring the era to life.' That information gathering extended to studies on the UAE's burgeoning tea and textile trade with India in mid-20th century, with scenes shot in Kolkata. The more expansive storyline mirrored Omar Al Mulla's own development. With Shahab evolving from a lowly ship captain in the first season to a businessman, the Emirati actor also underwent his own professional journey to match the growing confidence on screen, which included learning more English and Hindi for certain scenes. 'The challenge was much greater. In the first season Shahab's biggest fear was travelling by sea. Now has experience and challenges have shifted. He is now focusing on commerce, on how to attract resources from different places,' he states. 'It was a similar challenge for me because the show's success raised expectations. I not only had to step up my abilities but also rise to the challenge this series presents to us as an Emirati cast – to prove that we can contribute on a global scale and that our productions and crew are world-class. We just needed the right story and opportunity, and now that we have them, we must maintain the standard.' Underscoring the international flavour of the production is Billie Bozz, the Spanish-British actress who returns as Helen, the wife of a British officer stationed in India. 'It was an eye-opening experience because the show helped me understand why the UAE is the way it is today by exploring its past,' she says. 'The cosmopolitanism we see now goes back nearly 100 years, when people from the Emirates were great businessmen – open and accepting of other cultures.' She describes her role as one of many women of that era, Emirati or otherwise, whose sacrifices supported their husbands' ambitions. 'It's an important theme because it connects women from completely different worlds,' she says. 'At the same time, it taught me a lot about what Emirati women went through. With their husbands away at sea for so long, they spent much of their time alone with each other, building and maintaining their communities.' With the show available for streaming with English subtitles, Oueslati hopes more international viewers experience this local story. 'We want to place Emirati culture in an international context. That's why we show the Emirati kandura and ghutra side by side with Indian and British merchants – to highlight the rich interactions between Emiratis and other cultures in the 1940s,' he says. 'Ultimately, regardless of language or time period, what audiences will discover through these characters is that many of these historical stories are universal.' Al Boom can be streamed on ADtv
Broadcast Pro
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Abu Dhabi Media Network announces Ramadan 2025 line-up
All shows will be available to stream on the ADtv platform and app. Abu Dhabi Media Network has announced its programming schedule for Ramadan 2025, featuring a curated selection of Emirati, Egyptian and Syrian dramas, as well as insightful documentaries and spiritual programmes. All shows will be available for streaming on the ADtv platform and app, while details on terrestrial broadcasts via Abu Dhabi TV, Al Emarat and Baynounah TV will be confirmed closer to the expected start of Ramadan on March 1, 2025. As is common in the regional television industry, specific air times will only be revealed hours before Ramadan begins, maintaining a competitive edge in viewership. Audiences are encouraged to visit Abu Dhabi TV's website for the latest scheduling updates. Among the highly anticipated dramas is Al Boom 2, an Emirati series following Shihab (Omar Al Mulla), a merchant navigating the Gulf's maritime trade routes during World War II. The new season shifts its focus from Kuwait's pearl industry to the tea trade in Southeast Asia. From Syria, Taht Al Ard is a historical drama set in 1900s Damascus, exploring fierce merchant rivalries that extend beyond the bustling bazaars into personal and political power struggles. Egyptian dramas take centre stage with Fahad Al Batal, an intense story starring Ahmed Al Awady and Mirna Nour El Din. The series follows a family forced into exile after the murder of their village chief, only to return years later to seek justice. Al Ameera, featuring Yasmine Sabri, tells the tale of Zeinab Al Ameer, a woman trapped in a toxic marriage with a manipulative lawyer, struggling to reclaim her freedom. On the lighter side, the Emirati sitcom Al Ba' Tahtaha Nuqta takes audiences back to the 1980s, following three women in an adult literacy programme whose educational journey leads to unexpected personal growth. Squad is an Emirati e-sports drama, capturing the challenges and ambitions of teenagers striving to win an international gaming championship. Meanwhile, Shaghab presents an ensemble Emirati drama that examines the complexities of balancing tradition and modernity within multiple families. Joudar 2 continues the Egyptian fantasy drama inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, following Shahrazad as she captivates King Shahrayar with her storytelling, transforming him from a vengeful ruler into an enlightened leader. Ramadan wouldn't be complete without comedy, and Wesh Saad delivers laughs through a cross-cultural Emirati-Egyptian storyline starring Ahmed Saleh and Ayten Amer. The show follows a wealthy Emirati businessman who, after an accident in Egypt, finds himself living in a working-class neighbourhood, embracing an unexpectedly simpler life. Egyptian comedian Mohamed Henedy stars in Shehadat Moamlaet Atfal, a humorous tale about a lawyer who wakes up 20 years after a car accident to find himself navigating an unfamiliar, high-tech world. For those seeking engaging lifestyle and spiritual content, Al Shara will test contestants' knowledge of Emirati culture through a Ramadan-themed game show, covering traditional crafts, proverbs and historical events. Ahl Al Ataa is a documentary series showcasing individuals overcoming hardships with the support of charitable initiatives. Meanwhile, Al Imam Al Tayyeb, hosted by Dr. Ahmad El Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, will offer daily reflections on Islamic values and teachings, providing spiritual insight throughout the holy month.
The National
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Ramadan 2025 TV line-up: Top dramas, documentaries and spiritual shows from Abu Dhabi Media Network
Abu Dhabi Media Network has announced its Ramadan line-up. It will feature a diverse mix of high-profile Emirati, Egyptian and Syrian dramas, along with compelling documentaries and spiritual programmes. All shows will be available to stream on the ADtv platform and app. Further information about which terrestrial channels – including Abu Dhabi TV, Al Emarat and Baynounah TV – will broadcast the shows, and their schedules, will be revealed closer to the first day of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on March 1. In a quirk of the regional television industry, most channels keep their broadcast times under wraps, only announcing them hours before Ramadan begins to prevent rivals from making last-minute scheduling adjustments. The best advice? Check Abu Dhabi TV's website closer to the start of the holy month for the latest programming details. From period dramas set in 19th-century Damascus to the modern world of online gaming and breezy romantic comedies, here are 13 shows to watch on Abu Dhabi TV this Ramadan. One of the most successful Emirati dramas from last Ramadan returns with a follow-up season – continuing the story of Shihab (Omar Al Mulla), an Emirati sailor turned merchant who helped establish one of the Gulf's most significant maritime trade routes during the height of the Second World War. While the first season explored his ventures in Kuwait's pearl trade, the new episodes expand into the tea business in South-east Asia. Set in 1900 Damascus, this historical drama explores the intense rivalries between local merchants. They extend beyond the bazaars into personal and political conflicts. Starring Maxim Khalil, Samer Al Masri, Fayez Kazak and Carmen Lebbos, the series brings to life the power struggles and shifting dynamics of the era. This gripping Egyptian drama, starring Ahmed Al Awady and Mirna Nour El Din, begins with the murder of a village chief. It follows the victim's family as they struggle to rebuild their lives away from home before eventually returning to seek justice. After last year's hit prison thriller Al Raheel, Egyptian actor Yasmine Sabri returns in Al Ameera as Zeinab Al Ameer – a driven young woman whose life unravels after marrying Osama Al Mahdi, a charismatic lawyer who masks his controlling nature behind his friendly demeanour. When things begin to deteriorate, Zeinab realises she must escape at any cost. Eman Al Sayyed and Fatima El Hosni star in this sitcom set in the 1980s about three Emirati women who enrol in an adult literacy programme to complete their education. Along the way, they discover more about themselves than they ever expected. Starring Emirati actors Jumaa Ali and Malak Al Khalidi, the series dives into the high-stakes world of e-sports. It follows a group of teenagers as they chase their dream of winning a global championship, putting their passion and skills to the test. Along the way, the series explores the emotional toll of competition, offering a realistic look at the fast-growing sport. An expansive Emirati drama with a large ensemble cast, this series explores the lives of multiple families as they navigate daily pressures while preserving local traditions, customs and heritage. Featuring renowned Emirati actors, such as Habib Ghuloom, Marwan Abdullah Saleh, and Haifa Hussein, the series offers an intimate look at the balance between modern life and cultural identity. Inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, the second season of this Egyptian fantasy series, starring Yasser Galal and Yasmin Raees, follows the imprisoned Shahrazad as she enchants King Shahrayar with her tales, transforming him from a vengeful ruler into a man captivated by the power of storytelling. The Emirati-Egyptian comedy series, starring Ahmed Saleh and Ayten Amer, follows a wealthy Emirati businessman who, after an accident in Egypt, finds himself in a working-class neighbourhood. Keeping his identity a secret, he unexpectedly embraces a simpler, more fulfilling life. Egyptian comedian Mohamed Henedy stars as a successful lawyer whose career is cut short after a near-fatal car accident. Waking up from a coma 20 years later, he finds himself in a completely transformed, high-tech world, leading to a series of hilarious challenges and misadventures. Ramadan TV would not be complete without a nightly game show. Al Shara returns to test your knowledge of Emirati culture with questions based on local crafts, proverbs, dialects and key moments in history. Ramadan is a time for healing broken bonds, and this Emirati documentary series follows individuals facing personal hardships. With the support of relevant organisations, they find their way back on their feet, reconnecting with their families and reintegrating into society. Dr Ahmad El Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, hosts this daily spiritual show in which he details the various lessons and insights Muslims can learn during Ramadan and beyond.
