Saudi Arabia's entertainment industry is booming, and a new generation of talented actors is emerging. These actors are making waves in the Kingdom and on the international stage. Here are twelve Saudi actors to watch out for in 2024.
Dina Shihabi
Dina Shihabi is a Saudi Arabian actress working in the United States. Born in Riyadh and raised in Saudi Arabia, Beirut, and Dubai, she began dancing at six and trained under Sharmilla Kamte in Dubai. She attended Al Mawakeb School, Emirates International School, and Dubai American Academy, where her teacher, Nancy Mock, encouraged her to pursue acting.
At eighteen, Dina moved to New York City in 2007 to focus on acting. By 2010, it became her full-time profession. In 2011, she was accepted into both Juilliard and NYU's Graduate Acting Program at Tisch School of the Arts. Although she didn't complete a four-year Bachelor's degree, NYU waived this requirement, and she graduated with an MFA in 2014. Dina is the first Middle East-born woman to be accepted into both prestigious programs.
Fahad Al-Butairi
Fahad Albutairi is a Saudi stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and creative producer. He is recognized as the first Saudi stand-up comedian to perform professionally, debuting on October 2, 2008, in Manama, Bahrain. He has shared the stage with prominent comedians like Gabriel Iglesias, Maz Jobrani, Tony Rock, and Eddie Griffin.
Albutairi was a founding member of the online entertainment network Telfaz11, which became the first Middle Eastern network to receive three Gold Play Button awards from YouTube in 2016. That same year, he left Telfaz11 to focus on his TV and film career. Currently, he stars in the Saudi Arabian version of "The Office," titled "Al Maktab."
Sarah Taibah
Sarah Taibah is an artist and filmmaker from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She created, wrote, and starred in the dark comedy series "Jameel Jiddan" and contributed to the Pan-Arab anthology series "Nemra Etnen." Sarah co-wrote the film "Hwjn," which opened the Red Sea International Film Festival, and starred in "Mandoob El Lail," premiering at both the Toronto and Red Sea International Film Festivals in 2023. She is currently developing a new comedy series for an international platform.
Sarah also starred in "Rollem," the first Saudi film screened in local theaters in 2018, and appeared in several other films and the Ramadan series "Sikkat Safar." She holds an MFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and uses various mediums to portray Saudi women's experiences, sharing her work boldly with the community.
Yagoub Al Farhan
A Saudi actor who began his artistic career in theater, he has starred in several notable plays including "Quick Meal," "Secret of Life," "The Lucky One," and "Second Symphony." His dynamic performances on stage garnered him significant attention, leading to opportunities in television. He has appeared in several popular TV series, such as "Between You and Me," "Women's Play Is a Man," and "Girls' Extension." His versatility and dedication to his craft have made him a prominent figure in the Saudi entertainment industry.
Ibrahim Al-Hajaj
No Saudi performer has had a more momentous year than Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj. With his starring role in the record-shattering film "Sattar," Al-Hajjaj cemented himself as the Kingdom's biggest box office draw. Known for his roles in "Rashash" (2021), "Six Windows in the Desert" (2020), and "No Escape" (2019), Al-Hajjaj has become a popular figure in Saudi Arabian cinema.
In "Sattar," he plays Saad, a man aspiring to become a professional wrestler with the help of an unconventional coach, Ali Hogan. This performance has further elevated his status in the industry. Earlier this month, he made his UK comedy debut at the famed Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he sold out five shows. With "Sattar" set for a global release on Netflix on August 24, Al-Hajjaj is taking his signature brand of comedy to new heights internationally.
Khairiah Abulaban
Khairiah Abulaban is a Saudi actress renowned for her work in television and film. Born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on January 12, 1992, she is currently 31 years old. Abulaban gained recognition for her role as Bayan in the Netflix thriller series "Takki."
She has also appeared in notable shows like "Minho Waladna" and "Mishraq." In addition to her acting career, she has participated in various business events and conferences, where she has shared insights on Saudi culture and history.
Saleh Abuamrh
Internationally, Ricky Gervais and Steve Carell are considered A-list celebrities due to their leading roles in the UK and US versions of *The Office*. Similarly, Saleh Abuamrh is poised for a notable career trajectory with his role in the Saudi remake of the classic TV show, *Al Maktab*.
Abuamrh, who has already made a significant impact as one of the breakout stars in the MBC Ramadan hit *Road Trip*, plays Malik Al-Tuwaifi in *Al Maktab*. As the bumbling boss of a courier services company in the Kingdom, Abuamrh is set to capture audiences' attention in this highly anticipated remake.
Ali Al Kalthami
Ali Kalthami, a prominent Saudi film director and writer, has made a significant impact on cinema with his innovative storytelling. His career began with digital shows like "Khambalah, La Yekthar," where his talent first emerged. Kalthami's long-running digital series "AlKhallat," which captivated audiences for over a decade, was adapted into a Netflix original, showcasing his global reach.
In 2016, Kalthami gained acclaim for his short film "Wasati," praised for its sharp social commentary and distinctive style. At Telfaz11, he played a crucial role in creating intellectual properties that garnered over 6 billion views worldwide and built a devoted fan base of over 30 million across various digital platforms.
Kalthami's latest work, "Mandoob," a drama-thriller that premiered at TIFF 2023, continues to reinforce his status as a visionary director. The film, which explores themes of desperation and opportunity through the story of a delivery driver entangled in Riyadh's underworld, further cements his reputation as a pioneering figure in the industry.
Fatima Al-Banawi
Fatima Al-Banawi is a Saudi actress, director, and writer who has made a significant impact in both national and international cinema. She gained recognition with her role in *Barakah Meets Barakah* (2016), Saudi Arabia’s first film at the Berlin International Film Festival. She continued to shine in *Bashar* (2017), *Roll'em* (2019), and the innovative pandemic-era series *Al-Shak* (2020), which she co-wrote, co-directed, and starred in.
In addition to her film and TV work, Al-Banawi has been active in theater, directing and performing in various productions, including the short film *Until We See Light*, showcased at the Cairo International Film Festival. She is also the brand ambassador for Cartier International in the Middle East and has been featured in Vanity Fair as one of the most influential women in the region.
Her background includes co-founding the Theater of the Oppressed in Jeddah and holding a BA in Psychology from Effat University and an MA in Social Studies from Harvard. Her book, *The Other Story*, was released at major Arab book fairs. Al-Banawi continues to push boundaries in storytelling, fostering cultural dialogue through her diverse artistic work.
Hisham Fageeh
Hisham Fageeh is a Saudi creative known for his work in both Western and Arab entertainment. He gained prominence with his 2013 viral video "No Woman, No Drive" and began his stand-up career while working on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. He studied improvisational comedy at Columbia University's Upright Citizens Brigade Theater (UCBT) and launched a web series, *Hisham's Weeklies*, which helped him enter the Arabic stand-up scene in Saudi Arabia.
Fageeh was the Head of Content at Telfaz11, a network with 24 million subscribers and over two billion views. As a filmmaker, he co-produced and starred in *Barakah Meets Barakah*, Saudi Arabia’s 2017 Oscars submission for Best Foreign Film. The film, which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and won the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, was acquired by Netflix, marking the first Saudi film on the platform. Fageeh was also nominated for a Best Actor Award at the Arab Cinema Awards in Cannes.
He served as Director of the Middle East Media Initiative (MEMI) at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, mentoring Arabic TV writers and producers. Fageeh has appeared in the US series *Ramy* and *Big Mouth* and is now focused on his new venture, DH'BAB Productions. Based in the US and Saudi Arabia, DH'BAB Productions aims to create innovative film and TV projects across genres, blending authentic Arab culture with fresh storytelling.
Reem AlHabib
Reem Al Habib is a trailblazing Saudi female director and actress who has made significant strides in the film industry. As one of the pioneering female directors in the region, she has carved out a notable career through her diverse roles. She has contributed as an actress, assistant director, casting director, and special projects manager for MacGillivray Freeman's *Arabia*.
Her work spans various aspects of filmmaking, reflecting her versatility and expertise. Al Habib stands out as the only director in the Gulf selected to helm a TV series, marking a significant achievement in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her groundbreaking efforts continue to inspire and pave the way for future female filmmakers in the region.
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