Ramadan Revelations: Drama as a Gateway to Unveiling Egyptian Identity

By: Lamia Kamel

Former Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Promotion

For many years, the Egyptian dialect—often referred to as colloquial Egyptian—has served as a cornerstone in disseminating Egypt’s rich culture and heritage across the Arabic-speaking world. Its widespread appeal, which lies in its clarity, ease of pronunciation, and inherent wit, has paved the way for a significant Egyptian presence in the region through its drama and media. These platforms have been pivotal in shaping perceptions of Egypt in the Middle East, North Africa, and the broader Arab world for over a century.

Many travelers to Arab countries can attest to people’s deep affection and admiration for the Egyptian dialect, which has been instrumental in ensuring the success of Egyptian artistic and dramatic productions, making it among the most eagerly received and celebrated across the Arabic-speaking nations.

Thus, with its endearing and easily relatable colloquial dialect, drama has undoubtedly been a key ambassador for promoting Egypt’s tourism within the region. In addition to its ability to articulate our emotions through simple yet profound words, the Egyptian dialect has been the most invited guest in Arab homes and has formulated the perceptions and enchanted the older Arab generations who grew up watching classic black-and-white Egyptian films for many years.

Today, Egyptian drama continues to captivate audiences far and wide, enriched by a wealth of elements that endear it to viewers’ hearts. This widespread popularity is a testament to its innovative flair, excellence, and diverse talents in areas such as directing, acting, cinematography, and music, among others. This is especially visible with the influx of new talents that emerge daily, a phenomenon that becomes particularly pronounced during Ramadan with the debut of numerous acclaimed series. These series not only introduce fresh talents across the spectrum of artistic fields but also highlight the contributions of Egypt’s distinguished production companies and a cadre of experts in drama, ranging from directors and writers to stars.

It’s imperative to underscore the significance of nurturing this sector as a cornerstone for tourism promotion and, consequently, a vital contributor to the national economy. Capitalizing on Egypt’s breathtaking tourist locations for film and television production not only showcases these gems in an appealing light but also plays a crucial role in stimulating tourism and boosting the country’s economic prospects.

Egyptian drama stands as a powerful conduit of soft power within the framework of tourism development—a key driver of economic revival. It has consistently been a steadfast and effective vehicle for economic rejuvenation, drawing foreign investment, fostering job creation, and spurring monetary expansion.