SAUD AL KAABI - ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE AND REQUIRED TELEVISION AND CINEMA ACTORS IN THE UAE. BY HIS CAREER, IT IS POSSIBLE TO FOLLOW AN EVOLUTION OF THE NATIONAL MEDIA INDUSTRY FROM THE END OF THE 80S TO THE PRESENT DAYS. WE ASKED IT TO SHARE OWN SUCCESS STORY.
Saud, UAE expats know you mainly thanks to the 2009 City of Life movie. What has happened in your career since then?
Saud: I starred in the Emirate films "Djinn" and "From A to B", as well as in two television series - "Kabla 1" and "Dubai - London - Dubai". This year I received offers to star in four more TV shows and the new Emirate comedy directed by Ali Mustafa, but I'm on a creative vacation now and am not sure if I can accept them.
You were the first child on Emirate television and literally grew up in front of the audience ...
Saud: I worked on Dubai television for 21 years - I came there when I was 9 years old. In the early 90s, we had several television channels in the UAE and one in each of the Gulf countries.
My career began with children's news, then there was the program “Captain Saud”, the largest show about the emirate culture “Al Meydan” and many entertainment programs. I changed them, because I myself changed and grew, and, by the way, from next year I’m going to change my role again, and very dramatically.
Has industry changed dramatically in 21 years?
Saud: Today there is enormous competition on television: not only the broadcast format, but also the audience has changed - people have become much more educated, a wide variety of tastes has appeared. To please the viewer and become famous, young presenters will have to work a lot ...
Is there any progress in local filmmaking?
Saud: On average, 1-2 films a year are made in the UAE - Image Nation does this. Egypt remains the largest filmmaker in the Middle East, industry in Asia is growing rapidly, but, unfortunately, many simply duplicate stories from Hollywood and Bollywood.
Does the Gulf have ideas that can surprise the world?
Saud: We have many interesting ideas, our own angles of view. We live in the land of great historical events and achievements. There is another reason why we should make our own films - this is to give the world a correct idea of the Arabs, whose image was distorted by Hollywood beyond recognition.
Who could be the hero of a true Arabs movie?
Saud: We need to make a film about Sheikh Zayed (Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - the first president of the UAE). The story of his life and achievements, I am sure, will touch everyone’s heart. It is such unique stories that we must tell the world.
Who would you like to play to a greater extent in the future - a police hero or, for example, a romantic character?
Saud: I think I could combine both roles in one ...
You are very active on Instagram - you have more than half a million followers. Is there a need for this?
Saud: I had to have an Instagram account since I was a public figure. I think this is the best way to share ideas, talk about your life and stay in touch with the audience.
And it's nice to make money ... What brands are you already working with?
Saud: I have signed a contract with the operator Etisalat. In addition, I am the envoy of the Pink Caravan Marathon and the UAE National Olympic Committee. If we talk about commercial brands, then I support mainly local manufacturers. International brands are also circulating, but so far no contracts have been signed.
With your success story, you could very well become the messenger of an international brand watch.
Saud: Why not? But they must find me themselves.
Interviewed by Natalia Remmer
