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Kuwaiti actor Hassan Al-Balam has completed filming his scenes in the upcoming television series “Akher Al-Shaher” (End of the Month), which is set to premiere during the Ramadan season. According to reports from Cairo, the comedy-drama features an ensemble cast including Mohammed Al-Dosari and Shaimaa Ali, with the screenplay written by Maryam Nasir and direction by Bassel Al-Khatib.
In the series, Al-Balam portrays “Saleh,” a retired government employee whose failed investment ventures create significant turmoil for his family. The character attempts to navigate escalating crises resulting from his impulsive financial decisions, providing a comedic yet socially conscious narrative arc.
Hassan Al-Balam Series Explores Social Issues Through Comedy
The production delivers a purposeful comedic storyline that addresses various social issues through a gentle approach, industry sources indicate. The series incorporates dramatic situations and paradoxes that reflect real-life challenges while maintaining an upbeat spirit. This balance between entertainment and social commentary has become a hallmark of contemporary Ramadan programming in the Arab world.
Al-Balam’s character of Saleh represents a common archetype in Gulf societies—the retiree seeking financial independence through entrepreneurship but lacking the experience or expertise to succeed. The show explores how such decisions ripple through family dynamics and relationships. Additionally, the series examines broader themes of financial literacy, risk management, and the pressures facing families in modern Gulf states.
Ramadan Television Programming Competition
The timing of “Akher Al-Shaher” positions it within the highly competitive Ramadan television season, when viewership across the Arab world reaches its annual peak. Networks and production companies invest heavily in content during this period, as families gather after iftar to watch new series together. However, securing audience attention requires both star power and compelling storylines.
Writer Maryam Nasir has crafted a narrative that blends social critique with accessible comedy, a formula that has proven successful in previous Ramadan seasons. Meanwhile, director Bassel Al-Khatib brings experience in managing ensemble casts and maintaining tonal consistency across episodic content. The collaboration between established talent and fresh creative voices suggests the production team’s confidence in the project’s appeal.
Al-Balam’s Concurrent Theater Project
Beyond his television work, Hassan Al-Balam continues performing in the theatrical production “Akher Zohour: Qabl 300 Sana” (Last Appearance: 300 Years Ago). The play features Abdulaziz Al-Nassar and Zahra Arafat, with writing by Abdulaziz Al-Muslim and direction by Abdullah Al-Badr. This concurrent commitment demonstrates the actor’s versatility across different performance mediums and his prominent position in Kuwaiti entertainment.
The theater production adds another dimension to Al-Balam’s busy schedule, showcasing his ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously. In contrast to his television character’s contemporary struggles, the theatrical work appears to explore historical themes, though specific plot details have not been widely disclosed. The dual projects highlight the breadth of storytelling in Kuwaiti performing arts.
Anticipation Builds for Ramadan Premiere
As production wraps on “Akher Al-Shaher,” attention now turns to post-production work and promotional campaigns ahead of the Ramadan season. The series joins dozens of other productions vying for viewer attention during the month-long observance. Nevertheless, Al-Balam’s track record and the show’s socially relevant themes position it as a potential standout in the crowded marketplace.
The exact premiere date for the Hassan Al-Balam series remains unconfirmed, though Ramadan programming typically launches within the first few days of the holy month. Marketing materials and promotional trailers are expected to emerge in the coming weeks as broadcasters finalize their seasonal lineups and scheduling strategies.










