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The Third Edition of the Ball of Arabia is Almost Here! From Guests to Dress Code, Here’s Everything You Need to Know

It’s that time of the year again! Vogue Arabia is gearing up for the most anticipated celebration of the season—the glittering Ball of Arabia—and this year, the annual event promises to be even bigger, even more exciting, and even more action-packed than ever before. 

This year, the ball’s theme takes us to the Golden Age of Arab entertainment. Taking place on December 15 at Dubai’s dreamy Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, the 2022 edition of the ball will celebrate the most iconic divas of the region. Think Warda. Sherihan. Sabah. And all the groundbreaking stars that emancipated the role of women in the region, while being at the center of a true cultural zeitgeist. These are women who didn’t just dare to dream. They turned their aspirations into actions and opened the doors for younger generations of women to thrive, to take over the world with their beauty and talent, and to put the Middle East on the global map. 

In the midst of all the 80s excitement, the 2022 Ball of Arabia will shine its spotlight on the incredible achievements of three iconic divas in particular, who forever changed the trajectory of cinema, music and fashion in the Middle East. Their careers weren’t just glamorous, they were groundbreaking, and marked several historic moments for women and their rights. Their individual bodies of work stand as testimony to their talents. Meet them below: 

Nabila Ebeed

Fondly called “Egypt’s first star”, actor Nabila Ebeed remembers spending her childhood gathering money so she could watch films at the Shoubra Cinema Palace. So strong was Ebeed’s love for classical Egyptian movies, that it eventually brought her to the gates of the industry itself, with her first major role in Rabaa Al-Adawiya (1963), directed by Niazi Mustafa. Over the years, Ebeed starred in more than 100 noteworthy projects, from romantic comedy Zawja Min Paris (A Wife from Paris) and 1976 drama Al-Karawan Loh Shafayef (Truth has a Voice), to Al Rakesa wa al Syasi (The Dancer and the Politician) and more recently, French-Egyptian drama El Akhar (The Other). Her legacy shines bright in the history of cinema, and the icon’s longstanding efforts even earned her an honorary PhD from the University of Wales. 

Latifa

Latifa Bint Alaya El Arfaoui, lovingly known just as Latifa al Tunisia by fans, is the Tunisian songstress who continues to inspire women and music lovers with her songs. After great dedicated efforts, the Arab nightingale received a state-level award from the Republic of Tunisia during a talent club program, and had her big discovery moment when Egyptian composer Mohammed Abdulwahab heard her voice on the radio—and there was no looking back for the child prodigy. Today, Latifa’s career includes more than 30 albums—from Mesa Al Jamal (Evening Of Beauty) and Akthar Min Roohi (More than My Soul) to Inchallah (God Willing)—and dozens of hit singles, like “Ew’ah Tegheer” (Don’t Be Jealous). What sets her apart is her signature style, something magical that can never be replicated. 

Georgina Rizk

Being crowned Miss Universe is no easy feat. And becoming the first—and so far, only—Lebanese, Arab and Middle Eastern/West Asian woman to have ever won the title makes it even more special. That’s exactly what Georgina Rizk did back in 1971 at just 18 years old—a milestone that was celebrated by Lebanon in the most regal way, by issuing a postage stamp with her photo. Always ahead of her time, Rizk pushed the boundaries for women year after year with her bold voice, opening doors for a new generation of Arab models, from Dina Azar and Clémence Achkar to the much-loved Nadine Nassb Njeim, who won the title in 2004. More than five decades have passed since Rizk made her mark in the world of pageants, but her name remains synonymous with poise, beauty, grace, and impeccable style.

Who are this year’s Ball of Arabia hosts?

What’s a ball without its hosts? After the success of the 2021 celebration, Jessica Kahawaty will make her comeback to the Ball of Arabia stage this year—but she won’t be alone. This time around she will be joined on the stage by a very special lady—Egypt’s very own Abla Fahita. Sassy, witty, and oh-so-funny, Fahita is all set to bring her fiery charm into the spotlight once again, and knows all eyes will be on her when she walks up to the podium. But the big question is… Who is going to be the best dressed hostess? 

The evening and dress code

Kicking off with pre-dinner cocktails, the 2022 Ball of Arabia will lead into a seated dinner where guests will get the rare chance to see Latifa, Nabila Ebeed and Georgina Rizk together in one room and celebrate their achievements, and will then continue on to a celebration that’s bound to go on into the wee hours of the night. Given the theme of the evening, it’s not hard to guess this year’s dress code—think all things glitzy, glam, and 80s inspired, an age when bigger was always better. The decor at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, too, will reflect the aesthetic of the playful era, taking the Ball of Arabia down a slightly less formal setting with pops of cheerful colors, high-energy interiors, and, it goes without saying, some incredible music. This year, the after-party will feature Djette & Caline as the DJs for the evening. To add more drama to the evening, guests will also get a chance to immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind party experience with the special Divas Club in collaboration with Bulgari.

The special musical performance you can’t miss

If you thought you now know everything about what’s coming up at 2022’s Ball of Arabia, think again. Already brimming with viral moments, the upcoming celebration will also include a major musical highlight. We couldn’t possibly host a successful Ball of Arabia without a special performance, and like each edition before it, the 2022 ball will see a world-renowned singer take the stage to really light up the evening. After Ciara in Year 1 and Kadim Al Sahir for Year 2, this year’s celebration will see none other than the three-time Grammy nominee and Brit award nominee who has sold over 40 million records worldwide—and has just been announced as having the biggest debut album by a female in the UK ever—Leona Lewis. The British singer, actor, songwriter and philanthropist, whose hits include “Bleeding Love”, “Better In Time”, “Run”, “You Are The Reason” and the smash Christmas song “One More Sleep” will be treating guests to an exclusive, intimate concert with some of her most loved tunes.

Photo: Courtesy Leona Lewis

Back in December 2018, the very first Ball of Arabia brought international personalities, Arab celebrities, Emirati royalty and more together at Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab. The star-studded affair, which was attended by the likes of Lara StoneYasmine Sabri, Dorra Zarrouk, Mohamed Hadid, Rami Kadi and HH Sayyida Basma Bint Fakhri Al Said, served to raise funds for the Girls Education and Empowerment Program with a silent auction, and was an immense success that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Below, take a closer look at some of the most memorable moments from the past Ball of Arabias.

Ameni Esseibi. Photo: Dazl Production

Aseel Omran. Photo: Dazl Production

Dana Hourani. Photo: Dazl Production

Dorra Zarrouk. Photo: Hyku

HH Princess Sayyida Basma Al Said. Photo: Dazl Production

Jessica Kahawaty. Photo: Hyku

Karen Wazen Bakhazi and Elias Bakhazi. Photo: Hyku

Lara Stone. Photo: Hyku

Lojain Omran. Photo: Dazl Production

Maya Diab and Rami Kadi. Photo: Hyku

Mohamed Hadid. Photo: Hyku

Mona and Huda Kattan. Photo: Dazl Production

Mona Zaki. Photo: Dazl Production

Nadine Nassib Njeim. Photo: Dazl Production

Rawdah Mohamed. Photo: Dazl Production

Rym Saidi. Photo: Dazl Production

Shashi Menon and Jane Yun. Photo: Hyku

The Guardians of Heritage. Photo: Dazl Production

Yasmine Sabri. Photo: Hyku

Zainab Al-Eqabi, Salama Mohamed, and Khalid Al Ameri. Photo: Dazl Production

Zuhair Murad. Photo: Dazl Production

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