The Arab world boasts many talented actors and actresses working in both regional and international film and television. This spotlight focuses on some prominent actresses who have gained recognition for their work, achievements, and influence. Here’s a guide to learn about their backgrounds, where they come from, and the key roles and moments that have made them stars – from leading roles in popular Ramadan series to acclaimed festival films and global streaming shows. Consider this a quick introduction to their impressive careers and accomplishments.
Hend Sabry
Hend Sabry is a well-known actress from Tunisia and Egypt, popular throughout North Africa and the Middle East. She’s starred in highly-regarded films like ‘Asmaa’ and ‘The Blue Elephant’. Beyond acting, she’s a dedicated advocate for humanitarian causes and actively participates in social work. Interestingly, Sabry also has a law degree and has received awards at several Arab film festivals.
Nadine Nassib Njeim
Nadine Nassib Njeim is a popular Lebanese actress who first became well-known after winning a beauty pageant. She’s starred in highly successful TV series like ‘Al Hayba’ and ‘2020’, making her a leading actress in Arabic dramas. She also works with major brands and has a large following on social media throughout the Arab world.
Cyrine Abdel Nour
Cyrine Abdel Nour is a well-known actress and singer from Lebanon. She’s starred in several successful TV shows, including ‘Ruby’ and projects related to the popular series ‘Al Hayba’. In addition to acting, she releases music and works with fashion brands. Cyrine is a prominent face during Ramadan and often appears in advertising campaigns throughout the region.
Razane Jammal
Razane Jammal is an actress from Lebanon who appears in both Arabic and international films and TV shows. She gained worldwide recognition for her role in the series ‘The Sandman’ and was previously known for the popular Arabic Netflix show ‘Paranormal’. Throughout her career, she’s worked on projects shown at film festivals and original series for streaming platforms, and she frequently represents talent from the Middle East at premieres and industry gatherings.
Dina Shihabi
Dina Shihabi is an actress originally from Saudi Arabia, who grew up in the Gulf region and received her training in the United States. She’s known for her roles in popular international shows like ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,’ ‘Altered Carbon,’ and ‘Archive 81.’ With a background in both dance and acting, Shihabi is successfully working on projects in Hollywood and for streaming services around the world.
May Calamawy
May Calamawy is an Egyptian Palestinian actress who has gained recognition for her roles in popular TV shows. She’s best known for her work on the acclaimed series ‘Ramy’ and for joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Moon Knight’. Calamawy’s diverse work includes both comedic and action-packed projects, and she’s helping to increase the visibility of Arab representation in major entertainment franchises. She also frequently participates in film festivals and promotes international releases.
Sofia Boutella
Sofia Boutella is an Algerian actress who first gained recognition as a professional dancer. She’s now known for starring in big action and science fiction movies like ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’, ‘Star Trek Beyond’, and ‘The Mummy’. More recently, she’s taken leading roles in major streaming films, including ‘Rebel Moon’. Her performances are often physically challenging and benefit from her extensive dance training.
Lyna Khoudri
Lyna Khoudri is a French-Algerian actress who first gained attention for her performances in critically acclaimed films. She became well-known for her role in ‘Papicha’ and has since appeared in popular ensemble films like ‘The French Dispatch’. Khoudri has been honored with several national film awards recognizing up-and-coming talent, and her movies frequently premiere at prestigious festivals like Cannes.
Leïla Bekhti
Leïla Bekhti is a well-known French-Algerian actress who has become a significant figure in modern French film. She’s appeared in highly praised movies like the crime drama ‘A Prophet’ and the comedy ‘All That Glitters.’ Bekhti has been recognized with awards for her potential and strong acting skills, and often works with some of France’s most respected filmmakers and actors.
Dorra Zarrouk
I’ve always been so impressed by Dorra Zarrouk! She’s a Tunisian actress who really made a name for herself in Egyptian movies and TV. I especially loved her in films like ‘Mawlana’ and ‘Tisbah Ala Khair’. She’s become a familiar face during Ramadan with all the popular shows she’s in, and she’s always stunning, whether she’s gracing the red carpet at Arab film festivals or appearing in fashion magazines. She truly is a versatile and talented artist!
Nelly Karim
Nelly Karim is a celebrated Egyptian actress who began her career as a ballerina. She’s known for her successful work in both films, such as ‘Clash’ and ‘The Blue Elephant,’ and television series like ‘Under Control.’ Karim has won many awards recognizing her as the best actress in the region, and she frequently chooses challenging roles in stories that reflect important social issues.
Mona Zaki
Mona Zaki is a highly successful and well-known actress in Egypt, starring in both movies and TV shows. She’s known for her roles in popular projects like ‘The Yacoubian Building’ and the Arabic version of ‘Perfect Strangers.’ Zaki consistently works with top filmmakers and actors, and often leads major box office hits and critically acclaimed dramas.
Menna Shalabi
Menna Shalabi is a popular Egyptian actress who has appeared in both independent and widely-released films. She’s known for her roles in projects like ‘After the Battle,’ ‘The Originals,’ and the TV series ‘Every Week Has a Friday.’ Shalabi has earned international recognition for her acting, including an International Emmy nomination, and is a frequent winner at film festivals and award shows across the Arab world and beyond.
Saba Mubarak
Saba Mubarak is a talented actress and producer who works on TV shows and films throughout Jordan, Egypt, and the Gulf region. She’s known for starring in popular historical dramas like ‘Kingdoms of Fire’ and modern series such as ‘Hekayat Banat.’ Beyond acting, Mubarak also owns a production company that helps develop projects in the region, and her work has been featured at film festivals and in highly-rated TV seasons.
Maisa Abd Elhadi
Maisa Abd Elhadi is a Palestinian actress who appears in independent and regionally-produced films. She’s known for her roles in movies like ‘The Reports on Sarah and Saleem’ and ‘3000 Nights’. Her films are frequently shown at international film festivals and in art house cinemas. Abd Elhadi continues to work with filmmakers to share modern stories about Palestine.
Hiam Abbass
As a huge film fan, I’ve been consistently impressed by Hiam Abbass. She’s a Palestinian actress and director who’s worked all over the world. Most people probably recognize her from ‘Succession’ on HBO, or maybe from a visually stunning film like ‘Blade Runner 2049’. But beyond acting, she’s really dedicated to telling stories from the Middle East, both directing and appearing in projects that focus on those narratives. And it’s great to see she also gives back by serving on juries and leading workshops at film festivals around the globe.
Carmen Bsaibes
Carmen Bsaibes is a well-known Lebanese actress who has starred in popular television series like ‘Arous Beirut’ and ‘Al Thaman’. Her shows are widely viewed throughout the Levant and Gulf regions, both on television and through streaming platforms. She also works with brands and appears in commercials aimed at audiences in the Middle East.
Nadine Labaki
Nadine Labaki is a well-known Lebanese actress and director who has gained international recognition for her films. She both starred in and directed the acclaimed movie ‘Caramel,’ and later directed ‘Capernaum,’ which won a major award at the Cannes Film Festival. Labaki often acts in her own films as well as projects by other directors in the region. Through her work, she also champions important causes related to children and social issues.
Nour
Nour is a well-known actress from Lebanon who has become a prominent figure in Egyptian movies and TV shows. She’s starred in popular films like ‘Short w Fanila w Cap’ and ‘Matab Sena’y’, and consistently appears in both seasonal TV series and commercial films. Nour is also recognized for working on projects across the Arab entertainment industry.
Yasmine Sabry
Yasmine Sabry is a well-known Egyptian actress who became famous through her roles in popular television shows and movies. She first gained attention with the series ‘Hekayat Banat’ and went on to star in successful films like ‘Leilat Hana w Sorour’. She’s also a popular face for fashion and beauty brands throughout the region and continues to be a leading actress in both cinema releases and streaming content, especially during the holidays.
Share your picks for other Arab actresses who deserve a spotlight in the comments.
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2025-11-08 07:48