Yarob (web series)
Yarob is a Saudi animated cultural web series and one of the flagship projects of Antame, an initiative by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives. Released on YouTube in 2018–2019, the series is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 cultural program and aims to bring the history and legends of the Arabian Peninsula to a modern audience through anime‑inspired animation.
Overview
Produced by the Riyadh‑based studio Myrkott Animation Studio, Yarob was created and written by Abdulaziz Almuzaini, Malik Nejer and Yazid Alqarni, and directed by Malik Nejer. In interviews the creators have cited the influence of Japanese anime—particularly the works of Hayao Miyazaki—and expressed a desire to engage Arab youth and fans of animation with regional heritage and folklore.Name
The name "Yarob" was chosen to reflect the deep historical roots of the Arabian Peninsula. The region has long been home to ancient peoples, nations, battles, secrets, and legendary places—some recorded in history, others passed down through myths. The name also refers to an ancient Arab ancestor.Plot
The series follows a modest Saudi family—Yarob, his teenage sister Asrar, and their wise grandfather—as they embark on a sequence of supernatural adventures. Unbeknownst to them, Yarob is fated to oppose Al‑Harith, a mysterious figure bent on unleashing global catastrophe.Episodes
The show comprises two parts, each exploring a different historical or legendary theme with a blend of comedy, fantasy and adventure. All episodes were published on YouTube.Characters
Main
Yarob: A young man in his twenties and the series’ protagonist.Asrar: Yarob’s sixteen‑year‑old sister.Grandfather: The siblings’ guardian and keeper of family lore.Al‑Harith: The enigmatic antagonist seeking to destroy the world.Historical & Mythical Figures
- Shaddad ibn ‘Ad
- Aja and Salma
- Luqman ibn ‘Ad
- Zarqa al‑Yamama
- Anqaa
- Cenmar
- Samaw'al ibn 'Adiya
- Tarifah
- The jinn Shamhurash
Supporting
Voice cast
- Nouraldeen Alqallalwah
- Rami Alqallalwah
- Raafat Alqallalwah
- Raghad Baydas
- Dalal AlBassam
- Abdullah Said
- Samet Goul
- Alex Twain
- Omar AlQhamdi