DUBAI: Starzplay’s original film “Harley,” starring Egyptian actor Mohamed Ramadan, is set to drop on the streaming platform on June 10 following its theatrical release this Eid.
“Harley” is a tale of love, loss and freedom. Set in the underworld of diamond trafficking, the film follows the journey of Hashem, also known as Harley, a brilliant mechanical engineer, and the right-hand man of a dangerous gang leader.
After losing his brother to drug abuse, Harley tries to break free from a life of crime and drugs.
The film marks Ramadan’s return to the big screen after a four-year sabbatical. He is known for films like “Qalb el-Asad,” “Abdo Mouta” and “El Almany.”
Created by Mohammed Sami and directed by Mohammed Samir, “Harley” also features a cast including Mai Omar, Mahmoud Hemida, Bassel El-Zaro, Mai Kassab, Ismail Farghali, and Ahmad Dash.
Starzplay’s first original Arabic series “Kaboos,” launched in February this year, broke viewing records for the streaming platform within 48 hours of the premiere of the first two episodes, resulting in a 20 percent increase in engagement.
“It shows that Starzplay’s commitment to delivering original, Arabic-first content has been the correct path to take,” CEO Maaz Sheikh said at the time.
The Middle East & North Africa streaming market is expected to generate $5.69 billion by 2028 — double the 2022 figure of $2.83 billion — according to Digital TV Research.
Starzplay original ‘Harley’ to launch on streaming platform in June
https://arab.news/4a7gp
Starzplay original ‘Harley’ to launch on streaming platform in June
- Following a theatrical release, the original film will launch exclusively on the streaming platform next month
- After losing his brother to drug abuse, Harley tries to break free from a life of crime and drugs
Tucker Carlson claims he was detained at Israeli airport
DUBAI: Earlier this week, Tucker Carlson flew to Israel to interview US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, according to media reports.
Carlson, who reportedly refused to leave Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport complex, conducted the interview at the airport, after which he said he and his staff were detained and their passports were seized.
“Men who identified themselves as airport security took our passports, hauled our executive producer into a side room and then demanded to know what we spoke to Ambassador Huckabee about,” Carlson said in a statement to The New York Post.
However, Carlson’s claims have been contradicted by Huckabee and Israeli authorities.
Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor and Fox News host, said on social media platform X that “EVERYONE who comes in/out of Israel (every country for that matter) has passports checked & routinely asked security questions,” including himself, despite holding a diplomatic passport and visa.
Thanks @EFischberger for a more accurate report. EVERYONE who comes in/out of Israel (every country for that matter) has passports checked & routinely asked security questions. Even ME going in/out with Diplomatic Passport & Diplomatic Visa. https://t.co/UbblLiznMO
— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) February 18, 2026
The US Embassy in Israel also described the interaction as routine passport control procedures.
The Israel Airports Authority said in a statement that Carlson and his staff “were not detained, delayed, or interrogated.”
They were asked “a few routine questions, in accordance with standard procedures applied to many travelers,” and this conversation took place in a separate room within the VIP lounge to protect their privacy, the statement added.
“No unusual incident occurred, and the Israel Airports Authority firmly rejects any other claims.”
Israeli Airports Authority:
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) February 18, 2026
Contrary to the reports, Tucker Carlson and his entourage were not detained, delayed, or interrogated.
Mr. Carlson and his party were politely asked a few routine questions, in accordance with standard procedures applied to many travelers.
The…
Carlson has faced criticism in recent years over his commentary on Israel, with critics accusing him of amplifying narratives that are hostile to Israel and, at times, antisemitic. He has also questioned Israel’s treatment of Christian communities in the region.
After Fox News canceled his show in April 2023, he launched his own program, “The Tucker Carlson Show” in 2024.
The show has featured controversial figures, including Darryl Cooper, who has made statements widely condemned as Holocaust denial, and white nationalist commentator Nick Fuentes.
In his interview with Fuentes, Carlson labeled Huckabee a “Christian Zionist.”
Carlson has also criticized Huckabee for not doing enough to protect Christian interests in the region. In one video, he said: “Why not go ahead and talk to Christians and find out their side of the story? Why aren’t American Christian leaders like Mike Huckabee or Ted Cruz, people who invoke the Christian Bible to justify what they’re doing, why haven’t they done this?”
Huckabee responded to the video on X, writing: “Instead of talking ABOUT me, why don’t you come talk TO me? You seem to be generating a lot of heat about the Middle East. Why be afraid of the light?”
Carlson accepted the invitation, and their teams coordinated the interview, leading to his brief visit to Israel.
