SADEQ ALKHOORI (ABU DHABI)

Talal Al Balushi remembers a time when his part in a production amounted to little more than a scene that saw him drinking tea. In the new Emirati drama ‘Fog Island’, he plays his first leading role.

For fellow cast member Yousef Al Kaabi, that progression presents a wider challenge for local television: turning individual opportunities into lasting careers for Emirati performers.

“Emirati talent can become stars when given the opportunity,” Al Kaabi told Aletihad, pointing to Al Balushi’s casting as an example of what local actors can achieve.

‘Fog Island’, an original production of Abu Dhabi Media Network, premiered on November 5 on the ADMN platform through STARZPLAY. Directed by Emirati filmmaker Mansoor Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri, the 15-episode mystery and science-fiction series was filmed between Abu Dhabi and Thailand.

The story follows an expedition stranded on a mysterious island, placing its Emirati cast in a suspense-driven production that differs from more familiar forms of local television drama.

  • A still from the movie

 



Building the Role
Al Balushi, who plays Harib, said securing a leading role was an ambition shared by many actors, but prominence alone was not his measure of success.

“Even if you have just one scene,” he said, “you need to understand and study the character” to convey it convincingly.

Other cast members described the preparation behind their performances.

Ibrahim Al Zadjali said he worked with the director to develop his character through the script, costume, movement and delivery.

Shamma Ghaith, who plays Amina, described a demanding role supported by rehearsals and guidance from colleagues behind the camera.

Productions such as ‘Fog Island’ can give Emirati performers the chance to take on larger roles and develop their craft. The harder question is whether those opportunities continue once filming ends.

Beyond One Production
That question comes as Abu Dhabi seeks to build a longer-term pipeline for film and television production.

In June 2025, the Creative Media Authority announced a five-year partnership with FilmGate, founded by Al Dhaheri, under which the company committed to producing at least 15 productions in Abu Dhabi. Half of the production talent is expected to come from the authority’s ecosystem.

The agreement also provides four six-month paid internships each year for young Emiratis, with the aim of creating pathways towards permanent employment.

For Al Kaabi, who also worked on casting and Emirati dialect accuracy for ‘Fog Island’, the next test is consistency. He called for more recurring productions and stronger promotion of Emirati performers after filming ends.

“Promoting Emirati artists is the most important thing, especially after production,” he said.