DUBAI: The creators of children’s show “Iftah Ya Simsim,” the Arab world’s answer to “Sesame Street,” are set to release a new kid’s TV show “Ahlan Simsim,” which will premiere on Feb. 2 on MBC3, YouTube and local broadcast channels across the Middle East. Designed for children aged 3-8, “Ahlan Simsim” features familiar Muppet friends Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Grover, as well as two new characters. Basma, an almost-six-year-old purple Muppet, is a born performer who has a special ability to create music and sound effects, which comes in handy when she can’t quite express herself in words. She will be joined by a yellow muppet named Jad, who recently arrived in the neighborhood and is an art afficionado. Each episode of “Ahlan Simsim” will follow Basma and Jad as they explore their world alongside adults, and animated characters, and friends like a mischievous baby goat named Ma’zooza, who eats everything in sight.