The most notable absences from Ramadan 2026 series: The complete list and the reasons
As the countdown to the holy month of Ramadan 2026 draws near, millions across the Arab world are turning their attention to their screens, eagerly anticipating the rich array of dramas that families traditionally gather around each year. The Ramadan season a true barometer of artists' success and a pivotal moment in the history of Arab drama for decades, transforming this month into a cultural and artistic ritual no less significant than its social significance.
However, the 2026 season holds a shock for Arab audiences, marked by the absence of a number of artistic giants who have shaped viewers' consciousness for many years. This collective absence raises profound questions about the future of drama production and the extent to which the absence of these luminaries will affect viewership ratings and the nature of competition, leaving the field open to challenging challenges for young talents and new scripts.
Nasser Al-Qasabi... The absence of the godfather of Saudi comedy
Among the most notable absentees is Saudi star Nasser Al-Qasabi, whose name is etched in the memories of Gulf and Arab viewers through a series of iconic works that tackled societal issues with boldness and dark humor. Despite not participating in a new project this season, Al-Qasabi's presence lingers, as his absence fuels speculation about whether he wishes to reassess his artistic direction or seek a script that matches his illustrious career, especially given the significant transformations underway in the Kingdom's entertainment industry.
Gulf screen ladies: health conditions and well-deserved breaks
Perhaps the biggest shock to the Gulf audience was the absence of the "Lady of the Gulf Screen," the esteemed artist Hayat Al-Fahad. This forced absence came as a result of health conditions that prevented her from completing filming her highly anticipated project, sparking a wave of widespread sympathy and prayers for her recovery from her fans who have grown accustomed to her poignant and dramatic appearances each year.
Similarly, veteran actress Suad Abdullah is making only a cameo appearance in the series "Al-Ghamida," opting out of leading roles this year. The absence of the duo (Hayat and Suad) from the main competition is a rare occurrence in Kuwaiti drama, potentially opening the door for second-tier stars to emerge and fill this significant void.
Comedy and action stars... between illness and cinema
The absences weren't limited to tragic dramas; comedy was also affected with the absence of actor Fayez Al-Maliki, who is currently recovering from an illness, and actor Mohammed Al-Issa, whose strong comeback audiences were eagerly anticipating. This simultaneous absence of Saudi comedy stars may leave audiences thirsty for laughter in a season accustomed to heavy doses of comedy.
In Egypt, it seems the allure of cinema has lured stars away from the small screen. Actor Ahmed El Sakka confirmed his absence from the Ramadan television season, preferring to focus on his film projects and complete shooting his new movie, announcing that the "El Atawla" series will end with its second season. The same applies to actress Donia Samir Ghanem, who decided to take a break from television in favor of cinema.
As for the star Mohamed Ramadan, his position remains shrouded in mystery, as news about his return is conflicting, which puts him in the category of “postponed absence” or uncertain absence, which increases the state of anticipation among his wide audience.
In conclusion, the 2026 Ramadan season represents a pivotal turning point; the absence of these big names, while saddening for viewers, presents a golden opportunity for drama producers to introduce fresh blood and innovative ideas that may reshape the map of stardom in the Arab world for years to come.
