Iftah Ya Simsim
The show focused on Arab heritage, like the wedding rituals of countries in the region, and included Arab poems and songs. "Iftah Ya Simsim" premiered in Kuwait in September 1979, and was broadcast in all Arabic-speaking countries excluding Egypt. The show's opening consisted of a catchy tune that became beloved of its young viewers. As the song played, the opening footage showed children across the Arab world running past familiar landmarks like the Pyramids and playing in playgrounds and ancient alleyways before running into a white fort that had its gates open wide. The show's set consisted of an intricately traditional Arabian neighborhood called "Sharee Eshreen" (20th Street).
George Sabra
Sabra was born to a Christian family in the city of Qatana in Rif Dimashq Governorate on 11 July 1947. He graduated with a geography degree from Damascus University in 1971 and a degree in educational technology systems from Indiana University in 1978. He since became a geography teacher, as well as a screenwriter. He is one of the writers for the Arabic version, "Iftah Ya Simsim", of the children's show "Sesame Street".