New Delhi

While in the Indian Subcontinent, Muslims are preparing for the coming fasting month of Ramzan by shopping for specific food items like Roof Afza - already out of stock in many stores across the Delhi NCR -  fresh prayer mats and a dastarkhan (a spread sheet on which a family eats together to break their fast), in the Arab world, the Muslims are eagerly awaiting the Ramadan drama season.

Arab world Ramadan television serials are high-budget, 30-episode dramas that air nightly after Iftar, serving as a cultural cornerstone similar to a month-long "Super Bowl" in the US. 

In the run-up to the fasting month, television channels across the Arab world are witnessing feverish activity. With only days left before the holy month begins, production companies have sealed contracts and public announcements for the upcoming television soaps.

Going by the promos of the serials, this time the serials would see the revival of female leads and strong stories.

The atmosphere of this season feels different from previous years. After a long gap, several well-known female actors are making their comeback, while established stars are holding their ground, and younger names are moving forward with confidence.

Producers are no longer relying solely on star power; instead, they are placing greater emphasis on the quality of writing and emotional connection with audiences, to keep pace with changing tastes.

Yasmine Abdel Aziz is returning to the Ramadan arena with a new project in collaboration with writer Amr Mahmoud Yassin. The duo has previously delivered successful work together. The series We Nensa Elli Kan, directed by Mohamed El Khabiry and will air on MBC Masr.

Yasmine Abdel Aziz’s popularity and emotional performance style make her one of the strongest contenders this season.

Hend Sabry is also returning to Ramadan dramas after four years. Her last TV appearance was in 2021 in Hagma Mortadda. The story of the new series is a closely guarded secret, which is being produced by Manaa United Studios.

Hend Sabry is among the few actresses who successfully balance artistic credibility with mass popularity, and her comeback is considered one of the highlights of the Ramadan season.

Nelly Karim is gaining prominence with her series Ala Qadr El Hob. The story revolves around a woman facing life’s hardships after the death of her mother. The cast includes Sherif Salama and other actors. The series is written by Mostafa Gamal Hashem and directed by Khaled Saeed. Nelly Karim is known for her emotionally layered roles, and this project continues that tradition.

Menna Shalaby is playing a bold role in Suhab Al Ard, a love story set against the backdrop of war. She stars alongside Eyad Nassar and a mix of Arab and international artists. The series blends romance with political tension and portrays human relationships under extreme circumstances.

Riham Abdel Ghafour will appear in the series Hikayat Nargis, portraying a character going through intense psychological and emotional conflict. She is joined by Hamza El Eily and other actors. The series is written by Ammar Saber and directed by Sameh Alaa. This project aligns with Riham Abdel Ghafour’s artistic inclination toward deep and complex character portrayals.

Mai Ezz El Din is also returning to the Ramadan race with a new series directed by Morcos Adel. After a period of absence, this project offers her an opportunity to reintroduce herself in a more mature and serious frame.

Rogena stars in the series Had Aqsa, playing the role of Sabah, a woman struggling with inner contradictions and emotional turbulence. A notable aspect of this series is that it marks the first directing experience of Maya Ashraf Zaki, adding further intrigue to the project.

Salma Abu Deif appears in Ard Wa Talab as a school teacher searching for a kidney donor for her ailing mother. The story is rooted in social realities and highlights the struggles of ordinary people.

Mai Kassab is returning with the series Noon Al Niswah, which was postponed from Ramadan 2025 and is now set to air in 2026. The project addresses women’s issues in a contemporary manner and reflects the industry’s growing women-centred trend.

Jumana Murad will star in the series Al Lawn Al Azraq, written by Mariam Naoum and directed by Saad Hindawy. Although casting is still underway, the project is already attracting attention due to its social and psychological themes.

Mai Omar is also entering the season with her new series Al Set Mona Lisa. The story follows a divorced woman who rebuilds her life after a failed marriage, rediscovering love and self-confidence in a challenging social environment.

Riham Hagag continues her successful trajectory with the series Tawabea. This marks a new collaboration with Mohamed Nair and Yehia Ismail, strengthening creative continuity following the success of Athena in Ramadan 2025.

Ramadan 2026 clearly appears to be a season led by women. From social narratives to political backdrops and emotional romance, a wide spectrum of themes is present. As the first nights of the holy month draw nearer, it will be interesting to see which actress captures the most attention and who emerges as the season’s biggest surprise.

ALSO READ: Rouble Nagi awarded Nobel of Teaching for educating kids in Mumbai slums

سلسلة افلام "ناس" في رمضان على شاشة التلفزيون الأردني ⁦@JrtvMedia⁩ #رمضان_يجمعنا #مسلسلات_رمضان #رمضان_كريم pic.twitter.com/zDt1JEzLHs

— اياد الخزوز (@eyadalkhzouz) February 1, 2026

Overall, Ramadan 2026 promises to be a rich storytelling season, offering both heartfelt emotions and thrilling moments. From family dramas to thrillers, there will be something for every viewer. Big names alongside new faces are set to make this Ramadan truly worth watching.