Streaming platform TOD has reported a significant rise in entertainment viewership during Ramadan, with Arabic content and news emerging as major drivers of audience engagement across the region.
The platform said overall consumption increased during the holy month, with viewers spending more time watching entertainment content compared to usual trends. Traditionally known for its sports programming, TOD noted a clear shift this Ramadan as audiences explored action and mystery genres beyond live sports.
Topping the platform’s Ramadan viewership charts is the Egyptian action series Awlad AlRaey, starring Khaled El Sawy, Majed El Masry and Ahmed Eid. Close behind is the mystery drama Saadat Almajnon, featuring Abed Fahed, Sulafa Memar and Basem Yakhoor.
The data also showed a sharp spike in news consumption beginning February 28, with viewers increasingly turning to international news channels to follow regional developments. According to TOD, viewership of Arabic news channels surged by 1,128%, while English news channels saw a 685% increase during the same period.
Ramadan programming continued to dominate overall consumption patterns. Engagement with Arabic content rose by 33%, while Western content saw a temporary decline as viewers prioritised regional productions linked to the holy month.
Despite this, some Western titles continued to attract audiences, including The Apprentice, a political biopic about Donald Trump. Other popular international titles included the Mission: Impossible franchise, The Naked Gun, The Karate Kid and Flight Risk.
TOD said the trends highlight how Ramadan continues to shape media consumption habits in the MENA region, with audiences balancing Arabic cultural programming, real-time news and selected international entertainment.
The platform expects strong engagement with Ramadan content to continue through the remainder of the holy month.
