Netflix is to make its first Middle East production with Lebanese comedian and actor Adel Karam. Performing his laugh-a-minute stand-up comedy, the first Middle East Original is expected to launch in 2018.

In this yet-to-be-named comedy special, produced by Creative Arab Talent, Karam will tackle everything from relationships to social issues that most Arabs face everyday with his distinctly Arab blend of smart, sarcastic humor. He is going back to his hometown to record his performances, appearing at Beirut’s renowned Casino du Liban for the first time.

Karam, a well-known actor and comedian, has appeared in several prominent late night shows, series and Lebanese movies such as Caramel directed by Nadine Labaki and lately, his movie The Insult, directed by Ziad Doueri, which premiered in the official competition of the Venice Film Festival. Now, he joins other notable comedy stars such as Gad Elmaleh, Jack Whitehall and Beppe Grillo by getting his own Netflix special.

“I am very happy and excited to be a part of Netflix’s first original production to be produced in Middle East. It is a great honour and privilege and I can’t wait to embark on this new adventure,” Karam said in a statement.

Erik Barmack, the vice president of International Original Series at Netflix added: ““Adel Karam is a very strong voice in comedy. We are extremely excited to collaborate with him, and can’t wait for the local audience, who have a deep appreciation of comedy, to watch the show as well as to introduce him to our global audience.”