Produced and filmed entirely in the UAE, 'Transit' depicts Dubai's essence through the lens of Syrian director Bassam Salka.
Hares Studios and ATL Media – a Zee Network Enterprise – have unveiled their first co-production, Transit, a pan-Arab series that serves as Hares Studios’ inaugural venture into production. This series, a first-of-its-kind, was entirely produced within the UAE, underscoring the region’s creative potential.
Drawing inspiration from the Zee series Chupke Chupke, Transit was adapted by Syrian writer Lujain Khalaf and directed by Bassem Salka. The ensemble cast includes Nadine Tahseen Beik, Haval Hamdi, Jihad Saad, Nadine Khoury, Badih Abou Chakra, Jalal Shamoot, Nazli Rawas, Nora Rahaal, and Moayad Al-Kharat, complemented by actors from Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, and the UAE.
The series narrates the voyage of a couple who set out on a journey, only to be entangled in unforeseen events along the way. It weaves together a blend of romance, drama, and human encounters, interwoven with a mystery that gradually unfolds throughout the narrative.
In a statement, director Basem Salka said: “The series dives into the bustling city of Dubai, where love and relationships break free from social norms, shaped by circumstances and emotions of individuals, as they interact with their surroundings.”
Transit was shot using cutting-edge technology cameras and meticulously handpicked locales that mirror the fast-paced rhythm of modern life in Dubai.
Manoj Abraham Mathew, EVP and Territory Head of Zee Entertainment, commented: “This is our seventh production of Arabic originals, and we have a slate of five productions on the floor with another one with Hares Studios signed. Also, as an executive producer of this series, it is a matter of pride that we could do our entire filming in UAE, with the majority of the locations being in Dubai. Ammar very successfully assembled a stellar cast and crew. This country and region have exceptional creative talent and at Zee, we would love to continue to nurture and invest in this.”
Ammar Hares, CEO of Hares Studios, added: “We are thrilled to present Transit, our debut production at Hares Studios, and we are incredibly proud to partner with ATL for this endeavour. This marks a significant milestone for us as we venture into productions and redefine entertainment with powerful storytelling from the Arab region.”
Established in 2022, Hares Studios aspires to be a preeminent entertainment powerhouse with a global outlook, sharing narratives from the Arab domain and captivating audiences across the globe. Their mission extends to celebrating the richness of Middle Eastern cultures, traditions, and artistic expressions.