Who stars in Iftah Ya Simsim?

Iftah Ya Simsim stars Abdullah Al-Hubail, Mariam Al Ghadban, Tariq Al-Ali.

Which country is Iftah Ya Simsim from?

Iftah Ya Simsim is a production from Saudi Arabia.

SeriesSeptember 14, 1979Gulf~30 min/ep3 seasons20 episodes

Iftah Ya Simsim

افتح يا سمسم

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Family Animation

At a glance

Iftah Ya Simsim, is a 1979 Saudi series, and starring Abdullah Al-Hubail, Mariam Al Ghadban, Tariq Al-Ali. running for 3 seasons.

Overview

Iftah Ya Simsim is a pioneering Arabic educational children's series produced by the Joint Program Production Foundation for the Arab Gulf States, with its first season airing in 1979 and a second following in 1982. Adapted from the iconic American series Sesame Street, the show was reimagined to reflect Arab culture and values, with interior scenes filmed in Kuwait and location footage captured across numerous Arab countries. The series features a beloved cast of Arab actors and children alongside memorable puppet characters — including Noaman, Malsoun, Abla, the frog Kamel, Qarqour, Kaaki, Anis, and Badr — who became cultural icons for generations of Arab children. The production rights were acquired for $1.6 million, covering 130 episodes, making it one of the most ambitious children's television projects in Arab broadcasting history.

Last updated: June 23, 2026