The episode will premiere on MBC3 on May 8 and 9 at 6:00 pm (UAE) and will also air on local broadcast channels beginning the following week.
Sesame Workshop, the creators of Ahlan Simsim and Sesame Street shows, has announced Ahlan Simsim: Friends Time, a special episode designed to support families across the MENA region due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The special episode features human and muppet characters from Ahlan Simsim, the locally produced Arabic version of Sesame Street, and appearances by children and parents from the region.
It will premiere on MBC3 on May 8 and 9 at 6:00 pm (UAE) and will also air on local broadcast channels beginning the following week.
Ahlan Simsim: Friends Time is a half-hour episode with the Ahlan Simsim muppet characters Basma, Jad, Ma’zooza, and Hadi are joined by Elmo, Kaki, Gargur, and special guests for activities, songs, and games. The special episode also models activities that families can do at home together, like playing guessing games and creating thank-you messages for essential workers.
Produced remotely in collaboration with Jordan Pioneers TV production, the special episode takes the form of a video conference call, reflecting the reality of how so many families and friends are staying connected right now.
Commenting on the episode, Khaled Haddad, Executive Producer of Ahlan Simsim, said: “These are uncertain times. While young children may not understand the cause, they are feeling the effects. We hope that the Ahlan Simsim Special Episode brings laughter and comfort to families across the Middle East—and also gives them some practical tools for dealing with these difficult circumstances.”
Ahlan Simsim: Friends Time is the latest in a string of series designed to support families in the region during the COVID-19 pandemic. Others include animated videos and infographics about social-emotional and physical health, including how to wash hands and cough safely. These resources, plus full episodes of the educational Ahlan Simsim TV show, are available on the Ahlan Simsim website and YouTube.
