American entertainment channel E! has chosen to turn its camera lenses on the region’s most inspiring self-made women. The new locally produced show by NBCUniversal International Networks’ pop culture channel, which amuses us with programmes like “Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” focuses on the lives of nine exceptional, young and very different Arab women. And they are ruling the worlds of fashion, entertainment, beauty, culinary arts and sports.
The clever, fun and motivating one-off series, made up of three half-hour episodes featuring three guests each, will premiere on 23 December. Dana Al-Tuwarish, a social media influencer with 2 million followers on Instagram alone, is hosting the show. Al-Tuwarish is the perfect fit as she is a successful entrepreneur herself. The half Kuwaiti, half Iraqi businesswoman has managed to secure various beauty ventures, including beauty salons, perfumes and brand collaborations thanks to her Internet fame.
“It was an absolute pleasure shooting for such an incredible show," Al-Tuwarish said in a statement about filming with E!. "I had an amazing time interacting with each one of the participants and getting to know their inspiring entrepreneurial journey and life experiences. I hope that the viewers enjoy the show as much as we enjoyed shooting it," the fashionista added.
“Generation M.E.” is a great example of OSN’s collaboration with international networks to bring shows that are truly local and relevant to our audiences. While the show gives us insights on Dana’s inspirational journey, it also serves as a platform to highlight the achievements of the region’s other young talents.” Emad Morcos, Chief Content Officer of OSN, said.
The in-depth and behind-the-scenes interviews look into what it takes to be a businesswoman in the Arab world and how the triumphant women were able to shine in their respective jobs and get to where they are today. The show, produced by Sugar Rush Productions, also touches on how Al-Tuwarish and the women manage such remarkable careers, and how their experiences have enlightened their work.
Two designers are set to appear on the show. Arwa Al Banawi, a Saudi who launched her eponymous label in 2015, made headlines a couple of months ago when Will Smith and his son, Jaden, popped into her Dubai shop. The other is Lebanese jewellery designer Nadine Kanso, known for her “Bil Arabi” line that reflects personal and strong cultural messages.
Plus, two other Lebanese game-changers are taking part. Beauty maven and presenter Joelle Mardinian introduced Maison de Joelle in 2008, and you can now find branches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha, Tunisia and Kurdistan. And Tara Khatter is a whiz of a chef on a meteoric rise within the culinary scene. The New York-based 25-year-old has already been on “Top Chef France.”
From the sports world, there’s Manal Rostom, the prominent Egyptian marathon runner and mountaineer, who was the first Arab woman to feature on the Global Nike+ Run Club App. Arifa Bseiso, a Jordanian boxing champion and Nike brand ambassador, is also rumored to take a seat in the interview chair.
Hanan Mazouzi, an Algerian car enthusiast and the founder of the UAE’s first women-only supercar club, Arabian Gazelles, is also adding her clout to the show. Her club has raised funds for breast cancer research. Haya Abdel Salem, the Kuwaiti actress who made her debut in the television series “Om Elbanat,” is yet another sensation to make an appearance. She has also worked as an assistant director on several TV series and directed stage plays.
SAVE THE DATE
“Generation M.E.” will premiere on 23 December exclusively on OSN (at 9 p.m. KSA.). All three episodes will air back-to-back on the same day and they are available to watch On Demand on OSN Play.
