Historic Saudi Production Set to Film in Morocco
Morocco is set to become the backdrop for a significant Saudi television production that will delve into the final days of the Kingdom of Granada. Tentatively titled "Granada... The Last Days," this historical epic continues the rich tradition of Arabic productions focused on Al-Andalus. Reports indicate that location scouting is currently underway in Morocco, pending the necessary permits from the Moroccan Cinematographic Centre (CCM).
The narrative centers on the fall of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, the last Muslim state on the Iberian Peninsula, which concluded in 1492 with the surrender of Emir Mohammed XII, known in the West as Boabdil. This production aims to capture the essence of this pivotal moment in history, exploring the complexities surrounding the end of Muslim rule in Spain.
Associated with the project is Walid Saif, a renowned Palestinian-Jordanian writer, historian, and screenwriter, celebrated for his contributions to Arab historical fiction. The series is expected to expand upon the extensive cycle of works dedicated to the history of Al-Andalus that he previously developed in collaboration with Syrian director Hatem Ali in the early 2000s. This duo is credited with three monumental television dramas that have become benchmarks in Arab television: _Saqr Quraish_ in 2002, _Rabee’ Qortoba_ in 2003, and _Muluk Al-Tawa’if_ in 2005, each chronicling different eras of the Muslim history of the Iberian Peninsula.
Reviving a Historical Narrative
The new series will focus on the twilight of the Nasrid kingdom and the figure of Mohammed XII of Granada, the last Muslim ruler of the city, also known as Abou Abdallah and referred to in Arabic sources as "Az-Zughbi," meaning "the unfortunate." This project marks a return to the Andalusian theme that Saif has explored over the past two decades, with notable actors such as Tim Hassan, Jamal Suliman, and Moroccan Mohamed Miftah having participated in previous installments of this historical saga.
As the project develops, various regions in Morocco are being considered for filming locations. The country boasts a rich architectural and natural heritage that can effectively represent medieval Spain, alongside established infrastructure and technical expertise in hosting international historical productions. This initiative aligns with the growing prominence of the Saudi audiovisual industry, with MBC Group playing a pivotal role. Since September 2025, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has held a 54% stake in the group, which includes several television channels, MBC Studios, and the streaming platform Shahid.
Moreover, Morocco and MBC share a longstanding collaborative history in the realm of historical fiction. In 2012, Morocco hosted a significant portion of the filming for the ambitious series _Omar_, which focused on the life of Omar ibn al-Khattab and was considered one of the most ambitious productions in Arab television at the time. This decision reflects Morocco's growing appeal to foreign productions, as the country's diverse landscapes, natural settings, studios, and skilled technicians have established it as a leading shooting location in the region.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
