Is Traditional Media in the Arab World Dead—or Are We Missing the Bigger Picture?
The Arab media landscape in 2025 is more dynamic than ever. Digital platforms and on-demand content are undeniably reshaping how we consume stories. But amidst this digital revolution, we need to pause and ask: Is the future really about going smaller, faster, and shorter—or are we underestimating the timeless power of a great story? At Blue Engine Studios, we believe that story is still king. Tech-savvy audiences may favor flexibility and accessibility, but that doesn’t mean they only want bite-sized content. A truly captivating story—when innovative, unique, and spoken in a language that resonates with the new generation—has the power to transcend formats and time. Take the music industry as an example. Vinyl records, once thought obsolete, are now driving a renaissance. Why? Because they offer a deeper, more authentic connection to the music. Vinyl is old, yet the new generation is obsessing over it. Doesn’t that deserve a closer look? Could the same hold true for storytelling? Could traditional formats, when paired with fresh narratives and cultural relevance, find their way back into the hearts of a new generation? Here’s what we’re seeing: Audiences in KSA and the UAE crave innovation but remain deeply rooted in culture.In Egypt, TV dramas during Ramadan are still a beloved tradition, showcasing the power of shared stories. Across MENA, younger viewers aren’t rejecting longer formats—they’re rejecting outdated ones. So, is traditional media dead? Not necessarily. Like vinyl, it could be poised for a renaissance if we evolve its narrative language and delivery for today’s audience. What’s your take? Is there a future where traditional media and modern storytelling coexist meaningfully—or are we heading toward an entirely digital future?
Publishing House: Ziad Kebbi
From Mip London to ‘Um 44’: A Wake-Up Call for Arab Media Production
Having just returned from Mip London and the London Screenings, I was immersed in a world of innovative storytelling, where local talents are celebrated, and authentic narratives take center stage. The energy was palpable, with creators pushing boundaries and redefining content. Contrast this with our current Ramadan dramas. By episode 3, it’s the same predictable formula: A long-lost family secret waiting to surface.A brooding millionaire with a tragic backstory.A slap scene so exaggerated it becomes meme material. But here’s the kicker: “”Um 44,”” an Arabic series commissioned to a Turkish production company. Let that sink in. Instead of investing in our own local production houses, nurturing Arab talent, and telling our stories with our voices, we outsource.This decision is not just mind-boggling; it’s a slap in the face to every Arab creator striving for recognition. Why are we undermining our own industry?Is it a lack of faith in our capabilities?Or is it a misguided belief that foreign production inherently means superior quality? This approach not only undermines our local production houses but also sends a message that our stories need external validation to be deemed valuable. It’s time for introspection: We possess a wealth of talent within our region—from writers and directors to production crews. Investing in local production not only strengthens our industry but also ensures that our narratives remain authentic and resonate with our audiences. Empowering local companies fosters economic growth and paves the way for future generations of storytellers. The path forward is clear: Trust in our local talent and production companies.Prioritize authenticity over outsourcing.Embrace innovation and move beyond recycled tropes. By doing so, we not only elevate our media landscape but also ensure that our stories are told by those who live them.
Publishing House: Ziad Kebbi
Can AI Capture Emotion in Storytelling?
For centuries, storytelling has been about human connection—the ability to make people feel something, to stir emotions that linger long after the story ends. Now, as AI becomes a bigger player in the creative industry, a question arises: Can AI help us tell better stories, or does it strip storytelling of its soul?Some believe AI is a threat to creativity, reducing storytelling to predictive algorithms and data-driven formulas. But here’s the truth: AI isn’t the storyteller—it’s a tool that expands the boundaries of what we can create. The Arab World’s Storytelling Crisis: Can AI Help Fix It? Storytelling in the Arab world has, for the most part, been archaic, wooden, stiff, and broken—trapped in repetitive formulas, exaggerated performances, and outdated narratives that fail to evolve with the audience. While our region has one of the richest oral traditions in history, modern scripted content struggles to break free from old molds. What if AI, instead of being seen as a gimmick, could be used as a disruptive force to elevate storytelling in the region? Can AI help us break free from rigid storytelling structures?Can it inspire fresh narratives by analyzing global trends while respecting cultural depth?Can it inject new life into character development, pacing, and emotional engagement? AI can enhance, but not replace, human creativity. It can generate worlds, visuals, and concepts at lightning speed, but it doesn’t feel—it doesn’t understand heartbreak, nostalgia, or joy the way a human does.What it can do is amplify the creative process—helping storytellers experiment, visualize, and refine their ideas faster than ever before. The Future of Storytelling Lies in the Fusion of Emotion & Innovation.At Blue Engine Studios, we’re constantly exploring how to blend technology with emotion, ensuring AI becomes a tool for enhancing human creativity, not replacing it. The real power lies in how we use AI:To spark new ideas, not to write the whole story.To visualize worlds faster, without replacing the artistry.To streamline the process, without removing the soul of storytelling. So the question isn’t “Can AI replace human creativity?”—it’s “How can we use AI to unlock storytelling potential like never before?” What do you think—will AI deepen our ability to tell stories, or does it risk making storytelling less human?
Publishing House: Ziad Kebbi
Hollywood’s Paradox: Praising Transformation While Clinging to Perfection
The Oscars 2025 nominations bring forward some fascinating films, and I’m happy for the talented individuals who have been recognized this year. Movies like The Substance stand out for tackling difficult topics like ageism in an industry that often sidelines its most seasoned talents. But here’s the irony: the very industry celebrating these narratives often clings to the ideals they critique. While we applaud films that challenge ageism and glorify authenticity, the reality is that Hollywood—and global entertainment—still glorifies youth and ‘perfection’ as the ultimate currency. This contradiction extends beyond the screen. As someone who turned 57 just days ago, I find myself reflecting on how age is perceived off-screen as well. Does age, even when paired with decades of experience, an understanding of the latest trends, and a deep grasp of modern storytelling, become a liability in the fast-paced world of media production? The truth is, age isn’t a barrier to relevance. It’s a strength. Experience brings perspective, nuance, and the ability to bridge traditional storytelling with cutting-edge tools and technologies. At Blue Engine Studios, we are living proof that staying enshrined in the “now” while drawing from years of insight creates content that resonates across all generations. Films like The Substance are a step in the right direction, but the industry still has a long way to go in embracing age—not just as a storyline, but as a valuable force behind the scenes. What’s your take? Do you feel the entertainment industry is evolving to embrace experience and age, both on-screen and off? How can we, as leaders and creators, push for a culture that celebrates authenticity and relevance at every stage of life?
Publishing House: Ziad Kebbi
Where Are the Billion-Dollar Arab IPs?
Let’s be real. The Arab world has everything it needs to create global, billion-dollar entertainment franchises—the talent, the money, the audience. So why the hell don’t we have a single one? Hollywood built Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter. Korea gave us Squid Game, The Glory, Parasite. Japan dominates with Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, One Piece. AND THE ARAB WORLD? Still making disposable, forgettable content that vanishes after one season. The problem isn’t budget. A recent high-budget Arab series burned through $70 million for just two seasons yet faded into obscurity without making a dent in global entertainment. Meanwhile, Squid Game was made for $21 million and became a global phenomenon—turning into a franchise, a gaming experience, and a billion-dollar IP. So what’s missing? Instead of creating a legacy, we keep producing short-term, ad-driven, one-season wonders. There’s no world-building, no expansion, no investment in long-term storytelling. Imagine if the Arab world built its own Game of Thrones, a global fantasy rooted in our mythology. Imagine if we had a superhero saga inspired by Arab folklore—djinns, ancient warriors, legendary figures—built as a universe, not a one-off. Instead, we’re stuck in a loop of making TV that no one remembers a year later. At Blue Engine Studios, we believe it’s time for the Arab world to think bigger—not just make content, but create IP that lasts, travels, and shapes global culture. So I’ll ask again: Where the hell is our billion-dollar IP? And who’s actually going to build it?”
Publishing House: Ziad Kebbi
MrBeast Just Changed Entertainment Forever… Or Did He?
MrBeast just pulled off one of the biggest creator-led deals in history—a $100M agreement with Amazon MGM Studios for Beast Games, a reality show where 1,000 contestants compete for $5M. But let’s step back for a second. Is this about MrBeast’s genius, or is it just about the money? Would this show work if it wasn’t so big and expensive? Or does its success only exist because Amazon threw $100M at it? Is this a revolution, or are we just creating entertainment Frankensteins?Right now, media companies are turning creators into massive one-man brands, pumping them with budgets so big they become too big to fail… until they do. But this model isn’t sustainable. Eventually, the weight of expectations, production costs, and audience fatigue will bring it all crashing down. And what about the Arab world? We don’t have a MrBeast-style creator, and maybe that’s a good thing. Instead of chasing one massive name, shouldn’t we focus on building an ecosystem that nurtures multiple talents, fresh formats, and real storytelling? Amazon’s bet on MrBeast is huge, but let’s ask the real question: Did they buy into a long-term future, or did they just pay $100M for hype? What do you think—are creator-led productions the future, or is this just a short-lived trend?
Publishing House: Ziad Kebbi
Ramadan TV: The Race to Nowhere?
Every year, Ramadan television floods screens across the Arab world with endless series—many of which feel like copy-paste versions of the last decade. Same faces. Similar plots. Predictable formulas. But let’s be honest—how many of these shows truly create ‘must-experience’ moments anymore? The problem isn’t just oversaturation—it’s that audiences no longer feel the need to watch. In today’s entertainment landscape, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is everything. People don’t just consume content—they engage with it, debate it, and turn it into a cultural moment. Yet, most Ramadan programming still treats storytelling like a passive experience instead of the interactive, buzz-driven event it should be. Think about what makes global shows dominate the conversation: Moments that demand to be talked about. Characters and plot twists that trigger viral reactions. Storytelling that doesn’t just fill airtime but drives appointment viewing. This is where Ramadan TV needs to evolve. Instead of endless quantity, we need quality that sparks real conversation—stories that make audiences feel like they have to watch, or risk being left out of the cultural zeitgeist.At Blue Engine Studios, we believe in building entertainment that doesn’t just entertain—it becomes part of the conversation. The question is: Who will be the first to truly disrupt Ramadan programming and create TV that people can’t afford to miss?
Publishing House: Ziad Kebbi
The Fear of Finding Out: Why Arab Media Avoids Experimentation
Let’s talk about the fear of finding out (FOFO)—not the fear of missing out (FOMO), but something much worse: the fear of realizing the truth.Arab media, especially when it comes to major TV seasons like Ramadan, has become terrified of experimenting. No innovation.No risks.No excitement. Just the same faces, the same formulas, and the same recycled Ramadan grids that look like carbon copies of previous years. And the numbers prove that this conversation matters. Our last discussion, “”Ramadan TV: The Race to Nowhere?””, became one of the hottest topics on LinkedIn with nearly 12,000 impressions. Why? Because people KNOW it’s true, but no one in the industry wants to say it out loud. What’s driving this creative stagnation? A play-it-safe mentality—networks fear ratings loss, so they stick to what’s “worked” before.The comfort of repetition—commissioning the same stars, same writers, same formats, year after year.A lack of experimentation—because pushing boundaries means risk, and risk is scary in an industry that resists change. Case in point? The recent wave of format revivals. Meanwhile, Netflix MENA is at least attempting fresh approaches. Dubai Bling (love it or hate it) sparked cultural conversations. Love is Blind Habibi—though poorly executed—was a step toward experimenting with unscripted content in the region. But here’s the real problem: Fear doesn’t just prevent failure—it prevents progress. While the global entertainment industry is creating genre-defining, culture-shifting content, the Arab world is stuck in a loop of its own making. Where’s our bold new formats?Where’s our high-concept storytelling?Where’s our real disruption? At Blue Engine Studios, we believe the solution is simple: Stop fearing change. Start creating it. The Arab audience is ready. The market is ready. The only ones who aren’t ready? The industry itself. So, I’ll ask: What’s stopping us from innovating? And who’s actually willing to break the cycle?
Publishing House: Ziad Kebbi
The Non-Scripted Moment That Shook the World
For years, non-scripted content was sidelined, considered mere filler between “serious” scripted shows. But today? Non-scripted is dominating.Here’s why: Scripted TV generates buzz about entire seasons. Non-scripted TV creates viral moments, episode by episode. A compelling scripted series is “must-watch TV.” A standout non-scripted show is “must-watch now TV.” Case in point: The recent phenomenon from Spain’s La Isla de las Tentaciones (Temptation Island).In early February 2025, a single scene featuring contestant José Carlos Montoya witnessing his partner’s infidelity exploded online. The clip amassed hundreds of millions of views globally, transcending language barriers and sparking worldwide discussions. This wasn’t an English-language show. It wasn’t a Hollywood production.Yet, it dominated online conversations worldwide. Why does non-scripted content thrive in today’s media landscape? 1. Authenticity & Relatability:Reality shows feature real people, making their emotions and experiences more relatable than scripted characters.Viewers see themselves in contestants, creating stronger emotional investment. 2. Unpredictability & Drama:The unscripted nature of non-scripted content leads to spontaneous, unforgettable moments.Unlike scripted series, where tension builds over episodes, reality TV delivers shock, humor, and drama instantly. 3. Social Engagement & FOMO:Non-scripted thrives on real-time conversation.Miss an episode? You’re out of the loop. The urgency drives live viewing and social discussions. This is why the biggest streaming platforms are pivoting from scripted to non-scripted. Today, non-scripted TV makes up half of all new streamer commissions.Streamers realized that scripted-heavy strategies weren’t sustainable—so they pivoted. So why is the Arab world still ignoring this shift?Regional platforms continue prioritizing scripted series. Non-scripted is still treated as an afterthought, rather than a central focus.Networks persist with outdated formats, hesitating to embrace modern, high-impact unscripted storytelling. At Blue Engine Studios, we understand that the future isn’t about choosing between scripted and unscripted. It’s about creating content that engages audiences and dominates conversations. With half of all new global commissions being non-scripted, can our industry afford to ignore this evolution?
Publishing House: Ziad Kebbi
Arab Media Needs a Reality Check: Are You Even Speaking to Your Audience
As media creators and storytellers, our primary responsibility is to understand our audience. But let’s face it: The Arab world’s media decision-makers are alarmingly out of sync with who they’re actually talking to. Reality Check: Gen Z makes up over 34% of the Arab population. They’re digital natives, living and breathing on platforms that traditional media struggles to navigate. 77% of Arab youth are active on social media, with an average of 3.5 hours a day spent on their feeds. 92% of Arab youth link the spread of misinformation to traditional media’s inability to adapt and oversee content effectively. But what are our media leaders doing? They’re still stuck in 2005, churning out the same tired formats, clinging to outdated storytelling methods, and wondering why they aren’t relevant anymore. Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4, recently said: “”Objective truth and validated news must be seen as a public good. For Gen Z, learning to judge fact from fiction may be the defining issue of our age.”” She’s right. But here’s the thing: Arab media isn’t even in the same conversation. The Hard Truth:If our current media leaders can’t keep up, maybe it’s time they make way for a new generation of visionaries who can. Media isn’t just about broadcasting content—it’s about building trust, engaging in real dialogue, and creating a shared reality where truth isn’t negotiable.Gen Z doesn’t just want content; they want authenticity, transparency, and inclusion. The Path Forward: Embrace Digital-First Strategies: Adapt to where your audience lives—online.Prioritize Authenticity: Ditch the filtered narratives and serve real stories that speak to the youth’s reality. Engage in Real-Time Conversations: It’s not enough to broadcast. You need to listen and respond. If you can’t adapt, step aside. The next generation of media leaders is ready. Leaders who are tech-savvy, culturally attuned, and fearless. Leaders who understand that media’s role is not just to entertain but to inspire, educate, and connect. The question isn’t whether Arab media will change—it’s who will lead that change. If not now, when?If not us, who?
Publishing House: Ziad Kebbi