Across the Arab world, governments are rapidly tightening rules on social media, influencers, and online expression. From Saudi Arabia’s 2025 media code to Egypt’s cybercrime prosecutions and Bahrain’s high-profile influencer arrests, these measures claim to protect morals and national identity—but also sharply limit free expression. The region is entering a decisive phase of digital governance, reshaping youth culture, journalism, and creative industries.
Saudi Arabia's newly enforced 2025 Media Rules, introduced by the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM), impose stringent guidelines on digital content. These regulations, targeting both citizens and foreigners, prohibit vulgar language, ostentatious displays of wealth, exposure of family disputes, non-consensual filming, and divisive content. Violations can lead to penalties ranging from fines to account suspension, significantly impacting influencers, brands, and individual content creators.
A call for applications is now open for the eighth round of the Abbara program. This initiative is designed to empower collective cultural work, strengthen the arts and culture sector, and address the shared challenges faced by independent cultural actors across the Arab region.
Since 2022, Ettijahat – Independent Culture’s Sanad in the Digital Realm has empowered Arab and diaspora artists to challenge censorship, reclaim memory, and create across borders. With support from Mimeta, the Asfari Foundation, and the Swedish Arts Council, the program fuels digital creativity in fragile ecosystems through mentorship, grants, and cutting-edge tools like AI and VR.
Mawred invites you to participate in three online conversations on 14-16-21 May, aiming to foster dialogue around the intersection of technology and arts, and deepen artists’ engagement with emerging technologies amid accelerating digital advancements and their growing impact on the cultural sector. These conversations are grounded in the lessons learned from the 12 projects supported by the Culture 3.0 project between 2022 and 2024, all of which operate at the crossroads of art, labor, and technology
Sarah Al-Bahrani, a rising Iraqi actress, was indefinitely suspended by the state-linked Artists Syndicate after exposing sexual extortion in the entertainment industry. Accused of “unethical conduct,” she alleges retaliation for speaking out. Her case reflects Iraq’s broader suppression of artistic freedom and gendered censorship. Despite harassment and threats, Al-Bahrani has become a symbol of resistance in the face of systemic repression.
The arrest and extradition of Kuwaiti blogger Salman Al-Khalidi in January 2025 has ignited international debate over political persecution, human rights violations, and breaches of international law. Al-Khalidi, a vocal critic of authoritarian regimes, was extradited from Iraq to Kuwait despite his status as a political refugee. This controversial action raises serious concerns about the protection of free expression and the treatment of dissidents in the Gulf region, particularly with regards to violations of international legal protections for refugees.
The January 2025 arrest of Lebanese comedian Qassem Jaber over a satirical video has ignited a national debate on freedom of expression. Jaber, known for mocking Hezbollah and its affiliates, was accused of defamation and sectarian incitement after targeting lawyer Bouchra al-Khalil. His case underscores the risks faced by artists challenging political powers in Lebanon, where tensions between satire and censorship remain high.
The cancellation of the Ramadan TV show Al-Musaharati by Jordanian television has sparked discussions about artistic freedom and cultural traditions
Apply now the Rawabet program production grants! The Production grants are a key component of the Rawabet Programme. These grants are aimed at artists from the Arab region who have resided in Europe since 2015. The programme offers production grants valued up to 12,000 euros for those in the performing arts field, including theatre, dance, circus, performing acts, and music. Some of the supported projects will also have the opportunity to participate in one of the Rawabet festivals during 2025 or 2026.
IRAQ: The banning of the Saudi-produced series Muawiya in Iraq has sparked major controversy, highlighting deep sectarian and political tensions. Centered on Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, the show has been accused of glorifying divisive historical narratives. Critics warn it may inflame Sunni-Shia sensitivities, especially during Ramadan, a time of unity. With bans also in Iran, the incident reveals how historical portrayals shape modern geopolitics in the Middle East.
Lebanon has banned Captain America: Brave New World due to the inclusion of Israeli actress Shira Haas as Sabra, a controversial character with ties to Israeli identity and history. Despite Marvel altering her background for the film, the move reignited political and cultural tensions. Activists, including the BDS movement, accuse Disney of promoting Israeli narratives, sparking protests and renewed calls for boycott across the Arab world.
SYRIA: The Syrian TV drama Caesar, set after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, faced backlash and halted production after attempting to film inside former regime prisons. These facilities, infamous for torture and mass executions, hold deep trauma for survivors. The controversy reveals the sensitive balance between artistic expression and honoring victims’ experiences in post-conflict Syria.
SYRIA: Nour al-Din al-Labbad, former Syrian ambassador and renowned poet, was assassinated on March 11, 2025, in his hometown of al-Sanamayn, Daraa. A prominent defector from Assad’s regime, al-Labbad returned from exile just weeks before his death. His killing, amid growing violence in post-Assad Syria, highlights the peril faced by opposition figures and the fragile security situation during the country’s ongoing transition
SYRIA: The defacement of Adnan al-Malki's statue, a revered Syrian nationalist and anti-colonial figure, has stirred public outrage and reignited debates over memory, identity, and national heritage. Though the damage occurred during the chaotic aftermath of Assad's fall in December 2024, its resurfacing in March 2025 highlights deep political divisions and the fragile process of reconciliation in post-conflict Syria.
Jordanian publisher Omar Al Zayood’s arrest on March 17, 2025, under the controversial Cybercrime Law, has ignited alarm over the country’s growing clampdown on press freedom. Charged after a complaint by ex-PM Bisher al-Khasawneh, Al Zayood faces prison time and steep fines. His case underscores rising concerns over legal tools being used to silence dissent and restrict journalists in Jordan.
In January 2023, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior launched the Ballegh platform, an online reporting system that allows citizens to flag social media content deemed “indecent” or harmful to public morals. Promoted as a tool to uphold societal values, Ballegh quickly became a mechanism for state repression.
Lebanon’s vibrant arts scene, known for its cultural richness and political critique, continues to face significant challenges due to censorship and harassment. Artists, filmmakers, and performers are frequently targeted by authorities, religious groups, and political factions when their work addresses sensitive issues such as politics, religion, or gender, domestically and abroad
Artistic freedom in Jordan faces significant challenges, with artists across various fields—spanning journalism, street art, music, and filmmaking—dealing with censorship, harassment and legal action, making an environment where creative expression is increasingly constrained
Hamdan Ballal, co-director of "No Other Land," was assaulted by Israeli settlers and detained by soldiers in the West Bank
