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In 2020, Shahid, a streaming platform, released the controversial Saudi show Dahaya Halal (Halal Victims). However, due to its explicit scenes and provocative storylines, the Saudi General Authority for Audiovisual Media demanded its removal from Shahid and other MBC screens, sparking nationwide controversy.
Now, three years later, Dahaya Halal returns to the screen, delving into uncharted territories and shedding light on societal problems often shrouded in secrecy. This emotionally charged and divisive show follows the lives of five women who, facing misfortune and hardships, seek refuge with Om Noura (portrayed by Sanaa Bakr Younis), who promises to help them.
Om Noura arranges marriages for them with wealthy men seeking discreet relationships, presented as halal according to societal norms. These quick and temporary marriages serve as a cover for Om Noura’s exploitation, as she collects dowries that are divided between herself and the girls.
Within Om Noura’s domain, which resembles a trafficking and prostitution ring, escape is forbidden. Once under her control, the women face blackmail and abuse if they dare to refuse a marriage or try to break free from the cycle.
Directed by Ahmed Medhat from Egypt and written by Jordanian writer Adel Al-Jabri, with screenplay by Syrian Nour Shakili, this 10-episode series bravely sheds light on the experiences of numerous women who have been forced into a life of physical, emotional, and mental exploitation.
Lead actress Sanaa Bakr Younis, in a recent interview, described the series as bringing to the forefront a long-kept secret in the realm of drama. Dahaya Halal is an unprecedented work that surprises audiences, contributing to the much-needed change toward empowering and granting autonomy to women in the Arab world.
With its boldness, particularly within the Gulf region, Dahaya Halal stands as a significant step toward addressing these pressing issues and fostering women’s empowerment.
