Love Is Blind: Habibi Brings Unique Cultural Dimensions to Dubai

Netflix’s latest unscripted dating series, ‘Love Is Blind Habibi,’ has premiered in the United Arab Emirates, adding a unique cultural twist to the popular franchise. The show follows a group of singles from the Arab world as they embark on a journey to discover whether love is indeed blind. This adaptation introduces viewers to cultural nuances and traditions from various Arab countries, making it distinct from its predecessors.

The fundamental premise remains the same: participants date in separate pods without seeing each other, and proposals take place before they meet face-to-face. The engaged couples then have four weeks to assess their compatibility in the real world before deciding whether to tie the knot. This series provides a glimpse into modern romance, especially cross-cultural relationships, in a region with diverse traditional values.

The series, hosted by Saudi actors Elham Ali and Khaled Saqer, explores the complexities of dating within the Arab cultural context. Ali and Saqer, who have personal experience with the challenges of romance, add an authentic touch as they guide participants through the experiment. The couple, who married in 2019, previously starred in the Netflix sci-fi series.

Participants hail from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, and Iraq, and many currently reside in Dubai, a cosmopolitan hotspot known for its blend of modernity and tradition. Throughout the show, viewers witness participants engaging in cultural customs like katb al-kitab, a pre-marriage ritual, and henna night celebrations.

The series showcases diverse personalities and professions, from bloggers and dentists to entrepreneurs and architects. Among the participants are Ammar, a dentist from Syria, and Karma, a Tunisian sales manager, whose musical connection initially sparks engagement, albeit ending before the wedding day.

Meanwhile, some couples travel different romantic paths. Hajar and Simo‘s relationship survives various challenges, with a proposal marking their journey, although they ultimately part ways at the altar. Safa and Mohammed find a lasting connection through personal similarities, and choose to continue their lives together.

Ambitious and creative Asma navigates her relationship with Khatab as he overcomes previous rejections, yet she halts the marriage pending family approval. Other interactions, such as those between Noor and Mido, highlight the complex dynamics some couples encounter.

The series, filmed in Lebanon, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, aims to stay true to its essence by exploring deep emotional connections, amidst uniting modernity with traditional values. ‘Love Is Blind Habibi’ is now available for streaming with all nine episodes ready to watch.