The Ramadan season of 2025 was a showcase for “Sabah Brothers,” a Lebanese production company that captivated audiences with a diverse slate of dramatic works.From action-packed thrillers to poignant social dramas and suspenseful mysteries, Sabah Brothers’ productions became a central topic of discussion across the Middle East and among diaspora communities in the United States. four of their series, “Al-Atawa 2,” “Sayyid al-Nas,” “Al-Maddah – The Legend of the covenant,” and “Under the Seventh Land,” consistently topped viewership charts, solidifying the companyS influence on the dramatic landscape.

In an exclusive interview, producer Sadiq Al-Sabah shared his insights on the resounding success of these projects, addressing both the triumphs and the challenges encountered during this pivotal season. His reflections offer a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of Middle Eastern television and its growing appeal to international audiences, including those in the U.S.

“Under the Seventh Land”: an Ambitious Dramatic Undertaking

The series “Under the Seventh Land” quickly emerged as a standout production,garnering widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative and stellar cast. featuring renowned actors such as Tim Hassan, Karis Bashar, Tayseer Idris, and Anas tayyara, under the direction of Samer Al-Barqawi and the writing of Omar Abu saada, the series overcame important production hurdles to deliver a high-quality viewing experience. One of the most notable challenges was a 23-day filming suspension in Damascus. Despite this setback, the commitment to delivering exceptional content ultimately prevailed.

Al-Sabah lauded director Al-Barqawi’s relentless ambition, stating, “Samer Al-Barqawi is an ambitious man who does not stop, and surprises us every time.” This dedication to innovation and quality is a key factor in the series’ success.

Tim Hassan’s performance also drew high praise. Al-Sabah described him as “an Arab star with distinction and has become a rare currency,” adding that he is “a professional artist in every sense of the word, and today he has reached the height of his artistic brilliance.” He emphasized that the Sabah Brothers company considers itself “lucky to be one of its main stars.” Hassan’s portrayal of “Moussa” sparked considerable public interest, particularly his relationship with “Rama” (played by Sarah Baraka). While the relationship was presented within a legal framework, it still faced some criticism from female viewers.

Addressing the audience’s enduring fascination with Hassan’s previous on-screen partnerships, Al-Sabah commented, “The audience does not forget his relationship with ‘Belqis’, this exceptional actress. Belqis, or Karis Bashar, a representative monster in every sense of the word.” This acknowledgment highlights the importance of chemistry and memorable performances in captivating viewers.

When asked about actor Samer Al-Masry’s call for less profanity and “aviation” (likely referring to morally questionable content) during Ramadan, Al-Sabah responded, “We left the response to the public.” This statement underscores the company’s belief in allowing viewers to form their own opinions and engage in critical discussions about the content they consume.

“Self” (Nafs): A Deliberately Different Pace

The series “Self” (Nafs), featuring Abed Fahd, Daniela Rahma, Mu’tasim Al-Nahar, Joseph bou Nassar, Wafaa Mosli, and Elsa Zgheib, and directed by Elie El Saman with a script by Iman Al-Saeed, represented a deliberate shift in tone for Sabah Brothers. Al-Sabah explained that they “relied on a quieter rhythm compared to other works,” aiming to provide a distinct viewing experience. While some viewers initially found the pacing slow, Al-Sabah emphasized the intentionality behind this approach. “This work transferred the audience to a entirely different world. Some people may have felt that its rhythm was slow at first, but the escalation in the events was evident in the advanced episodes. The evaluation of business takes place after the feast,and we will review all the notes,whether positive or cash,but we will not give up this type of drama.” This commitment to diverse storytelling suggests a willingness to experiment and cater to a wide range of audience preferences.

Al-Sabah specifically praised Daniela Rahma’s challenging role, stating, “It does not prevent the completion of cooperation, she is educated and professional, her presence is distinguished and played a arduous role.” This acknowledgment highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting actors who take on complex and demanding characters.

“Al-Atawa 2”: Building on Previous Success

The overwhelming success of the first installment of “Al-Atawa” spurred Sabah Brothers to produce a second season, with the support of the “General Entertainment Authority.” The decision to create a sequel was not taken lightly, but the potential for continued success proved too compelling to ignore.The addition of Fifi Abdo to the cast brought a unique dynamic to the series, further boosting its popularity. This strategic casting decision demonstrates an understanding of audience appeal and the power of star power.

“Al-Maddah – The Legend of the Covenant”: A Unique Phenomenon

Following the remarkable success of “Al-Maddah – The Legend of the Covenant,” Sabah Brothers is considering a sixth season of the show. Al-Sabah described the series as “an exceptional and unique experience in Arab drama, without any direct competitor.” The show’s exploration of unconventional themes has resonated deeply with audiences. discussions are currently underway with star Hamada Hilal and director Ahmed Samir Faraj to shape the future of the series. “with the end of the fifth season, we will reveal to the public about the dramatic horizon and the new geography for the sixth season,” Al-Sabah teased, hinting at exciting developments to come.

“Master of People” (Sayyid al-Nas): A Divisive Production

Al-Sabah offered a candid assessment of the series “Master of People” (Sayyid al-Nas), stating, “He was so loud. I was hoping to be quieter, but this is part of the nature of the competition in the Ramadan season.” This suggests that the series may have prioritized sensationalism over subtlety in an effort to stand out during the competitive Ramadan viewing period.

He also expressed his disappointment with director Mohamed Sami, stating, “The competition can be without crossing the borders.” This comment implies that the series may have pushed boundaries in a way that Al-Sabah found objectionable.

Addressing the controversy surrounding a specific scene involving the exhumation of a grave, Al-Sabah explained, “As for the scene related to the exhumation of the grave, there are multiple jurisprudential readings, and some fatwas confirm that it is not contrary to Islamic law. We did not meen to raise any religious debate, but the scene came within a purely dramatic framework, but we respect all opinions.” This response highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity,particularly when dealing with religious themes.

Nadine Nassib Njeim’s Return: A Highly Anticipated Project

Looking ahead to future projects, Al-Sabah revealed that Sabah Brothers will be collaborating with actress Nadine Nassib Njeim on a new series slated for 2026. “As for the 2026 projects, Nadine is with surprises, which will be present in a new work after a short rest period, and will be managed by the director Amin Dora.” This announcement is sure to generate excitement among fans of both the actress and the production company.

Expanding into Saudi Drama and Supporting Lebanese Production

Al-Sabah discussed the company’s growing involvement in Saudi drama, noting that the series “Hazaa” will premiere after Ramadan. Additionally, a Saudi dramatic Ramadan project featuring actress Ilham Ali is set to begin filming soon. This expansion reflects the increasing investment in and popularity of saudi television productions.

In a commitment to supporting the local industry, al-Sabah announced a Lebanese dramatic project within the Union of Arab Producers in Beirut. “We started with this project, which will come to light soon,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of nurturing local talent and fostering growth within the Lebanese entertainment sector.

Al-Sabah also stressed the importance of supporting Lebanon TV, stating, “We have provided more than a thousand hours of business for Lebanese TV for free since 2019, and a plan was presented to the Lebanese details Minister Paul Morcos because I see that the TV needs a real care and restructuring.” This dedication to public service broadcasting underscores the company’s commitment to the cultural and economic well-being of Lebanon.