The project embodies our vision of harnessing art as a tool for empowerment and conveying human and family values to new generations in an innovative and impactful style. Saeed Al-Fazari: 'Grandma Mahra's Stories' is the first full-fledged television drama series of 30 episodes using marionettes in the United Arab Emirates. It is based on a story and vision by Rana Al-Bahiti, with puppet design and execution by Mohamed Fawzy Bakkar, and screenplay and dialogue by Jehan Safir, directed by Ahmed Al-Bahiti. It features the voice acting of a group of people of determination: Ghaya Al-Mas, Sultan Al-Siyabi, Mansoor Al-Harithi, Maryam Hamdan, Mahra Al-Marzouqi, and Sheikha Al-Mansoori. Abdullah Al-Hamidan: The work highlights the role of arts in consolidating values, enhancing identity, enriching the cultural scene, and showcasing Emirati heritage in a contemporary style. In line with the state's declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Family, and in an unprecedented cultural and artistic step at the UAE and regional level, the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, with the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, launched the first full-fledged Arabic television marionette series titled 'Grandma Mahra's Stories' during the holy month of Ramadan 2026. This marks a new milestone in the journey of Emirati and Arab television production. The series will be broadcast on the Authority's channel on the 'YouTube' platform and its official social media accounts. The series focuses on enhancing family values, strengthening intergenerational bonds, and reviving folk tales as a cultural bridge that brings family members together around meaningful and inspiring content. This work represents an artistic model that combines contemporary creativity with heritage preservation in a framework that empowers people of determination and their active participation in cultural production and creative industries, reflecting the Authority's vision of building an inclusive, creative, and sustainable society. The Director General of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, Abdullah Abdulali Al-Hamidan, said: 'The launch of the 'Grandma Mahra's Stories' series during the month of Ramadan is a landmark moment in the journey of cultural and media production in the UAE, as it is the first full-fledged dramatic series to rely on marionettes with purely Emirati characters. This project embodies our vision of harnessing art as a tool for empowerment and conveying human and family values to new generations in an innovative and impactful style.' He added: 'We believe that culture and the arts are a cornerstone for empowering people of determination and enhancing their presence in the creative landscape. This work represents a qualitative leap for the art of puppetry in the region and a human and creative message that the UAE carries to the world.' The Executive Director of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for Strategic Affairs, Saeed Ali Obaid Al-Fazari, said: 'Celebrating the 'Year of the Family' is at the core of our institutional values to strengthen family cohesion and empower society. We are pleased to support the 'Creative People of Determination' production project, which combines artistic creativity, cultural identity, and social responsibility, reflecting Abu Dhabi's commitment to supporting cultural and creative industries and promoting innovative local content. This work underscores the role of the arts in consolidating values, enhancing identity, enriching the cultural scene during the holy month of Ramadan, and showcasing Emirati heritage in a contemporary style targeting all segments of society.' The project's origins date back to 2023 with the first theatrical performance of 'Grandma Mahra's Stories' as part of the Family Forum, paving the way for its development into a full-fledged television series with a purely Emirati identity.
