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6 Famous Celebrities You Didn’t Know Had Arab Roots

Most of you already know that It models and sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid are half-Palestinian, but it might take you by surprise to learn that Jenna Dewan Tatum also has Middle Eastern roots. We’ve done our homework to bring you six international celebrities that you probably didn’t know were of Arab descent.

Shakira

Photo: Instagram/@shakira

Photo: Instagram/@shakira

The blond bombshell was born in Colombia to a Spanish mother and a Lebanese father. Her Arab roots have heavily influenced her music career, especially her belly dancing skills, which she showcases in her music videos.

Ariana Grande

Photo: Instagram/@arianagrande

Photo: Instagram/@arianagrande

It seems that Ariana Grande may have Algerian or Moroccan roots. In 2014, the 18-year-old pop star posted a status on Facebook that read, “Just found out my grandparents are heavily Greek and part North African,” adding, “I thought I was Italian. My whole life is a lie.”

Zoe Saldana

Photo: Instagram/@zoesaldana

Photo: Instagram/@zoesaldana

The actress of mixed heritage may have been born to a Dominican father and a Puerto Rican mother; but in an interview, The Avatar star revealed that she is also proud of the Lebanese ancestry that she inherited from her mother’s side.

Jenna Dewan Tatum

Photo: Instagram/@jennaldewan

Photo: Instagram/@jennaldewan

Jenna Dewan Tatum is an American actress, dancer, and model (and married to Magic Mike star Channing Tatum). The brunette beauty boasts an ethnic cocktail—her father is half-Lebanese and half-Polish while her mother is half-German and half-English.

Paula Abdul

Photo: Instagram/@paulaabdul

Photo: Instagram/@paulaabdul

Grammy award-winning singer Paula Abdul is of Syrian descent. Her father was born in Aleppo, Syria and raised in Brazil. The former American Idol judge has lived in Syria, Brazil, and the US.

Salma Hayek

Photo: Instagram/@salmahayek

Photo: Instagram/@salmahayek

Hailing from Mexico, Salma Hayek has a Spanish mother and a half-Lebanese father. Her paternal grandfather was born in Baabda, Mount Lebanon, in Lebanon. Salma means “peace” in Arabic.

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