Lebanon Is Up Next: Another Netflix Arabic original series announced

Weeks after Netflix released its first-ever Arabic original series Jinn, the online streaming platform is dropping another Middle Eastern title this coming August. 

Titled Dollar, the 15-episode drama stars Lebanese comedian Adel Karam and Algerian-Lebanese actress Amal Bouchoucha. 

In the series, Karam plays the role of an advertising executive named Tarek who is tasked with coming up with a million-dollar idea for the launch of a new bank. Tarek shares his idea with the bank's CEO in confidentiality, but is soon trailed by Zeina (Bouchoucha), the bank's CFO, as she doubts the integrity of the plan.

Dollar is produced by Cedars Art Production - Sabbah Brothers, directed by Samer Al Barkawi (known for popular Ramadan TV series including Al Hayba and Nos Yom), and written by Hisham Hilal.

It will be exclusively broadcast via Netflix starting August 8. 

In a press statement, Al Barkawi said he was excited to be collaborating with Netflix for a second time. His series Al Hayba was previously purchased by the platform and made available to users worldwide. 

"I'm truly excited to be working with Netflix on our new series Dollar and am confident that the show will appeal to Netflix's audiences worldwide," he said. 

"This project is an exciting one, bringing together themes of suspense and drama that showcase Amal Bouchoucha's onscreen talents, as well as Adel Karam's versatility beyond the comedy that he is known and loved for," he added. 

Netflix first entered the Arab market through a project also headed by Adel Karam. Titled Adel Karam: Live from Beirut stand-up comedy show, the special marked the first Arabic work to get featured on the platform. 

Earlier this year, the streaming service dropped its much-anticipated first Arabic original series Jinn. Though it sparked controversy across the region, it made many proud that Arab talents are finally gaining exposure on huge streaming sites. 

Shortly before Jinn was released, Netflix announced it's working on producing another Arabic original, an all-female series titled Al Rawabi School for Girls. 

In May, the American company announced yet one more original Arabic series titled Paranormal, which is set to be directed by Egyptian Amr Salama. Set in the 1960s, the series will be the first Netflix drama to be produced in Egypt.

Other than originals, Netflix has been acquiring tens of Arabic films and series, adding them to its content. This year, the company entered the Ramadan TV race for the first time in its history. 

Four Ramadan productions were made available on the platform throughout the holy month, with their episodes released day in and day out - in line with how regional television networks screen the shows.