Wanting to watch some Arab content from the Arab Gulf/Arabian Pensuila? The film industry has been growing and here are 8 gems from the growing film industry. This year I’ve been learning Gulf Arabic Dialect and here are my top favorite shows on netflix that have helped me learn Arabic vocab, culture, laugh and cry. Each show has English subtitles, and if you are learning Arabic I recommend listening to them speak and read the English words. Then rewatch the show or movie a second time without looking at the subtitles.
Grab some hummus, bread, a laptop and enjoy a fun time of learning culture, and experiencing new content you had not thought to look for before!
- The Exchange
TV show. 6 episodes in the first season. 50 minute long episodes.
Based in Kuwait, two cousins have a friendly rivalry as they pursue their careers. This is about power house women, fun culture learning and one of the best well done short 6 episode series I’ve watched in a long time! Fantastic for language and culture. The dialoge is fantastic, the strong women characters are truly remarkable. This show embodies woman power and strength. It showcases the resiliency of Gulf women. English Subtilties provided.
I’m really excited because this show has just been renewed for a SECOND season.
5 out of 5 chickpeas
2. Crashing Eid
TV show. 4 episodes. 1 season. 48 minutes per episode.
A Saudi girl who has been living in England gets engaged to a Pakistani boy and introduces him to her family. The show is based in Jeddah. A series of comical events unfold, its watching so many accurate embarresing cultural situations. The writers and the cast do an incredible job of showcasing modern day Saudi and levating it with lots of jokes. One of the best shows I’ve seen made so far! I laughed, got embarrassed, felt all of the emotions, truly an incredible watch! English subtites provided.
5 out of 5 chickpeas
3. ALHAMOUR H.A.
Movie 2 hours long.
I watched this on a whim at the movie theatre and it was an INCREDIBLE movie that is like a cautionary tale. It tells the story of a security guard who is trying to make it in the world. Of how he pursues businesses, marriage, and how he gets caught up in a ponzi scheme and has a little bit of fun while doing it. It takes you along a crazy journey and it was so cool to see it now on Netflix! If you want a few hours to be immersed in the Arabic language with a fun gripping story you should definitely watch this. One of the most ridiculous and most amazing movies I’ve watched in a long time!
5 out of 5 chickpeas
4. Takki
TV show. 3 seasons. 36 episodes in all. 20 minute episodes.
Based in Jeddah before women could drive or work. About a young women who wants becomes a YouTube personality. 20 minute episodes making it a perfect little study time and also to binge on. English Subtitles are provided.
4 out of 5 chickpeas
5. Route 10
Movie. 1 hour 21 minutes.
Based on the drive in the desert from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi. A thriller film with a brother and sister finding out new things about their family as they go on their 10 hour drive. The Route 10 is a real road that my husband and I drove. I wouldn’t suggest watching this movie before the drive like we did. Its such a fun watch though! English subtitles provided.
4 out of 5 chickpeas
6. 6 windows in the Desert
TV show. 6 episodes. Between 10-30 minutes long.
6 indie short films made by up and coming Saudi film makers.The first film is so funny and you MUST watch it. They range from funny to thought provoking. An interesting glimpse into the new film industry in Saudi. English subtitles provided.
4 out of 5 chickpeas
7. Head to Head
Movie. 1 hour 34 minutes.
Inspired by mafia themes, this is a thriller full of comedy and fun! Its excentric, wild, it surprises you and is a fun way to see saudi film making develop! English subtites provided.
4 out 5 chickpeas
8. Khawatir
TV show. 30 episodes. 15-20 minutes long.
An incredible travel tv show of a Saudi man seeing the inventions of the world and explaining how it can help our society. In Arabic, but a travel blog! This tv show makes your heart feel really good after watching. English subtites provided.
4 out of 5 chickpeas
