Cara Delevigne. Photo: Courtesy of Madame Tussauds
World-famous wax attraction Madame Tussauds is officially set to open later this year in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Originally opening its doors in 1835 in London, the 25th branch of the museum will be in the popular island destination Bluewaters next to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel. The highly-anticipated attraction will enable visitors to get up close and take pictures with wax figures of 60 global stars, such as Cara Delevigne, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylie Jenner. Among the 60, 16 figures of stars from the Middle East will also be present, including Lebanese singers Nancy Ajram and Maya Diab.
Photo: Mohammed Seif
It is no secret the Middle East has long been regarded as a powerhouse of talent and glamour, producing stars with treasure chests of unforgettable career moments, achievements and memories for their fans. From exquisite cinema starlets to regionally beloved musicians, we have rounded up five undisputed Middle Eastern icons who should also have their own wax figures at the first-to-GCC museum.
Lojain Omran
Lojain Omran. Photo by X for Vogue Arabia
Described as “one of the most influential media personalities in the Middle East,” this Saudi Arabian television presenter made it to number 55 in prestigious American business magazine Forbes‘s 2017 list of 100 Arabic celebrities.
Hussain Al Jassmi
Hussain Al Jassmi. Photo: Instagram/@7sainaljassmi
This well-known Emirati pianist, composer, and singer the first Arab to perform in the Vatican’s annual Christmas concert, and has received the Lebanese Murex d’Or Best Arabic Male Singer award in 2008.
Cyrine Abdelnour
Cyrine Abdelnour. Photo: via Instagram/ @cyrineanour
One of the highest-paid actors in Lebanon, this multitalented Lebanese singer was awarded the title “Model of the World” at the Regency Palace Hotel in Beirut in 2002 and collaborated with cosmetic brand MAC to release her own successful lipstick line Rose Gilded Glam.
Nadine Nassib Njeim
Nadine Nassib Njeim. Photo: Courtesy of M.A.C Cosmetics
The most-followed Lebanese-Tunisian actor on Instagram is a beauty pageant titleholder, elected Miss Lebanon 2004 and representing her home country in Miss Universe 2005 in Lebanon.
Elissa
Elissa. Photo: Instagram/ @elissazkh
Among Lebanon’s most famous singers and one of the best known artists in the Arab world, she has been among the highest-selling female Middle Eastern artists since 2005, and the end of her career in 2020 marks a legacy for fans.
