JEDDAH: Over 64 television shows costing around SR600 million have been produced this Ramadan.
With the flood of productions during this holy month of fasting, programs produced by the Kingdom have been minimal, said Saudi Producer Hani Al-Saadi.
Saudis have produced three seasonal soaps while Egypt has led the production charge with 34 programs. Syira is in second spot with 18 shows.
Ramadan in the Middle East has been traditionally nightly episodes of serials, many of when focus on historical dramas, gather families around the TV after iftar. These programs are re-broadcast throughout the year as re-runs.
One historical drama was recently stopped after Saudi officials complained that it provoked inter-tribal rivalries. The Syrian-produced soap, called “Cup of Blood,” which was running on Abu Dhabi Television, revolves around a dispute between the Shammar and Unaiza tribes of northern Saudi Arabia between 1750 and 1830.
The WAM news agency reported earlier this week that UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed ordered the network to cease airing the nightly drama.
Another series that was halted was “Asmahan,” which talks about the life of a famous singer, a descendant of a royal Syrian family, who lived in Egypt during the 1960s and who died in mysterious circumstances. Her family opposed the show claiming it misrepresents what really happened. Ending a series prematurely for political or personal reasons is an expensive proposition. Producing 30 episodes of a seasonal soap can cost millions. Nevertheless, more money can be reaped in advertising.
Ali Fagandash, design critic and journalist, said this year’s TV productions are considered the biggest in number and budget so far.
And unlike in the past when a drama would air simultaneously on different channels, networks are increasingly competing by airing different choices and signing exclusivity agreements.
