The Ramadan 2026 drama season is already generating significant buzz, and one series in particular, “Sahab Al-Ard” (The Land Owners), is quickly becoming a focal point of anticipation. The series, starring Menna Shalaby and Eyad Nassar, is tackling the deeply sensitive and challenging subject of the ongoing situation in Gaza, and early reports suggest a commitment to authenticity that extends to the very fabric of its production.
Eyad Nassar recently revealed the extensive efforts undertaken to create a realistic portrayal of Gaza, despite the impossibility of filming on location. According to a report in Youm7, Nassar explained that the production team focused on achieving the closest possible approximation to reality through meticulously constructed sets. “The filming in Gaza was impossible, but there was a constant search to be as close to the truth as possible,” Nassar stated. He emphasized the scale of the sets, built specifically for the series to achieve this level of realism.
The dedication to detail appears to have resonated with audiences even before the series’ premiere. Nassar noted that when images and behind-the-scenes glimpses were released, many viewers initially believed they were archival footage. “People, when they saw the photos and behind-the-scenes, thought they were archive shots, but the entire project is a built set,” he said. “The whole thing was made with sincerity and real love from all the makers of the series.”
The first episode of “Sahab Al-Ard,” which premiered on , on DMC and Al Hayat channels, has been described as both powerful, and harrowing. Youm7 reported that the episode served not merely as a dramatic narrative, but as a difficult and poignant documentation of the hardships endured by Palestinians in Gaza following the events of October 7, 2023. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the impact of the conflict on civilian life.
The opening episode focused on the daily struggles of Palestinians facing limited resources and the constant threat of bombardment. The report details how the series portrays families adapting to the sounds of shelling, the separation of loved ones, and the difficulty of maintaining communication. The character of Naser, played by Eyad Nassar, is shown grappling with the inability to reach his daughters in the West Bank due to the conflict, while also experiencing personal loss when his brother’s home is destroyed, leaving only one survivor, a young boy named Yunes.
“Sahab Al-Ard” also addresses the more brutal realities of the conflict, including the targeting of civilian infrastructure like hospitals. The series depicts children experiencing trauma both inside and outside of medical facilities. However, amidst the devastation, the narrative also highlights the resilience and enduring spirit of the Palestinian people. The report notes a scene where a father attempts to watch a football match with his sons despite the ongoing bombardment, and a mother, displaced from her home, welcomes an Egyptian aid convoy with warmth and hospitality.
The series is scheduled to run for 15 episodes, airing daily on DMC at 11:00 PM (with a repeat at 9:00 AM), DMC Drama at 7:15 PM (with repeats at 2:45 AM and 12:45 PM the following day), and Al Hayat at 9:45 PM. It is also available on the Watch It streaming platform at 7:15 PM.
The storyline centers around the human impact of the situation in Gaza. Eyad Nassar portrays a Palestinian man desperately trying to save his nephew, while Menna Shalaby plays an Egyptian doctor who arrives with an aid convoy. Amidst the destruction, a love story unfolds, exploring themes of hope, conscience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
The cast also includes Kamel Al-Basha, Adam Bakri, Essam El Sakka, Tara Aboud, Sarah Youssef, Iyad Hourani, Diana Rahmeh, and newcomer Yazan Eid, along with child actor Samir Mohamed. The series is written by Ammar Sabry, with script development by Mohamed Hisham Abiya, and directed by Peter Mimi. It is produced by United Studio.
The arrival of “Sahab Al-Ard” comes at a time when Ramadan dramas are increasingly reflecting contemporary social and political issues. As reported by Daily News Egypt, the 2026 Ramadan drama season is shaping up to be particularly competitive, with a generational clash between established stars and emerging talent. “Sahab Al-Ard” stands out not only for its star power but also for its willingness to confront a deeply sensitive and globally significant topic. The series’ commitment to portraying the realities of life in Gaza, coupled with its focus on human resilience, positions it as a potentially defining drama of the season.
Kira, making her Egyptian drama debut in the series, expressed her excitement about participating in a project that documents a powerful story amidst harsh conditions. “I’m thrilled to participate in Egyptian drama for the first time in a series documenting a powerful story amid harsh war conditions. Excited to work with top Arab stars, especially Menna Shalaby and Eyad Nassar, and I hope to meet the expectations of the Egyptian and Arab audience,” she stated, as reported by Misr Connect.
