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As part of its content development support programs, Media City Qatar announced at MIPCOM Cannes 2025, the world’s largest market for television and streaming content, its support for the production of two original scripted drama series, When I Saw (لمّا شفت) and Behind the Scenes (كواليس) , in collaboration with ImagiQ Productions, one of the companies licensed within its ecosystem. Both series will be filmed in Qatar and Lebanon and are scheduled to air in 2026, underscoring Media City Qatar’s commitment to positioning the country as a creative hub for high-end, globally resonant productions.
An announcement was made from Media City Qatar’s stand at MIPCOM in the presence of renowned regional talent including Dima Kandalaft, Mohamad Al Ahmad, and Aimée Sayah. As an institutional and promotional supporter, Media City Qatar’s continues to support original Arabic content with international appeal while strengthening its role as a hub for high-end storytelling from the region.
Addressing the importance of creative industries to the economy, H.E. Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of Media City Qatar, said: “Media and creativity are pillars of progress. Our task is to grow an industry that advances Qatar’s vision for diversification and cultural leadership, positioning the country as a place where world-class work is made. Through original productions and global collaboration, Media City Qatar is shaping a creative economy where stories made in Qatar reach audiences everywhere and build a lasting legacy.”
Speaking on the announcement, Eng. Jassim Mohamed Al Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar, said: “Announcing these productions at MIPCOM Cannes, the world’s leading stage for television and streaming content, reflects Media City Qatar’s belief that stories from the Arab world deserve to stand alongside the best in global entertainment. When I Saw and Behind the Scenes are part of a larger mission to elevate Arabic-language content, nurture the talent behind it, and share our region’s creativity with audiences everywhere.”
Rony Jazzar, CEO of ImagiQ added: “We are proud to collaborate with Media City Qatar on When I Saw and Behind the Scenes, two productions that showcase the strength and creativity of regional storytelling. By working with exceptional talent from across the Arab world and filming in Qatar and Lebanon, we are contributing to stories that will resonate with audiences everywhere while highlighting the region’s growing capacity for world-class production. This partnership is about setting new benchmarks for Arabic drama and paving the way for more original content from the region to reach international platforms.”
When I Saw will be directed by David Oryan, an award-winning filmmaker with top-ranking series across the Middle East. His work has topped charts on Shahid, and major Arab broadcasters, earning him multiple Best Director awards. The 10-episode drama/thriller stars Mohamad Al Ahmad as Mezyan, a painter, alongside Aimée Sayah as Norah, his muse, who finds unexpected fame after losing his sight.
Behind the Scenes brings another powerful story to the screen written an award winner write Nadine Jaber, starring Dima Kandalaft as Lara Haddad, a former investigative journalist turned podcaster. The 10-episode investigative thriller begins when Lara stumbles upon a photo album revealing the forgotten story of Ghina Habeeb, a young singer who vanished in the 1990s, leading her into a world of exploitation, silenced voices, and scandals from the entertainment industry that still haunt the present.
Both productions bring together powerful storytelling, leading regional talent, and international-level production values, and embody stories from the Middle East with resonance for global audiences.
The announcement at MIPCOM Cannes 2025 builds on Media City Qatar’s expanding slate of initiatives across content production, gaming, and media innovation. From international partnerships to talent development, Media City Qatar is working to foster creativity and drive co-productions that resonate regionally and globally, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
