United Media Services rolls out Ramadan 2026 drama slate at star packed New Capital gala

Local coverage described an evening designed to signal the start of the Ramadan marathon, with a focus on big cast ensembles and long form storytelling. UMS, which has positioned itself as a leading driver of Egypt’s Ramadan output in recent years, said its 2026 slate spans social and human stories as well as plots touching on regional issues, conspiracies, and challenges facing Egyptian society.

A star forward red carpet
 

Among those spotted arriving early were veteran actor Hussein Fahmy and actress Youssra, alongside broadcaster Radwa El Sherbiny, actress Malak Koura, actress Aida Riyad, actress Menal Salama, talk show host Adel Adeeb, actress Dalia Mostafa, actor Ismail Farghaly, and actor Ahmed Saeed Abdel Ghany, according to local reports covering the arrivals.

Additional coverage showed more entertainment and media figures continuing to arrive, including actor Khaled Zaki, Palestinian actor Kamel El Basha, presenter Sherihan Abou El Hassan, and TV host Amr El-Leithy.

Seven 30 episode series anchor the lineup
 

UMS’s announcement leaned heavily into traditional 30 episode runs, with reports saying the group is set to air seven full length series across its screens in Ramadan 2026, spanning social drama, popular drama, thrillers, and human interest storytelling.

Below are the key titles and what has been shared so far about each project.

1) Men of the Shadows (Operation Ras El Afaa)

Positioned as a thriller inspired by real events, the series is described as drawing on Egyptian social realities while moving through security related details and hidden conflicts. It stars Amir Karara and Sherif Mounir, written by Hany Sarhan and directed by Mohamed Bekir, with production credited to Synergy.

2) Darsh

A popular drama with a human core, Darsh revolves around an apothecary worker who returns to his neighborhood after a long absence and discovers he has lived more than one double life, with past and present colliding in escalating surprises. The project is led by Mostafa Shaaban, written by Mahmoud Haggag and directed by Ahmed Khaled Ameen, with production also attributed to Synergy.

3) Fann El Harb

The series marks the return of Youssef El Sherif in a storyline centered on a young man who rebels against the wishes of his businessman father to pursue acting, only for his life to flip after his father dies, allegedly entangled in a major fraud case, pushing the protagonist into a journey of revenge and truth seeking. It co stars Reem Mostafa and Sherine Adel, written by Amr Samir Atef and directed by Mahmoud Abdel Tawab, with production credited to Aroma Studios.

4) Ali Klay

Framed as a popular drama built around boxing, Ali Klay follows a 30 something fighter whose life changes when he is adopted by a businessman who offers support and protection, triggering complicated conflicts inside the family and layered social tensions. The series stars Ahmed El Awady alongside Dorra, written by Mahmoud Hamdan and directed by Mohamed Abdelsalam, with Synergy listed as producer.

5) Fakhr El Delta

A social comedy, Fakhr El Delta centers on a young man from a Delta village who dreams of working in advertising, then moves to Cairo to chase self realization and confront the realities of the city. It stars Ahmed Ramzy, written by Abdelrahman Gawish and directed by Hadi Basyouni.

6) Ala Qad El Hob

A social romantic drama, the show follows a jewelry designer in her late 30s and a chef who opens a restaurant near her home, with their lives intersecting amid family and professional strains, particularly after the heroine’s mother dies. It stars Nelly Karim and Sherif Salama, written by Mostafa Gamal Hashem and directed by Khaled Saeed.

7) Awlad El Rai (Mirath El Dam)

A family saga, the series follows the El Rai family, described as one of the wealthiest and most influential clans, built by three brothers who rose from nothing to create an economic empire, before conflict erupts between heirs and enemies from the past trying to bring the family down. It stars Maged El Masry, Khaled El Sawy, Ahmed Eid, plus Nermin El Feky and Amal Bouchoucha, with direction credited to Mahmoud Kamel and a writing team led by Raymond Maqar, according to local reports.

Why this rollout matters
 

Ramadan television is not only an audience event, it is an industry marker that shapes programming budgets, advertising competition, and the visibility of stars and creators. UMS has previously framed itself as a major Ramadan engine, and in past seasons it has publicized the scale of its output, including celebrating the success of more than 22 productions in Ramadan 2025.