Mona Zaki

Mona Zaki in Alaïa and Bulgari jewelry. Photo: Instagram.com
Mona Zaki never disappoints when it comes to her red carpet ensembles. Take a quick look through the star’s Style Evolution, and you’ll agree that whether Zaki poses for the camera in bold golds, dreamy pinks, or classic blacks, she always knows how to ensure all eyes are on her. And this weekend’s Joy Awards were no exception.
For the annual celebration, which took place in Riyadh, Mona Zaki walked in wearing a statement-making number by none other than Tunisian favorite Alaïa. This time around, it was a bold tangerine gown that won the actor’s vote. take a closer look at it below.

Mona Zaki’s gown was also recently worn by Huda Kattan
Featuring full sleeves and a slouchy turtleneck, Mona Zaki’s Alaïa gown was full of interesting details. Comprising a nude-tone bodycon and semi-sheer orange layer, the gown created a risqué effect, and also came with layers of feathers towards the bottom that instantly added volume to the look. With so many strong elements in one ensemble, the star opted for classic accessories in shades of gold so as not to take away from her clothing. Zaki’s picked included the Bulgari Serpenti watch, matching earrings, and a gold clutch. Sweeping her deep brown locks into a sleek updo, Mona Zaki completed her look with sultry smoky eyes, glossy nude lips, and a neutral manicure.
As it turns out, however, Mona Zaki isn’t the only Arab power player to have given this vibrant Alaïa gown her seal of approval. Back in October 2022, the very same gown was also seen on beauty entrepreneur Huda Kattan, who chose the look for the Fashion Trust Arabia Awards in Doha, where she was given the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

While gold details won Mona Zaki’s vote at the Joy Awards, Kattan styled the same dress differently on her night out, opting for a crystal studded circular clutch, along with diamond earrings and rings. Though both women went with updos with the outfit, Kattan’s veered closer towards a wet look for some added drama. Take a closer look below.

Few Arab stars can attest to having a career trajectory as impressive as their style evolution, and Mona Zaki is one of them. The Egyptian actor, whose popularity took her from the world of TV series to the silver screen, has continued to showcase her exceptional acting range for over a decade now.
In the late aughts, Zaki walked red carpets and attended film festivals in time-appropriate cocktail dresses that came in colorful hues and patterns. The occasional gown, in Arabesque designs and silhouettes, started making an appearance in the star’s wardrobe later on, but it was only when Zaki swayed away from the classic dress that her playful side showed through. The actor experimented with jumpsuits for the red carpet on multiple occasions and for her version of risk-taking, went for details that ranged from off-the-shoulder and one-shoulder numbers to a feather-trimmed neckline.
The last few years have seen Zaki realize her sartorial sense more and more in sophisticated pieces that speak to her star power. While the Perfect Strangers actor is friends of international fashion and jewelry houses including Dior and Bulgari, she remains a supporter of local talent. Zaki has been spotted in dazzling gowns by world-renowned couturiers like Zuhair Murad and Nicolas Jebran, but also in classic, understated dresses by brands like Maison Yeya, and Sandy Nour.
Below, take a look at Mona Zaki’s style evolution in pictures.
2009
2009
2013
2013
2015. Norine Farah
2015. Malak El Ezzawy
2016
2017. Marmar Halim
2017
2017. Maison Yeya
2017
2018. Antoine Kareh
2018. Sadek Majed
2013. Fendi
2019. Dior
2019. Alice + Olivia
2019. Chiara Boni La Petite Robe
2019. Maison Yeya
2019. Miaim Nazmy
2019. Mrs Keepa
2019. Rami Al Ali
2019
2019. Fendi
2019. Maison Yeya
2020
2020
2020. Nicolas Jebran
2021
2021. Azzi & Osta
2021. Cece Chic
2021, Dior
2021. Maison Yeya
2021. Yosra El Barkouky
2021. Maram Borhan
2021. Oscar de la Renta
2021. Zuhair Murad
2021. Zuhair Murad
2021. Sandy Nour
Read Next: Mona Zaki and Raya Abirached Wore Gowns in Saturated Hues at This Star-Studded Event in Paris

Photo: Getty
Last night saw the premiere of Perfect Strangers, Netflix’s first-ever Arabic original film starring Egyptian actor Mona Zaki, and six noteworthy stars from the region. For the glamorous evening celebration at the Bulgari Yacht Club in Dubai, Zaki walked the red carpet looking every bit the movie star in a dress championing local talent.

Styled by Cedric Haddad, the Egyptian actor chose a dress from Lebanese designer Sandy Nour’s eponymous label. The black velvet number featured a figure-hugging silhouette, an off-shoulder neckline, full-length sleeves, and a thigh-high slit. More daring than most of Zaki’s usual looks, the sultry gown was paired with dazzling Aquazzura heels, and a clutch from another much-loved Lebanese label, Sarah’s Bag.

Zaki’s glam look for the night was a lesson in how one can never go wrong with classics. Adding to the bold sophistication of the look, the actor’s hair channeled Old Hollywood romance, styled in a slick side part with soft waves by Rafi Fazaa. She also sported a glossy red lip and a cat-eye liner, complemented by glowy skin and peach-toned blushed cheeks.

The outdoor premiere was also attended by Zaki’s co-stars: Lebanese actor-director Nadine Labaki, Jordanian-Egyptian actor Eyad Nassar, and Lebanese actors Diamand Abou Abboud, Georges Khabbaz, Adel Karam, and Fouad Yammine. Ahead of the screening, the stars caught up with Vogue Arabia to divulge details about the making of the film and the challenges they faced.

Perfect Strangers, titled As-hab wala A’az in Arabic, is the regional adaptation of the hit Italian film of the same name, and is all set to release on Netflix on January 20, 2022. The thrilling drama marks the directorial debut of filmmaker Wissam Smayra.
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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

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: Courtesy Bulgari
On December 6, Bulgari took over the Bulgari Yacht Club in Dubai to reveal the first look of its brand new Magnifica jewelry collection—its most precious ever to date—along with fresh new high-end watches. This time around, the Italian brand went bigger than ever before, launching a collection that consisted of a whopping 250 masterpieces, making it the biggest line-up it has ever brought to the Middle East.
Given the special occasion (which also honored 50 years of the UAE), it was only fitting for Bulgari’s momentous evening to have an equally monumental guest list. There to join Jean-Christophe Babin, Group CEO of Bulgari, and creative director Lucia Silvestri, were some of the region’s biggest names. While Lebanese actress Raya Abirached attended in a lime green Zuhair Murad gown, cinema icon Mona Zaki celebrated the new collection in a pastel blue ensemble also by the Murad, and Aseel Omran chose a black and gold look from the Lebanese couturier. All three ladies completed her looks for the gala dinner with stunning Bulgari jewelry pieces. Also on the guest list for the evening were Mai Omar, who opted for a silky green gown with her Bulgari jewels, Diala Makki wearing Yasmine Hawa, Karen Wazen (seen in a scarlet gown), DJ Tala Samman in a sunset-hued dress. Joining them were Rosemin Madhavji in Dolce & Gabbana and Miriam Abadi in Kaya Kollective.
Jean Cristophe Babin. Photo: Courtesy Bulgari
Making the most of Dubai’s pleasant winter evenings, Bulgari’s Magnifica jewelry launch took place under an open night sky, with a pristine Rome-inspired facade lit up with projections as a backdrop. Guests sat at round tables laden with fresh blooms, enjoying a decadent meal as models walked the runway wearing the brand’s most exquisite new jewelry creations, each of which took thousands of hours and only the most impeccable craftsmanship, to come to life. The evening came to a close with a special address from Babin. “High jewelry is an emotion, not just about carats,” he shared with the attendees, and one look at the Magnifica collection is all it takes for one to agree. Catch up on the best celebrity snapshots from the night that was below.
Mona Zaki. Stephane Aït Ouarab
Aseel Omran. Photo: Stephane Aït Ouarab
Diala Makki. Stephane Aït Ouarab
Karen Wazen. Stephane Aït Ouarab
Mai Omar. Stephane Aït Ouarab
Raya Abirached. Stephane Aït Ouarab

Mona Zaki and Ahmed Helmy in Cairo. Photo: Instagram.com
Mona Zaki has had quite the eventful week. On November 27, the Egyptian actress walked the red carpet at the Cairo International Film Festival 2021 in an emerald green halter gown by Maram Borhan, and last night, she made one more appearance in the capital once again in a must-see ensemble. Spotted at the Elie Saab x Emaar Misr gala at Cairo’s Abdeen Palace, Zaki posed for pictures in a color-blocked number by the Lebanese label. Her pick was a floor-length one-shoulder number in shades of moss green, deep purple and royal blue. Take a closer look below.

For the evening celebration, Mona Zaki was joined by husband Ahmed Helmy, along with designer Mai Galal and actress-singer Youssra. While Youssra opted for a romantic nude and black strapless gown, Zaki’s outfit popped on camera for its vibrant hues, which gave cocktail dressing a playful spin. Along with its bold color-blocked palette, the star’s Elie Saab gown also made a statement with its minimal embellishment, and its cheeky thigh-high slit. The actor completed her look with an equally interesting beauty look: a high, voluminous ponytail, perfectly bronzed skin, a green-meets-gold smoky eye, and glossy nude lips.
As we approach the festive season, your calendar is bound to be filling up with celebratory dinners and get-togethers. While black is always a classic option, why not take cues from Mona Zaki and play with unexpected colors for your next night out? All you need is an all-eyes-on-me gown, and a little confidence.
Read Next: 8 of Egyptian Actor Mona Zaki’s Best Career Moments

On Sunday night, Egypt hosted one of the most monumental parades celebrating the relocation of Egyptian royal mummies from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo’s Tahrir to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat (NMEC). Dubbed the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade, the event was adorned with references to ancient Egyptian culture, from the outfits worn by Arab celebrities and performers to the music.
Actor Youssra channeled Egyptian royalty in a white gown with blue accents from Tony Ward’s fall 15-16 couture collection and golden jewelry including earrings by Dima jewelry and a headpiece. In the video showcased at the parade documenting the event’s historical importance, Cairo-based Tunisian actor Hend Sabri made an appearance in a teal and gold Marmar Halim dress while Egyptian actor Nelly Karim wore a white and gold gown by Nour Azazy that featured a sweeping train. Other participating celebrities included Egyptian actor Mona Zaki who wore a royal blue dress paired with a statement necklace and Nardine Farag who was dressed in a red jumpsuit from Zuhair Murad’s SS20 collection inspired by Egypt.
Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About the Star-Studded Pharaoh’s Golden Parade in Egypt

Last night saw the 2020  Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) kick off in true style with a plethora of glamorous A-list Arab celebrities walking the red carpet at the annual opening ceremony in Egypt.
Running from December 2 to December 10, the 42nd edition of the festival – which was pushed back from its original schedule in November due to the pandemic – is a special one. It is the first festival in the Arab world to commit to equality across the board, after undertaking a parity pledge to ensure an even presence of male and female directors at the festival.
Keeping in line with the 5050×2020 charter that was launched at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016, CIFF has committed to equal representation at every level; from members on the selection panel, to films selected as part of the showcase.
Mona Zaki accepts the Faten Hamama Award for Excellence. Photo: Instagram/ @cairofilms

Another highlight at this year’s festival is the eminent Faten Hamama Award for Excellence, which was granted to Egyptian actor Mona Zaki at the opening ceremony, honoring the actor for her outstanding career.
Check out our pick of the best dressed at the Cairo International Film Festival in the gallery above.
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