After a five-year absence from the big screen, Saudi stand-up comedian and acting star Fahad Albutairi is making a comeback in the upcoming family vacation comedy, Al Eid Eiden. The film, set to be released in July, follows the story of a workaholic father, played by Albutairi, and his fiercely independent wife, portrayed by Emirati actress Meera Almidfa, as they embark on a vacation to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island with their unruly children.
Known as the “Seinfeld of Saudi Arabia” in the 2010s, Albutairi’s last theatrical feature was the 2019 body swap comedy Rashid and Rajab. During his hiatus from the big screen, he has been involved in various projects, including the Saudi version of The Office and the Netflix-backed film Alkhallat+. Additionally, he lent his voice to the popular animation series, Masameer County.
Apart from Albutairi and Almidfa, the film also features Abdulmajeed Fahad, Layla Fahad, and Abdulmohsen Al Harbi as their children. Egyptian Bassem Youssef-collaborator Shadi Alfons and veteran actor Hassan Rajab Alhammadi are also part of the cast. The production is supported by Image Nation Abu Dhabi and boasts an all-female Emirati creative team, with Maitha Al Awadhi as the director, Rawia Abdallah as the producer, and Sara Al Sayegh as the writer.
Release and Distribution
Front Row Filmed Entertainment, a Dubai-based distributor, will be launching the film theatrically on July 11 in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Gulf region through its new mainstream cinema label, Haywire. The film promises to deliver a mix of humor, family dynamics, and adventure, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.
Fahad Albutairi’s return to the big screen in Al Eid Eiden marks a significant moment in his career. With an ensemble cast, a talented crew, and a captivating storyline, the film is set to entertain and delight audiences across the Middle East. Keep an eye out for this exciting comedy coming to theaters near you this July.