With the approach of Ramadan, satellite television channels in Kuwait and across the Arab world are preparing to offer several new programmes that range from game shows to others with a religious theme.

The young actress Shjoon Al-Hajri will present her second season of the TV game show "Shoji 2" on the comedy channel Funoon TV(Arts). During the programme, callers must answer a range of questions, and winners receive cash prizes.

Funoon TV will also air the game show "Al-Laeb Fullah" (Playing is Fun), hosted by the young actor Yakoub Abdallah.

The programme contains four segments: "Irsumni" (Draw me a Sketch), where guests, some of whom are stars of the artistic community, draw based on Yakoub's suggestion; "Dahekni" (Make me Laugh) where contestants have to talk about a humorous experience; "Ghanili" (Sing to me) where guests are asked to sing; and the last segment entitled "Wasalni" (Give me a Ride) in which guests must pin a tail on a horse.

The programme is produced by Nayef Al-Nimeh and Jamil Basha and directed by Yakoub Al-Mhanna.

When asked about the idea of actors hosting game shows, Yakoub Abdallah told Al-Shorfa that "such experiences add to the skills of the artist, but they must be carefully thought out so as not to lose the audience."

"What encouraged me to host 'Al-Laeb Fullah' this year is its new idea which I found to be completely different from what has been previously presented in game shows," he said."What increased my enthusiasm is the fact that I have broken the mold of the traditional show host, and I worked on the programme as an actor who interacts with his guests and shares fun and games with them. This is also what makes the episodes appear in good shape, even if guests do not enjoy funny and easy going personalities."

Funoon TV won't just offer game shows. A group of young stars, such as Muna Shaddad, May Al-Baloushi, Khaled Al-Ujayreb, Shehab Hajieh and Ahmad Al-Awnan, are presenting for the third year in a row the satirical comedy programme entitled "Ayni Aynak 3" (Eye to Eye 3), which features actor Shehab Hajieh, a skilful impersonator.

The programme has three segments, two of which are based on impersonations and imitations. One segment uses a hidden camera where practical jokes are played on members of the audience and other artists. The programme is produced by Nayef Al-Nimeh and directed by Manaf Abdal.

Actor Khaled Al-Ujayreb, who is hosting "Ayni Aynak 3", said that for an actor to host one of those programmes, during the month of Ramadan or at another time, "helps the artist feel his success directly, especially when the idea of the programme is live, during which the actor receives live calls from the audience; and this is what I experienced before when I hosted the program entitled 'Sawalef' (Stories)."

Several religious programmes will be presented on Kuwaiti television satellite channels during the month of Ramadan, hosted by a group of the most prominent sheikhs of Kuwait.

For example, "Bayni wa Baynakum" (Between You and Me) is hosted by Dr. Mohamad Al-Awadi and is broadcast on the channel "Al-Ray" (The Opinion).

At the same time, the channel "Al-Watan 3" (Homeland 3) will present three religious programmes.

"Qadeem al-Masajed" (Old Mosques) hosted by Jassem Al-Muhalhal al-Yassin, examines the most important mosques located in old Kuwait. The second programme is entitled "Khuluk Hasan" (Good Manners) and is 15 minutes long. It is hosted by Sheikh Saleh al-Nahham and deals with social values and ethics that are lacking in Kuwaiti society.

The third programme is "30 Fursah" (30 Chances) and is hosted by Ali al-Ajami. It is a religious Ramadan series presenting a range of direct and condensed messages pertaining to viewers that focus on the ties of kinship and other community issues.