Five Arab influencers, one epic surprise – streaming 23 June only on Viu
PCCW (SEHK: 0008) – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 23 June 2025 – Viu, PCCW’s leading pan regional OTT video-streaming platform, unveils its latest Arabic reality Viu Original, The Big Bang Birthday. Following the success of last year’s We Wed (ليلة العمر),the special is set to premiere on 23 June exclusively on Viu.
The show offers viewers a candid, culturally resonant portrait of friendship, self-expression and contemporary Arab identity in the UAE capital. Ittracks four influential content creators as they plan a surprise birthday celebration for Hadeel Marei, an Egyptian digital creator known for her outspoken humour and expressive style which has helped her connect with audiences across the Arab world, including over two million Instagram followers.
Hadeel’s friends include Amy Roko, a Saudi content creator known for her anonymity and social commentary; Dana Halabi, a Syrian Dubai based lifestyle influencer whose warm presence and interpersonal insight ground the group dynamic; Jara, Saudi Arabia’s first female rapper, navigating the intersection of music and representation; and Yussra Youssif, a Sudanese beauty and fashion creator celebrated for her striking style. The group reveals their authentic selves throughout the party-planning process, as what begins as a casual weekend transforms into a rich exploration of connections, set against Abu Dhabi’s vibrant urban landscape.
Filmed across key locations including Ferrari World, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Souk and Mangrove National Park, the programme weaves together moments of humour, tension and reflection. The narrative reaches its emotional peak when Hadeel receives her gift – an ultimate surprise that she did not see coming.
“The Big Bang Birthday exemplifies Viu’s commitment to Arabic original productions and locally rooted storytelling that bridges entertainment and cultural insight,” said Samer Majzoub, General Manager of Viu MENA. “The authentic emotion and relatable production style of this female-led production connect us to the cultural heartbeat of Saudi Arabia, UAE and the rest of the Arab region.”
Directed by Farah Alameh, a Lebanese independent filmmaker and lecturer at Lebanese University, the special combines a clear visual identity with narrative sensitivity. Her approach balances cinematic polish with documentary realism, allowing the cast’s personalities and relationships to unfold with authenticity.
A private screening was held on 22 June at 7pm at VOX Cinemas, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tune in for the premiere of the episode on your mobile or connected TV, exclusively available on Viu on 23 June. For further updates and access to The Big Bang Birthday, follow Viu MENA on Instagram @Viumena or visit Viu.com.
About Viu
Viu, a leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service, is available in markets across Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa.
The Viu service is available to consumers through a dual model, with an ad-supported free tier and a premium subscription tier. In addition to premium original productions under the brand “Viu Original”, Viu showcases TV series, movies, and lifestyle programmes from top content providers in local and regional languages with subtitles. Viu Scream Dates, its multi-market fan-meet offering, extends the Viu experience beyond the screens by bringing stars closer to their fans via live events.
In June 2023, PCCW and CANAL+ formed a partnership to accelerate the growth of Viu, making CANAL+ a strategic investor in Viu.
Viu also operates MOOV, a popular digital music streaming and live concerts service in Hong Kong.
Viu is a member of PCCW Media under PCCW Limited, a global company headquartered in Hong Kong with interests in telecommunications, media, IT solutions, property development and investments, and other businesses. PCCW also operates ViuTV, a free television service in Hong Kong, through HK Television Entertainment Company Limited, and has interests in Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited, among other global investments.
For more information, please visit www.viu.com.