“Grandma Mahra’s Tales” … the first Arab puppet (marionette) series, premieres this Ramadan from the Zayed Authority for People of Determination

In line with the "Year of the Family" and with strategic support from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi,

In harmony with the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Family, and as an unprecedented artistic and cultural initiative in the UAE and the region, Zayed Authority for People of Determination, with strategic support from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has launched the first full-fledged Arab television series featuring marionette puppets, titled “Grandma Mahra’s Tales”, during the holy month of Ramadan 2026. This project represents a new milestone in the trajectory of Emirati and Arab television production.

The series is broadcast on the Authority’s YouTube channel and its official social media accounts. The show focuses on promoting family values, strengthening intergenerational bonds, and reviving traditional storytelling as a cultural bridge that brings families together around meaningful and inspiring content.

The production serves as an artistic model that combines contemporary creativity with heritage preservation, while promoting the empowerment of people of determination and their active participation in cultural production and the creative industries, reflecting the Authority’s vision of building an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable society.

H.E. Abdullah Abdulali Al Hamidan, Director General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, said:
"The launch of ‘Grandma Mahra’s Tales’ during Ramadan marks a pivotal moment in the UAE’s cultural and media production journey, as it is the first full drama series relying entirely on marionette puppets portraying authentic Emirati characters. This project embodies our vision of harnessing art as a tool for empowerment and transmitting human and family values to new generations in an innovative and impactful way."

He added: "We believe that culture and the arts are fundamental pillars for empowering people of determination and enhancing their presence in the creative scene. This project represents a qualitative leap for puppet arts in the region and conveys a humanitarian and creative message that the UAE presents to the world."

H.E. Saeed Ali Obaid Al Fazzari, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said:
"Celebrating the Year of the Family lies at the heart of our institutional values, strengthening family cohesion and empowering the community. We are pleased to support the 'Creative Determination' project, a platform for talented people of determination to produce creative works that combine artistic innovation, cultural identity, and social responsibility. This reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to supporting cultural and creative industries, enhancing innovative local content, and underscores the role of the arts in reinforcing values, strengthening identity, enriching the cultural scene during Ramadan, and highlighting Emirati heritage in a contemporary style that appeals to all segments of society."

The project originally launched in 2023 with the first theatrical performance of “Grandma Mahra’s Tales” during the Family Forum events, paving the way for its development into a full television series with a distinctly Emirati identity. B Elegant, the company owning the project’s marionette puppets, is responsible for the production in partnership with the Authority.

“Grandma Mahra’s Tales” is the first full 30-episode marionette television drama in the UAE. The series is based on a story and vision by Rana Al Bahtiti, with puppet design and execution by Mohamed Fawzi Bakkar, screenplay and dialogue by Jehan Safar, and direction by Ahmed Al Bahtiti. The voices are performed by a group of people of determination, including: Ghaia Almas, Sultan Al Siyabi, Mansour Al Harthy, Mariam Hamdan, Mahra Al Marzouqi, and Sheikha Al Mansouri.