Syriana’s Amr Waked will play the Yemeni Sheikh who comes up with the barmy idea of trying to stock salmon in the desert. Salmon Fishing In the Yemen stars Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Kristin Scott Thomas. Shooting starts today for 9 weeks in London, Scotland, and Morocco. Lasse Hallström is directing and Paul Webster producing for Kudos. BBC Films, UK Film Council, and Lionsgate UK are co-financing. Lionsgate is handling international sales.

Wow, time has not been kind.
What an unusual idea! Of course, coastal Sheykhs of both north and south of the Yemen know that the best fish of Yemeni waters is Kingfish (they say “derak”). The most popular fish used in Yemen everywhere in “khusar” dish is Canned tuna from all over the world including that from the Mukalla fish factory. May be, to stock salmon (!???) in the desert lake of Marib dam is a real innovation even if it is a joke.. But, why salmon?..