Syrian Drama Productions Face Low Demand

Taim Hassan in “Alheiba 2” (Arabic for ‘prestige’), Asharq Al-Awsat
Taim Hassan in “Alheiba 2” (Arabic for ‘prestige’), Asharq Al-Awsat
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Syrian Drama Productions Face Low Demand

Taim Hassan in “Alheiba 2” (Arabic for ‘prestige’), Asharq Al-Awsat
Taim Hassan in “Alheiba 2” (Arabic for ‘prestige’), Asharq Al-Awsat

Production of soap operas meant to broadcast during the holy month of Ramadan was ample, but faced a marketing crisis against the backdrop of war ripping the country apart, Syrian drama sources said.

“About 25 Syrian series were produced this year, but market demand was disappointing as Arab channels were shy in making orders, unlike previous seasons," a Syrian drama consultant, who requested anonymity, told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He added that the recent launch of ‘Lana’ (Arabic for ‘us’) channel on the advent of Ramadan did not salvage the situation.

Many Syrian award-level actors now suffer promoting their shows after having professed deep political opinions that were shunned across the board of Arab countries and Syrian refugees.

"The reason for no Arab channel buying the works of Salaf Fawakherji is her expressing being fiercely pro-regime," the consultant said.

Lana kept to it a limited number of modern-day series, most notably shows like “Waq Waq,” “Rosana” and “Tarjman Ashwaq.”

The drama consultant added that Arab channels now favor Arab productions which involve Syrian actors, such as “Alheiba 2” (Arabic for ‘prestige’) starring Taim Hassan, or and Tareeq (Arabic for ‘road’).

More so, the controversial Syrian regime is seeking to make up the losses impacting the drama industry by taking offered series for local and private broadcast.

"Syria TV", "Syrian Drama TV ", "Sama TV " and "LANA TV" are the most popular local Syrian broadcasters to aid in compensating for the loss in Arab channels demand for Syrian drama productions.

Syrian Drama TV is scheduled to air the following 10 shows, ‘Fawda’(Arabic for chaos), ‘Wahim’(Arabic for illusion), ‘Rai’hat Arrouh’(Arabic for soul scent), ‘Tarjman Ashwaq’ (Arabic for translator of longing), ‘Harem El Shawish’ (Arabic for the sergeant’s harem ), ‘Ghadban’(Arabic for enraged), ‘Qisma wa Hob’ (Arabic for fate and love), ‘Yawmiat Al Mukhtar’ (Arabic for diaries of a mayor).



Iceland Engulfed by Volcanic Cloud

Smoke and lava rise from a volcano eruption near Reykjanes, Iceland, 19 July 2025. EPA/JAKOB VEGERFORS
Smoke and lava rise from a volcano eruption near Reykjanes, Iceland, 19 July 2025. EPA/JAKOB VEGERFORS
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Iceland Engulfed by Volcanic Cloud

Smoke and lava rise from a volcano eruption near Reykjanes, Iceland, 19 July 2025. EPA/JAKOB VEGERFORS
Smoke and lava rise from a volcano eruption near Reykjanes, Iceland, 19 July 2025. EPA/JAKOB VEGERFORS

Iceland experts on Monday blamed a lack of wind for a volcanic cloud that has lingered over much of the island since an eruption last week.

Two craters of a volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula spewed out the sulphur-packed cloud on Wednesday, AFP reported.

The thick haze has left the capital Reykjavik and the southwest of the country in a pollution red alert, the highest level in Iceland's monitoring system.

Hylnur Arnason of the Icelandic Energy and Environment Agency said that volcanic eruptions normally cause air pollution, mainly from the sulphur dioxide that is emitted. The gas becomes sulfate in the atmosphere, creating a volcanic fog.

"It's completely misty in large parts of the country," said Arnason.

"Usually in Iceland we have lots of wind, which would carry the pollution away, but right now we don't," the expert added. "Now it's kind of just sitting over the whole country."

Arnason said the gas was not toxic but could be an "irritant".

The environment agency has recommended that vulnerable people should remain at home and take precautions against the pollution. The wind was expected to start strengthening again late Monday.