Lead:
Jordanian actor Iyad Nassar has disclosed that his new series "Qaasid Tareek," competing in Ramadan 2027, centers not on gold or property disputes but on efforts to erase a place's original narrative and replace it with a false history—a struggle to preserve collective memory against deliberate distortion.
Top Stories:
"Qaasid Tareek" (Ramadan 2027) — Iyad Nassar revealed the series focuses on preserving the authentic historical narrative of a location against attempts to alter truth and erase memory. The drama shifts from conventional conflict over material wealth to a battle over ownership of a place's foundational story and identity.Sharjah International Book Fair — Ahmad bin Ruqayya Al Amiri, chief executive of the Sharjah Book Authority, announced the 45th edition attracted 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, presenting 1.7 million titles across 1,500 cultural and creative events. Saudi publishers and authors participated alongside 106 writers and creators from 25 nations."Shaqqu 2 – Shabash Marrakesh" — Egyptian actress Yousra officially joined the sequel, confirmed via the production company's Instagram account alongside producer Ahmad Al-Sabki and director Karim Al-Sabki. The film reunites her with actor Amr Youssef and Mohammed Mamdouh from the first installment, with shooting beginning shortly."Noah" (Ramadan 2027) — Syrian actor Teem Hassan began filming the new drama series, marking his first collaboration with actress Haya Muraishli in a lead role. The production company announced the start of principal photography via an Instagram post confirming the project's launch.Bashrah's "Half Salary" Initiative — Egyptian actress Bashrah launched a campaign calling on performers and production crew to reduce their fees by 50 percent to ease financial strain on local film and drama industries. She pledged to implement the initiative in her upcoming Ramadan project and declined attendance at the 47th Cairo International Film Festival, citing her position on industry challenges.Russell Brand Sentenced — A British court sentenced the comedian to 10 years and six months after conviction on one rape charge and three counts of sexual assault involving incidents between 2004 and 2009. Judge Joel Bennathan described Brand, 51, as a sexual predator; victims described lasting psychological harm.Coming Up:
Rashid Al-Majid releases new romantic single "Nabz Al-Qulub" (Heartbeat) and performs two concerts at Mohamed Abduh Arena during Riyadh Season's seventh edition, with a second night added following sold-out first showing.
Princess Haifa bint Abdulmohsin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud confirmed that the Saudi Arab Society for Culture and Arts' exhibition "Hawwiyatuna" (Our Identity), supported by Musk Foundation and running six weeks in partnership with Jada Art Society, showcases contemporary artistic interpretations of Saudi heritage and cultural identity.