SBA unveils 18-series Ramadan drama lineup

Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA) has unveiled an 18‑series Ramadan drama roster that will run across its television channels and the digital platform Maraya, the broadcaster announced. The season spans social, historical, comedic and heritage dramas and includes two Maraya exclusives — 11% and A’ila Mayla — alongside Gulf, Syrian and Egyptian productions, several returning seasons and children’s animation aimed at family audiences throughout the holy month.

"The series relies on situational comedy rather than verbal jokes, making it a light family show," Ahmed Al Jasmi said of A’ila Mayla, encapsulating the authority’s aim to balance humour with social themes for Ramadan viewers.

Lineup highlights and creative talent

Maraya’s two exclusives present contrasting concepts: 11% stages a body‑swap scenario in which student Hamid and Dr Jassim exchange bodies, provoking comedic and social contradictions as characters race to restore normality; A’ila Mayla follows Halima navigating daily neighbourhood crises and multigenerational family life in a comic register. Maraya will also stream Gulf, Syrian and Egyptian series including Sa’adat Al‑Majnoun — a suspense drama about a confession for a crime that never occurred — and the returned mystery Ya Ana Ya Hi in its second season, driven by a familial conflict over a will.

The slate includes heritage and epic works such as Ghanawi Al‑Shawq, a Gulf series linking each episode to a traditional song, and Abtal Al‑Rimal, a historical epic inspired by pre‑Islamic times that will run as three dramatic quintets from the second half of Ramadan. Other notable entries are Alnuwailati, which blends power struggles, myths and a hunt for lost treasure, and Darb Al‑Dhahab, a Gulf tale of revenge set amid wealth and betrayal.

• Sharjah TV airing times: Shams Al‑Aseel daily at 16:10; Khatwat Saghira daily at 00:30; Ghanawi Shawq daily at 22:00; Abtal Al‑Rimal daily from mid‑Ramadan at 22:00.
• Al Sharqiya (Kalba) and Al Wusta (Al Dhaid): Darb Al‑Dhahab daily at 22:30; Al‑Yateem daily at 18:45; Drama Queen daily at 01:00; Thalab Al‑Sahra daily at 19:00; Sumum Al‑Qayd daily at 23:00.
• Children and animation: Qos Wa Lasq, offering light adventures designed to entertain youngsters while engaging adults.

Actors involved have emphasised the local production values and ensemble talent. Ahmed Al Mazem, who plays both Hamid and Dr Jassim in 11%, praised director Hani Al Shaibani and writer Ahmed Al Arshi, and noted the significance of shooting entirely in Sharjah. Hassan Rajab said the project’s concept appealed to him: "The title itself sparks curiosity," he said, "linking to the theme of maximising human potential compared with untapped abilities."

Outlook

SBA and Sharjah Media Corporation position this season as a comprehensive Ramadan offering intended to meet diverse family tastes across the UAE and the wider Arab world. With daily scheduling across Sharjah TV and multiple channel lineups mirrored on Maraya, the authority aims to make the platform a preferred destination for viewers seeking a mix of suspense, comedy, heritage and social drama during Ramadan.