Millionaire tops Arab ratings

The show has an enthusiastic Arab audience

A version of the quiz show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? has taken Arabic viewers by storm, with ratings dwarfing even the most beloved comedy shows and soap operas. BBC World Service's Arts in Action programme investigated its success.

There are more than 50 versions of the Millionaire format around the world, in which contestants compete for ever-spiralling amounts of money by answering general knowledge questions.

In the case of the Arabic version, the final jackpot is equivalent to a quarter of a million dollars.

Taped in Cairo by the Saudi-owned MBC satellite channel, Who Wants to Win a Million?, as it is known in Arabic, is hosted by the sharp-suited, presenter George Kurdahi.

With a version of the catchphrase, "Is that your final answer?" - "jawaab nihaa'ee?"- suave Kurdahi has become a household name.

Sex symbol

Kurdahi said the show goes beyond just entertainment.

He recently told the Egyptian press: "I wouldn't be exaggerating if I say that this programme brings the whole Arab world together.

Smooth operator: Kurdahi

"It brings it together despite all the contradictions of the Arab world."

However, Rhola Kharsa, an Egyptian journalist based in Cairo, told the BBC she thinks that Kurdahi has in fact "divided" audiences.

"Men don't really like him as a person", she said, "but women adore him."

Kurdahi, famous for his slicked back hair and designer outfits, teases contestants as they deliberate over their answers.

However, the Lebanese presenter has refuted claims that he is an object of desire.

"People like my personality; they find it close to themselves, their thinking and their feelings, but not to the degree that I'm a sex symbol or Elvis Presley," he said.

Veiled

Love him or hate him, twice a week Arab viewers in Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America tune in to watch the show from across the Arab-speaking world.

Winners can receive a million Saudi riyals ($270,000)

Open to both male and female contestants, Rhola Kharsa believes that by including veiled women the programme has increased its audience.

"Female veiled contestants are very new for the TV," she said.

"They are completely veiled. You can just see their eyes; they are never usually shown on TV."

'Anti-Islam'

Meanwhile, money remains the ultimate incentive. Since its first broadcast in November 2000, two contestants have taken the top prize of one million Saudi riyals.

According to Hosam Sokkari, Head of BBCArabic.com: "The idea of being a millionaire overnight must certainly appeal to an audience whose majority suffers from poverty and unemployment."

However, it is the gambling element of the show that has in the past attracted strong opposition.

In June 2001, Egypt's highest religious authority, Grand Mufti, issued a fatwa, or religious edict, calling the game show sinful and a form of gambling.

The Arabic world is suffering from a cultural emptiness

Rhola Kharsa, Egyptian journalist

This claim was later contradicted by the Sheikh of Cairo's Al-Azhar University - one of the highest authorities in Sunni Islam - who ruled that game shows offering big cash prizes are legitimate since they spread general knowledge.

In Rhola Kharsa's view, it is the programme's ability to feed audiences' minds that has led to the shows continued success.

"The Arabic world is suffering from a cultural emptiness," she said.

"People don't read anymore. They don't have the time as they are running all day after money and earning money."

"This programme presents a short dinner of information and at the end at least they can remember two or three things."