Khaberni - Gulf drama makers have started early preparations for works that are supposed to be aired in 2026, within the context of what seems to be a significant change in the drama production map, especially in Kuwaiti drama, which this year announced a shift towards creating short series not exceeding ten episodes, instead of the traditional format that extended to 30 episodes.
According to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information, the upcoming season will witness the presentation of about 12 local series produced by the official Kuwaiti television, each of which does not exceed 10 episodes.
The following are some of the most anticipated Gulf works in the upcoming Ramadan competition, about which sufficient information is available so far, featuring a variety of themes including social, romantic, police, and comedic dramas.
Series "Al-Ghumeida"
After a hiatus, this series marks the return of Iraqi star Huda Hussein, in a new partnership with Kuwaiti writer Heba Mishari Hamada and Bahraini director Ali Al Ali, who had previously achieved success in the 2023 season with the series "One Wife Is Not Enough".
It is expected that the filming of the show will begin early November in Saudi Arabia, knowing that it belongs to the social drama genre, where the events revolve around a blind mother exploited by her daughters for their personal purposes.
Expected to join the cast of "Al-Ghumeida" are Mahmoud Bu Shehri, Laila Al Abdullah, Mansour Al Beloushi, Fatima Al Safi, Mais Kamar, among others.
Series "Ghalt Banat"
The competition also heats up with Kuwaiti star Ilham Al Fadalah, through her role in the series "Ghalt Banat," which belongs to the genre of romantic social drama, where a love story moves into the realm of customs and traditions, with some expressions of classism.
The series includes a selection of actors, among them Shaila Sabt, Ahmed Bin Hussein, Mashari Al Mujibl, Ghror, Jamal Al Radhan.
Also participating in this work are Kuwaiti writer Jameela Juma, and Jordanian director Saed Bishri Al Howari, who have previously collaborated with her in the series "Beit Hamula", one of the most prominent Gulf works last season.
Series "Small Steps"
Preparations have started for this Kuwaiti series, which is highly anticipated among the Gulf audience, as its makers have announced that it will shed light on topics of concern to the general Arab public.
Expected to star in "Small Steps" are Heba Al Duri, Lamia Tariq, Hamad Al Omari, Mohamed Al Ramadan. It is written by Anfal Al Duwaisan and directed by Munir Al Zaghabi.
Series "Mamur Al Thalaja"
For the first time in Gulf drama, this work chronicles the life of officials in morgue refrigerators within a police framework based on a true story, revealing the secrets of one of the strangest professions surrounded by superstition.
Starring in "Mamur Al Thalaja" are Khaled Al Radhan, Asmahan Tawfik, Mohamed Jaber, Khaled Amin, Kifah Al Rajib. It is written by Bandar Al Said and directed by Thamer Al Aslawi.
Series "A'ile Mayaile"
The Kuwaiti artist Sahar Hussein has chosen to appear in the 2026 season through this comedic social series in which she co-stars with Ahmed Al Jasmi, Hassa Al Nabhani, Samood Al Mu'men, Khalid Al Sarraf.
"A'ile Mayaile" discusses various problems facing Kuwaiti citizens within a purposeful comedic framework, and is shaped according to the view of writer Osman Al Shatti and director Fahd Al Shatti.
Series "On the Sweet and Sour"
Artist Dawood Hussein returns to the competition through this comedic social series "On the Sweet and Sour," aiming to offer a deep discourse on important social issues in a different style.
He is joined in the lead by Mansour Al Balushi, Jlnar, Taif, Eman Faisal. It marks the first collaboration between Hussein and writer Mohamed Al Nashmi and director Issa Dhiab.
Series returning with new parts
In strong indications of continued successes achieved by previous works, the 2026 season is preparing to welcome new parts of series, the most notable of which are:
Series "Al-Aasha Street": After the remarkable success of the first part, a new part of the series is decided to be launched, including events that deviate from the framework of the novel "Romances of Al Aasha Street" by writer Badriya Al Bishr. With some new actors joining, including: Muhannad Al Hamdi, Nasser Al Dossary, and the participation of Saudi actress Ilham Ali is still being confirmed.
Series "Monsters": It also returns in a new format titled "Monsters 2: Wedding of the Jinn," after the previous episodes were based on separate real crime stories. This part focuses on one story, currently being filmed in Turkey, in collaboration between actress Ilham Ali and Lebanese director Saeed El Marouk.
