The Arab Organization for Dialogue and International Cooperation, under the leadership of Dr Hanan Youssef, convened its annual Suhoor and the 64th session of the Hanan Youssef Cultural Salon last Thursday evening, marking the fifth consecutive year of this Ramadan tradition.
The event, titled “Ramadan Drama… In the Balance,” provided a platform for critical analysis and strategic dialogue among prominent intellectuals, diplomats, and media professionals.
Dr Hanan Youssef, Professor of Media and President of the Arab Organization for Dialogue, extended Ramadan greetings and highlighted the significance of the annual Suhoor and Cultural Salon in fostering intellectual exchange.
She emphasized the salon’s unique blend of in-person and online participation, facilitating engagement from across the Arab world and ensuring a diverse range of perspectives.
The salon’s discussion centered on the evaluation of Ramadan 2025 drama productions, with participants noting a disparity between limited positive examples and a broader trend of content lacking in quality and impactful messaging. Participants underscored the crucial role of drama in shaping perceptions and addressing stereotypical portrayals of Arab societies.
Youssef reiterated the organization’s commitment to analyzing Ramadan drama through an annual analytical study, aligning with the political leadership’s recent directives from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi advocating for the development of socially responsible and morally grounded drama.
The study’s findings, intended for public dissemination and policy consideration, aim to document and preserve critical societal narratives for future generations.
The Suhoor also facilitated an open dialogue on future initiatives, notably the proposed establishment of the Arab Union for Media and Culture.
This initiative seeks to enhance collaboration between media and cultural sectors, promote positive Arab representation, develop digital content, and expand opportunities for Arab youth.
The event concluded with a musical performance by student Nada El-Mansi, who delivered a rendition of “Ramadan in Egypt is Something Different,” fostering a convivial atmosphere.
The Suhoor and Cultural Salon welcomed a distinguished assembly of ambassadors, intellectuals, and media professionals from Egypt, Iraq, Tunisia, Palestine, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Algeria, alongside a significant cohort of emerging young media talents.
