For all the esteemed history and vibrant folklore encompassing the maritime heritage of the Gulf, the business was also arduous and perilous.
This reality is vividly portrayed in the captivating initial scene of Al Boom, the historical Emirati drama airing nightly onduring.
The scene unfolds deep within a ship engulfed by a thunderstorm on the Gulf coast in 1939, as it begins to take on water. The escalating crisis prompts the entire Emirati crew to rebel against their nokhada (captain) Shahab, portrayed by Omar Al Mulla.
Director Assad Al Waslati skillfully captures the intense claustrophobia, distress, and filth as the sailors struggle for survival. Despite their efforts, a child perishes, and valuable cargo is lost at sea.
Following this ordeal, Shahab faces disgrace within his community in Ras Al Khaimah, forfeiting his home as compensation for the lost goods before eventually securing employment as a pearl diver.
The subsequent episodes of the series, which premiered on Monday and can be fully streamed on the ADtv app, chronicle Shahab’s quest for redemption and his determination to reclaim his esteemed position as nokhada.
Meanwhile, the backdrop features the advancing presence of the British Empire.
Eager to establish a profitable trade route to India, plans are underway to set up a naval base in the northern emirate, much to the dismay of the local populace.
While Al Boom unfolds Shahab’s strategic utilization of this geopolitical opportunity to forge a lucrative maritime trade link between the Gulf and South-east Asia, the narrative offers ample drama to captivate the audience.
Shot on location in Ras Al Khaimah, the series is visually stunning, and Tunisian screenwriter Emad Al Deen Al Hakim adeptly portrays life in the close-knit coastal community.
The storyline also sheds light on the significant and dynamic role played by seafarers in shaping the UAE’s diverse society.
Beyond their primary occupation, these sailors often served as informal reporters, sharing tales of foreign lands with their communities.
Additionally, they showcased their salesmanship skills, as demonstrated in a delightful scene where they auction off items acquired during their voyages – ranging from pens and lighters to tape recorders – at the bustling local market.
Supporting characters further enrich the narrative tapestry.
Badr (Badr Hakami), Shahab’s companion, whose work in an offshore oil refinery hints at the UAE’s future economic trajectory, and Egypt’s Rehab Al Attar, portraying Shahab’s resilient wife who provides unwavering support during challenging times, contribute depth to the story.
Despite the absence of English subtitles, the light Emirati dialect utilized in Al Boom remains accessible to a broad Arabic-speaking audience.
With its expansive storyline and meticulous attention to production quality, the series is poised to emerge as a standout Emirati drama of this Ramadan season.
Al Boom is available for streaming on ADtv
Updated: March 15, 2024, 3:04 AM
AL BOOM
Director: Assad Al Waslati
Starring: Omar Al Mulla, Badr Hakami and Rehab Al Attar
Streaming on: ADtv
Rating: 3.5⁄5