Ayyad Media Art Productions and Media Group Production have announced that new TV series ‘Lobat Al Mara Rajol’, based on the novel by Saudi Arabian writer Sarah Al Olaiwi, is set to air across the Gulf during Ramadan.

The show highlights social issues such as the dual life that men in Saudi Arabia and Arabic societies lead within and beyond the home, a statement from the production house said.

Produced by Media Group Production, as executive producer, the series marks a progression in outlook for the Saudi Arabian entertainment industry, the statement said.

Written by Ahmad Al Maghrebi, the series is directed by Jordanian Iyad Al Khzzour, who has popular shows such as Bayareq Al Araba, Awraq Al Hob, Karima, Doa’at Ala Abwab Jahanam, and Sultana to his credit.

Starring Maysa Al Maghrebi, the series also features prominent actors like Ibrahim Al Harbi, Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Shihab Jawhar, Amira Mohammed, Shatha Sabt, Mariam Al Ghamedi, and singer Laila Iskandar.

“I am confident that Lobat Al Mara Rajol will allow us to address contemporary issues, in addition to offering a glimpse of the culture and ambiguities prevailing in the Saudi Arabian society,” Al Maghrebi said. “Viewers will gain an insight into the novelist’s perceptions of Saudi Arabia’s fabric. Given its importance, I will focus on the series and feature in no other production during Ramadan.”

“The series will mark a departure from my previous works. We will shoot several parts of the series on the format of reality TV, which is unprecedented in Arabic drama,” Al Khzzour said. “We have chosen this route to offer the viewer a realistic portrayal of the society. A unique approach will not be limited to the direction aspect alone, but will cover all components in a bid to present a meaningful and distinctive show.”

The story revolves around the protagonist Reem, who is attached to her only brother Nayef. The entire family’s favourite, Reem too seeks his company and approval. Her obsession extends to her dislike of his wives, which makes Nayef uneasy.

Reem tries to thwart Nayef’s personal and professional success fearing that she might be overshadowed. The plot develops with the family facing difficult situations and taking painful decisions.

Mazen Ayyad, chairman of Ayyad Group, said: “Filmed in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, and Switzerland, the locations were selected on the basis of the original novel. Our show will not be exclusive to any channel and aired during and after the month of Ramadan to attract a larger audience.” 

Lobat Al Mara Rajol is ranked second in the UAE bestseller list. Author Sarah Al Olaiwi has participated in literary forums in Tunisia and Dubai, including the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2011. – TradeArabia News Service