Ball of Arabia

Photo: Dazl Production
When it comes to red carpet dressing, Dorra Zarrouk knows how to make a statement. And last night, at the 2022 edition of the annual Ball of Arabia, the Tunisian star did just that. This time around, the ball looked back to the ’80s in all its splendor for its dress code, and Zarrouk stayed on point, walking in dressed in a gorgeous violet number by Rami Kadi. Take a closer look at it below.

The first of two ensembles through the evening, Zarrouk’s Rami Kadi outfit came with a one-shoulder silhouette, and was doused in rows and rows of sparkling beads. The body-hugging dress was beautifully paired with delicate Bulgari jewelry: an evening-appropriate necklace and matching earrings. To complete her look, Zarrouk opted for equally statement-making footwear—a pair of Rene Caovilla heels that spiralled up her ankles in a soothing shade of pink.
Photo: Dazl Production
No party look is complete without the right makeup ofcourse, and Zarrouk went the bold route this year with winged smoky eyes that ensured, a bold swipe of blush, and nude-pink lips. To keep the attention on her outfit and jewelry, the actor had her glossy brown locks swept up into a twisted updo—a look that also worked well with her second ensemble for the evening, a mint green gown. Here’s a glimpse from the Ball of Arabia stage.

Held at Dubai’s Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, this year’s Ball of Arabia was a celebration of three powerful women from the region, whose work across beauty, films and music have put the Arab world on the global map. The evening honored Egyptian actor Nabila Ebeed, Tunisian songstress Latifa, and Lebanese pageant queen Georgina Rizk, and also featured a special musical performance by world-renowned singer Leona Lewis.

Photo: Dazl Production
Last night marked the third edition of the Ball of Arabia, which took place at Dubai’s Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, and as expected, was an evening to remember. There to celebrate with Vogue Arabia were a host of celebrity guests, including Salma Abu Deif, Dorra Zarrouk, Rym Saidi, and many more. And it comes as no surprise that each guest who walked into the venue brought their sartorial A-game to the event, keeping with this year’s dress code: all things glam and ’80s-inspired.
Photo: Dazl Production
Among the best dressed women of the evening this time was Lebanese actor Razane Jammal, who often looks to classic looks in shades of black and white for formal events. This time around, Jammal partied with Vogue Arabia dressed in an equally elegant ensemble: a creamy Dior gown that featured delicate elements of gold sparkle all over, and a statement-making open back. The flowy maxi dress was complemented by a tiny peach Lady Dior bag, metallic heels, and chunky jewelry. As for her beauty look, Razane Jammal went the romantic route with soft side-swept waves, a classic cat eye, lush lashes and a creamy pink lip color.

Along with a very special musical performance by Leona Lewis, the 2022 edition of the Ball of Arabia also honored three iconic women from the region who have broken boundaries with their work and paved the way for future generations in the Arab world: Georgina Rizk, Latifa, and Nabila Ebeed. In case you missed all the highlights from last night, make sure to head to Vogue.me for a quick recap.

Dorra Zarrouk. Photo: Instagram.com/dorra_zarrouk
2021 was a year of highs and lows. As public spaces opened up around the world, people began timidly stepping out to breathe fresh air once again. But come the end of the year, the Omicron virus had us celebrating special occasions once again in safety pods, focusing on the little things that have made each day so special.
In the midst of it all, however, the swish set of the region did get a few occasions to come together in avant-garde ensembles, be it at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, or the Cannes Film Festival by the French Riviera. And for others, 2021 was just another reason to bring some cheer into daily life via interesting everyday ensembles. As Vogue Arabia wraps up another year of great style, we take a look back at the Arab women from all walks of life who topped trending charts with their #BestDressed moments. These are women who have inspired the mood boards of many with their sharp OOTDs, proving that while they may have access to the best stylists around, they also have a personal eye for aesthetics that always puts their personalities at the forefront via their impeccable wardrobes. Take notes!

Royalty
It’s safe to say that Queen Rania’s name goes hand-in-hand with the notion of timeless style. This year, the Jordan royal kept her followers on their toes, dressed in one impeccable ivory look after the other—she even made a case for all-white denim-on-denim! Most recently, it was her cream white coat dress that caught our eye, paired with a gold belt and matching Louis Vuitton handbag. Worn while welcoming Prince Charles and Camilla to the country, this look was a winner.

In stark contrast, Her Highness Moza bint Nasser stood out on Best Dressed charts for her love of vibrant colors and rich patterns. The royal took the stage at the Fashion Trust Arabia Awards Gala in a sapphire blue ensemble that proved that jewel tones will never go out of style. As for Qatar’s Sheikha Reem Al-Thani, who appeared on Vogue Arabia’s February 2021 issue, a memorable look from this year was the white abaya the royal wore in our pages.

Celebrities
Throughout the year, the region’s stars made sure to keep their fans engaged online by stepping out in eye-catching ensembles. At the very first Red Sea International Festival, Tara Emad won hearts in a semi-sheer ivory Harithand gown, and over by Lake Como, Yasmine Sabri celebrated Cartier in a beautifully draped, vivid green Nicolas Jebran gown.

The El Gouna Film Festival was another unmissable event this year, with several Arab favorites walking the red carpet in elegant ensembles. Among the very best were Tunisian star Dorra Zarrouk, who stood out in black Georges Chakra gown with asymmetrical ivory draping, and Egyptian icon Mona Zaki, who was unmissable in a sculpted ebony Maison Yeya number with powder pink panels.

Style influencers
The Middle East has more than its fair share of fashion connoisseurs, who did not disappoint this year. While designer Amina Muaddi and Dubai-based digital creator Leena Ha gave athleisure a luxe update by pairing their Balenciaga separates with statement pieces, art director and stylist Aram Kabbani added some cheer to the year in playfully paired hues. Ever the loyalist of elegant staples, Claudine Saab was seen on Instagram in a sharp pleated rendition of the classic white shirt, and blogger Oumayma Elboumeshouli gave the fail-safe black-and-white palette an edgy spin with unexpected silhouettes.

Among this year’s best dressed Arab women were also Algerian entrepreneur Ghizlan Guenez, who made a strong case for lounge-worthy looks in a sunshine yellow ensemble, and Vogue Scandinavia’s Rawdah Mohamed—who had a golden moment at the Ball of Arabia—along with Dana Al Khalifa of The Overdressed, who delighted her Instagram family with one perfectly curated look after another. Did you miss her festive red dress this December?

Meet more of 2021’s best dressed Arab women below, from Sheikha Reem Al-Thani and actor Nadine Nassib Njeim, to businesswoman Cherine Magrabi, filmmaker Farida Khelfa, designer Laila Moussa, and many more
Sheikha Reem Al-Thani. Photo: Raffeed
Cherine Magrabi. Photo: Instagram.com

Photo: Dazl Production
Uplifting the room with a golden aura of joy and light-heartedness, Lebanese actor Nadine Nassib Njeim walked into the Ball of Arabia on December 12 dressed in a black aureate power suit she designed as part of the Glamoda Couture House. Paired with a black satin corset, Njeim’s suit was complemented by an emerald jewelry set from UAE-based jewelry house Damas. Her picks for the evening came from the Damas Sama Collection, and were pieces that celebrated the beauty of emeralds and natural diamonds. Along with her statement-making True Love necklace, which featured a 0.04 carat pear-shaped emerald, Njeim wore a matching ring in white gold. She adding final touches to her smart look with soft smoky eyes, which she did herself. The overall look was a true reflection of her personality.
During the ball, Njeim was asked who she counted among the most inspirational women in the Emirates. With a warm smile, she regarded her excellency Mona Al Marri as a female Emirati source of inspiration, whom she also considers her friend. “She always inspires me, she’s very strong,” the 2007 Miss Lebanon said about the Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office. A sketch of Nadine Njeim’s Deign with Glamoda Couture. Photo: Instagram.com
With a light giggle, she also shared that her favorite issue of Vogue Arabia so far has been her own February cover, which was shot in London. “I loved how the makeup was so soft, just how I like… the outfits were unique. I loved the coloring of the images that made them look vintage with a touch of green.”
Following her recovery from the tragic explosion in her homeland Beirut, Njeim starred in 2021 TV series Salon Zahra, in which she played the role of a small village salon owner. The show demonstrated Njeim’s real-life sense of humor, complemented by her show-stopping looks.
Read Next: Mona Zaki Was a Modern Day Cleopatra in Her Gold Zuhair Murad Gown at 2021 Ball of Arabia

Dorra Zarrouk in a golden shredded dress by Jean Pierre KhouryPhoto: Instagram/ Dorra Zarrouk
In a metallic gold gown, reflective of Ball of Arabia’s dazzling lights, Dorra Zarrouk attended the event in a futuristic look draped with shredded galvanic flakes by the Lebanese designer Jean Pierre Khoury. The Tunisian beauty shared that her presence marks her second time attending the Ball of Arabia, and her third time showing in an event by Vogue, and she takes pride in that.
On a note of endearment, Zarrouk feels very proud of Vogue Arabia that has proved itself to the region. She shared that she feels like she is part of the Vogue Arabia team, actively participating in it ever since it was launched. “We worked on the most amazing stories, topics, and took the best pictures”, she said.
Dorra Zarrouk had an outfit change throughout the event, and wore a golden reflective gown byMaison GeyannaPhoto: Instagram/ Dorra Zarrouk
For the Ball of Arabia, Zarrouk paired her hour-glass look with a jewelry set by the Swiss Watchmaker Chopard, to whom she is also the face of, and topped her look off with a tight bun by Rafi Fazzaa. She carried a pill bag by Marzook in metallic gold, and rocked a soft smokey eye and nude lip by Bouba. Later through the night, Zarrouk had an outfit change into a reflective off shoulder gown by Géyanna Youness Haute Couture, with an A-symmetrical skirt.
The award-winning Tunisian actress has long donned regional designers in her red-carpet appearances, previously showing up to Vogue Arabia’s 2018 inaugural ball at the Burj al Arab, in a red dazzling gown by Zuhair Murad.
Read Next: Dorra Zarrouk Just Shared This Throwback Wedding Day Picture & Fans Love It

Mona Zaki wore a dress by Zuhair Murad. Her hair was styled by Rafi Fazaa, and her makeup was done by Olivia Jacob. Photo: Dazl Production
It’s never a surprise to see Mona Zaki, the internationally-acclaimed Egyptian actress, in head-turning ensembles by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad. And last night, the on-screen icon, who is now gaining an international spotlight through her most recent Netflix success, Newton’s Cradle, made another appearance in her go-to couturier while playing co-chair for the second edition of the Ball of Arabia.
Wearing a cut-out sandy gold gown doused in intricate beadwork, Zaki sauntered around Raffles The Palm Dubai last evening like a modern Cleopatra, and also spoke about how proud she felt about taking part in Vogue Arabia’s special celebration, which celebrated 50 years of the UAE. “Because I respect the UAE and its people, and I’m always pleased with all their work and progress, I’m very proud to be here,” she said.

The Egyptian star paired her intricate gown with jewelry from Bvlgari, and Rafi Fazaa sleeked her hair down into a glossy do, while Olivia Jacob completed her evening look with a bold smokey wing and nude lips. Zaki carried a bright gold clutch by Sandra J with her ensemble, revealing to Vogue Arabia that that the two essential items she always brings on a red carpet are lipstick and a credit card. Later that night, she also switched her extravagant gown for a shorter party-ready look in the same shade, proving that there’s no silhouette she can’t carry off.

In her most recent Netflix show, Mona Zaki plays the role of Hana, a woman who sacrificed her life to leave Egypt and established a life in the United States. The subtitled series explores themes like mental health, desperation over the American Dream, the importance of communication, and the rocky path of marriage. Newton’s Cradle is now considered among the top 10 Netflix shows currently, and has attracted the international attention of an audience that relates to the real-life issues posed in this show.
Read Next: Everything you need to know about the Ball of Arabia’s Co-Chairs

Last night, Vogue Arabia brought together a selection of local and international stars, influencers, designers and royalty to celebrate 50 years of the United Arab Emirates at the second edition of the Ball of Arabia. Held at Raffles The Palm Dubai and presented by Level Shoes and Audi Middle East, the gala dinner wasn’t like any of its kind. Co-chaired by Ingie Chalhoub, Huda and Mona Kattan, Mona Zaki and Zuhair Murad, the once-in-a-lifetime celebration highlighted the very best of the region with a series of cultural experiences curated by the General Women’s Union, and also paid homage to the nation with an all-gold dress code.
Naturally, Vogue Arabia’s line up of guests joined in the festivities in a series of show-stopping gilded ensembles. While Huda Kattan chose a strapless Michael Cinco number, sister Mona Kattan posed for cameras in a full-sleeved Zuhair Murad creation dotted with pink and green jewels, and Ingie Chalhoub designed a champagne gold gown for the evening out. On-screen icon Mona Zaki also went with Zuhair Murad for the evening, picking a caped embellished gown with a risqué slit, which she later switched for a shorter, party-ready gold outfit with playful cut-outs. Another star who changed their look during the celebration was Dorra Zarrouk. The Tunisian actress walked in dressed in an armor-like gilded creation, and later slipped into an elegant off-shoulder gown by Géyanna Youness Haute Couture.

Never one to shy away from high-shine glamour, Ball of Arabia’s host, Jessica Kahawaty was among the first stars to arrive at the venue. Her pick: another Zuhair Murad, doused in sequin work and topped off with a full-length cape. Then there was Rym Saidi, who walked in wearing pleated gold Rami Al Ali maxi. “Gold is the most beautiful, luxurious color,” she revealed to Vogue Arabia while describing her look for the evening. “It’s almost Christmas, the end of the year, so tonight is a great occasion to wear gold.”
One of the most noteworthy gold ensembles from the evening came via former cover star Rawdah, who had her golden moment in a sparkling abaya by Tina Steffenakk Hermansen, complete with matching gloves. To check out more must-see celebrity looks in gold from the evening, start scrolling.
Mona and Huda Kattan. Photo: Instagram.com
Mona Zaki in Zuhair Murad. Photo: Dazl Production
Dorra Zarrouk in Jean Pierre Khoury. Photo: Dazl Production
Rawdah in Tina Steffenakk Hermansen. Photo: Dazl Production
Rym Saidi Rami Al Ali. Photo: Dazl Production
Jessica Kahawaty in Zuhair Murad. Photo: Dazl Production
Dana Hourani. Photo: Dazl Production
Andrea and Karen Wazen. Photo: Dazl Production
Miriam Abadi. Photo: Dazl Production
Nargis Fakhri. Photo: Dazl Production
Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said. Photo: Dazl Production

Photo: Instagram.com
This December, Vogue Arabia lights up the city of Dubai with its second edition of the Ball of Arabia. Falling on the same month as the nation’s 50th National Day, the gala is all set to pay homage to the UAE and its rich history with an all-gold theme. Co-chaired by Ingie Chalhoub, Huda and Mona Kattan, Mona Zaki and Zuhair Murad, the evening will also see our guest list walking in wearing a line-up of stunning gold ensembles by Arab’s favorite designers. Because after all, in a world where it only takes one dress to impress, what better way to own the crowd than with a timeless piece that is alluring enough so as to not need any accessories?
Marilyn Monroe in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’, 1953. Photo: Instagram.com
‘The Golden Dress’ made its way through the most iconic moments in history, starting from the Marilyn Monroe’s iconic sunburst pleated gold lamé halter neck gown, and moving on to Elizabeth Taylor in a golden gown draped with the rich history of the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, (a role Taylor played in 1963), and of course, Cher at the 55th Academy Awards, who stunned in an eye-catching white and gold, wholly sheer gown. Over the years, the iconic golden dress has also been reinvented by the likes of Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway, Gigi Hadid and many more on numerous red carpets around the world.
Nicole Kidman at the Academy Awards, 2000. Photo: Instagram.com
More recently, a memorable moment came via Milan Fashion Week 2018, where supermodels Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Helen Christensen took over the Versace show in liquid gold cocktail party dresses, paying tribute to the one and only Gianni Versace.
There no doubt that gold is back in every shape and form, as seen in the FW 2021 couture runway presentations—we saw Schiaparelli’s fully ruffled gold wings, and Valentinos’ short sleeved sequin number, and Zuhair Murad’s embellished creation, all serving major inspiration for the festive season.
Zuhair Murad
Gold doesn’t stop at couture, and has also made its way into the ready-to-wear collections of Alberta Ferretti, who used the look in her FW 2021 collection, elevating it with fringes and embroidered golden pieces as a go-to. Likewise, Michael Kors, Burberry, and Rodarte added gold statement pieces to their lines too. While gold has evidently given life to the most significant moments in fashion, the regal color will continue to reign with its timeless hue on runways and beyond. If you plan on celebrating the Ball of Arabia with us virtually, here’s all the gold dressing inspiration you’ll need!
Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra, 1963
Cher at the Academy Awards, 1983.
Versace
Gigi Hadid, 2017
Anne Hathaway at Met Gala 2015. Photo: Instagram.com
Alberta Ferretti
Burberry
Michael Kors
Rodarte
Schiaparelli
Valentino