Actor Waleed Zuaiter: ‘For the first time, I have a real, genuine voice’

Palestinian-American actor Waleed Zuaiter is one of the most acclaimed Arab actors in the world. Supplied
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Updated 29 July 2021
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Actor Waleed Zuaiter: ‘For the first time, I have a real, genuine voice’

  • The BAFTA-nominated actor on the frustrations of typecasting and the joys of ‘Baghdad Central’

DUBAI: The road to success is rockier than most care to admit. Even years past that first big break, the life of an actor is often a stop-and-start existence, with work drying up when you need it most.

In 2011, Palestinian-American actor Waleed Zuaiter —now one of the most acclaimed Arab actors in the world having secured a BAFTA nomination in 2021 for his starring role in “Baghdad Central” — was experiencing one of those lulls. The big roles weren’t coming and it was affecting him more than he let on.

It had only been two years since he starred opposite George Clooney in “The Men who Stare at Goats,” and here he was, a family to take care of, wondering whether he should continue pursuing his dream or give up acting entirely.  




Waleed Zuaiter with George Clooney and Ewan McGregor in 'The Men Who Stare at Goats.' (Alamy)

It was then that he got a call from the creators of a new series called “Homeland.” 

“I remember, ‘Homeland’ came around (at a time when) we couldn't pay our rent. It's as simple as that,” Zuaiter tells Arab News. 

They wanted him to play a terrorist. It was something he really didn’t want to do. 

Earlier in his life, Zuaiter had never imagined he would be viewed as an outsider in America. Born in the US, he moved with his family to Kuwait and at the age of five, growing up in the Gulf, he had no concept of himself as ‘different’ in any way, attending an American school with a diverse array of friends and interests.

“I never grew up with real racism. (Kuwait) was a small country. My dad's best friend was Sudanese, and so I had no concept of a separation between races. I had friends from all over, and we were listening to hard rock and heavy metal like AC/DC and Iron Maiden,” says Zuaiter. 




Waleed Zuaiter in Chicago Justice (2017). Supplied

Zuaiter had a sense of himself, but the dream of becoming an actor meant to him — as it does to most actors — the ability to become anyone. It wasn’t until he got into the industry that he realized that ‘becoming anyone’ wasn’t really on the cards for Arabs — that they tended to be put into a very small box, even if it’s sometimes a box made with the best of intentions. 

“When I came into acting, I didn't see it as, ‘I'm originally Arab, I have an Arabic name, I should only be up for Arab roles.’ But that's kind of how the industry works here. Even if you're like me, and you don't speak with an accent, and you're American. The industry thought, ‘Oh, this is a very hot topic, there's material that's coming out. Let's look for the people that can bring authenticity to it.’ There was a good intention there, but what winds up happening is you get pigeonholed. That was very frustrating for me,” says Zuaiter.

“I just wanted to make movies like Jon Favreau’s ‘Swingers.’ Those are the kinds of roles and stories that I'm interested in playing. But the TV roles I was offered were terrorists.”

Zuaiter took the role in “Homeland,” and while the experience ended up being a positive one, as Zuaiter was able to imbue the menacing role with nuance, depth and humanity, in a space that allowed him to do that, it wasn’t where he ultimately wanted to be. The producers were so impressed that they asked him to come back as another character. This time, he refused. He knew what he needed next, and it was a story that came from the Arab world rather than gazing at it from afar.




Waleed Zuaiter in Omar (2013). Supplied

So Zuaiter got in touch with an old friend, Hany Abu Assad, the acclaimed Palestinian director behind “Paradise Now,” whom he had met years earlier.

“A mutual friend said to me, ‘You should get in touch with Hany, because he's written something that's really, really great.’ I called him, and he said ‘Yes, and I actually wrote a role for you in this.’” 

Zuaiter would end up doing more than lending his acting talents. He got together his Palestinian family and friends and they made the film — 2013’s “Omar” — using their own capital. The film earned an Oscar-nomination, one of only two Palestinian feature-length films in history to have been nominated. 

“Essentially, I raised the whole budget, I brought on my brothers, and they helped bring in some other investors. Hany had that same ambition of ‘Let's get our own people to invest in us.’ And that’s what we did,” Zuaiter explains. “Around 95 percent of the investment for Omar was Palestinian private equity, with another 5 percent from Dubai. And we're very thankful for it. It was rewarding on so many levels.”

The experience would embolden Zuaiter, allowing him to enter the next phase of his career, working across genres and continents until he was finally able to land the biggest role of his career, the lead in a prestige TV drama that portrayed Iraq as Hollywood never had before — “Baghdad Central,” now streaming on Starzplay Arabia. 




Still from Baghdad Central (2020). Supplied

“What did this show give me? It gave me a voice. I learned to trust myself. I learned so much about the craft, so much about responsibility. For the first time, I had a real, genuine voice from the very first rehearsals, and I learned how to wield it. And to do that playing an Arab hero — not a terrorist — was such an honor, especially because we very rarely get to see it,” he says. 

Zuaiter was also struck by the show’s ability to not only amplify the voices of those that are so often marginalized, but to do so while also making the Iraqi characters’ American and British foils three-dimensional as well, giving the show a richness that it would not otherwise have had.  

The experience helped turn Zuaiter into the leader that he never knew he could be, both on screen and off. He has now founded a production company with his wife Joana, whom he credits with saving his career again and again, called FlipNarrative. 




Waleed and Joana Zuaiter at the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards 2021. Getty Images

“So much of our identity as a company is the embodiment of who we are. Our mission is to amplify the voice of underrepresented and historically misrepresented voices around the world, starting with a focus on stories coming out of the Middle East,” Zuaiter says. “We’re a global mission-based company, because we realize there’s a global audience out there and we have always felt like insider-outsiders, allowing us to bridge those borders and make those connections.” 

FlipNarrative has already announced six projects from across the Arab world. But first Zuaiter’s tackling another dream, a pure actor’s dream — playing someone totally outside his own lived reality. As the villain in the upcoming second season of British crime drama “Gangs of London” he won’t be an Arab at all, he’ll be playing a Georgian. It’s an experience he’s already reveling in. 

“I just want to expand the types of roles that I play. I want a sense of play. They said, ‘Listen, if you want to play him as Palestinian, we can do that’. I said, ‘No, I played enough Palestinian gangsters. I would love to play a Georgian gangster, That's exactly why I'm an actor,’” he says. “Hopefully, there’ll be more of those roles. I just want to be free.”


London calling: Saudi cafés and restaurants find footing in UK capital 

Updated 17 July 2025
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London calling: Saudi cafés and restaurants find footing in UK capital 

  • A guide to finding a taste of home on your travels  

LONDON: As the number of Saudi expats and visitors in London continues to grow, it’s no surprise that Saudi-owned brands are rising in popularity in the British capital. So, if you’re planning to make the big move — or just visiting — but you’re concerned about feeling homesick, don’t worry; your favorite cafés are coming with you, making your mornings abroad feel a little more like home. 

Somewhere Café 

Somewhere Café has joint Saudi-Emirati ownership. (Supplied)

If you’ve visited Somewhere Café in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, then you’re already familiar with its unmatched ambiance, food, and décor. With its first UK outlet, the beloved café — which has joint Saudi-Emirati ownership — has brought its signature “home-away-from-home” experience, along with classic Middle Eastern flavors, to London’s premier department store: Harrods. 

“Inspired by our travels, we invite you to experience a piece of our journey. Much like finding a painting and bringing it home as a memento, Somewhere celebrates the unique from everywhere. The space is elegantly well-travelled, with an eclectic touch, showcasing Middle Eastern influences through craft and curation,” co-founder Amal AlMarri told Arab News. 

If you’re craving something beyond the ordinary, Somewhere Café delivers a fusion of flavors that reimagines nostalgic childhood dishes. Its most popular items include beef shawarma rice, kunafa croissant, and guacamole hummus. For lunch or dinner, you might try the crispy, golden shrimp kunafa or indulge in the rich truffle and cheese batata harra.  

To complement its bold menu, the café features a warm, dimly lit interior — a cozy and inviting space to relax with friends and family. Before you leave, the dessert menu — featuring a delectable farak French toast or French coffee baklava — deserves an equal amount of attention. 

Hijazi Corner 

At the helm is Chef Ayman Al-Zubaidi, who has cooked for Saudi royalty and celebrities. (Supplied)

London’s first Saudi restaurant — Hijazi Corner — is a vibrant addition to the city’s dynamic culinary scene. At the helm is Chef Ayman Al-Zubaidi, who has cooked for Saudi royalty and celebrities. The inspiration behind the restaurant? His mother’s kitchen. 

“When any chef starts to speak about food, they talk about their mum. Her chicken kabsa is a bit oily, a bit shiny, and looks amazing — even just talking about it now makes me hungry,” Al-Zubaidi told Arab News last year. “But even if I used the exact same ingredients and followed her method, hers would still taste better.” 

Rooted in tradition, the menu features dishes typically found in Saudi homes — especially Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, where Al-Zubaidi grew up. Highlights include chicken seelag, slow-roasted lamb haneeth, and delicate, flaky samboosek. 

In just two years, Hijazi Corner has become one of London’s most sought-after Middle Eastern restaurants — a testament to the deep longing among Saudi expats for authentic flavors from home. 

Qahwah London 

Qahwah London serves a range of traditional desserts such as baklava, kunafa, and basbousa. (Supplied)

For those pining for the traditional, rich, aromatic flavors of Arabic coffee, Qahwah London is exactly what you need, with a wide selection of authentic qahwah options, including a tangy, spiced black coffee or the café’s signature Royal Infusion — a warming blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Feeling hungry? Qahwah London also serves a range of traditional desserts such as baklava, kunafa, and basbousa — the perfect pairing for a steaming cup of Arabic coffee. 

Guests can also book private gatherings for friends and family, or host intimate events like weddings or nikkah ceremonies. As part of its private offerings, the café provides a luxurious setting: rooms adorned with gold-plated coffee cups and an eye-catching assortment of traditional sweets — all designed to create a decadent group experience. 

Diwan Kitchen 

Diwan Kitchen captures a key element of Arab culinary culture: its deeply social nature. (Supplied)

Diwan Kitchen is perfect for Saudis in the UK who are craving not only an authentic bite from home, but the feeling of being back in the Kingdom. It captures a key element of Arab culinary culture: its deeply social nature.  

“We wanted to show people what traditional Saudi dining is like” Adem Nasraddin, co-founder of the restaurant, told Arab News on the restaurant’s opening night in May. “There’s a rhythm to Saudi life. A scent, a pace, a flavor. We bottled that feeling and served it on a plate.” 

The menu takes diners on a journey across the Kingdom, from the Hijaz region, with its rich, tangy foul medammas — served in the center of the table with bread for sharing — to Najd, with jareesh, a hearty stew-like dish topped with fresh meat and vegetables. 

Half Million 

½ M Café is on Oxford Street. (Supplied)

Grab a coffee and a quick bite at Half Million Café on Oxford Street, then stroll over to Hyde Park for the perfect London morning. 

As in its original location in Saudi Arabia, Half Million in London is committed to delivering a “premium coffee experience.” Whether you’re in the mood for a classic breakfast tea or a vibrant red berry infusion, there’s something to satisfy every craving. And when the sun is out, their iced coffees offer the perfect refreshment. The menu — from cakes and sandwiches to freshly baked pastries — is completely halal. 

If you’re after a bold, decadent brew in a sleek, stylish setting, Half Million Café is the ideal stop. With its modern cup designs and curated aesthetic, it’s a chic addition to London’s café scene. 


Wellness by the water: Exploring yoga in the Maldives 

Updated 17 July 2025
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Wellness by the water: Exploring yoga in the Maldives 

  • Relaxation and realization at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort 

 MALDIVES: There are few places in the world that truly embody serenity the way the Maldives does, and my recent yoga retreat at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort was nothing short of transformative.  

The resort — set among turquoise waters, white sand and swaying palm trees — was not just a getaway; it was a reset for the body, mind and soul. 

From the moment I arrived, it felt as though time slowed down. Each day began with yoga classes overlooking the endless blue of the Indian Ocean with the sound of the wind rustling through palm trees and the gentle rhythm of waves crashing on the shore. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced. One of the most peaceful sessions took place around sunset, as the sky shifted from soft gold to dusky pink. 

A yoga retreat at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau. (Supplied)

The retreat was led by Dubai-based instructor Emilia Métaireau. Each day, we explored one of the “koshas” — the five layers of the self in yogic thought — starting with the physical and gradually moving on to the emotional, mental and spiritual realms. Métaireau’s ability to guide us gently into each theme, while adapting to every participant’s level, made the experience both grounding and expansive. 

And while the classes make you sweat, you remain in constant Zen mode. During the final relaxation, there was no escaping the inevitable: drifting into the deepest, most peaceful sleep. 

Post-practice, we had plenty of time to explore and unwind at the resort. Our villa came with its own bicycles, which made exploring the island feel peaceful and playful. Riding from one side to the other with the sea breeze on my face was one of the small joys that made the trip so memorable.  

The dining options were another highlight — whether at the Fish Market, The Retreat or at Café Umi for breakfast. The Lighthouse was undergoing renovations during our stay, but we were still able to enjoy its menu in a different setting. Fresh seafood, balanced flavors and thoughtful plating made each meal feel special. 

The dining options were another highlight — whether at the Fish Market, The Retreat or at Café Umi for breakfast. (Supplied)

The resort is also on the edge of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and offers rare access to graceful manta rays in their natural habitat. We headed out on a boat, gliding across crystal-clear waters in search of them, stopping at three different spots. Mantas have a vast area to explore, so sightings are never guaranteed and, after a while, we began to lose hope. But just as we were about to head back, the team spotted them near the surface. Guests — including my husband — were able to get into the water with the rays. He said they were much larger than he expected, yet graceful and fascinating to watch up close. 

The resort’s spa — set above the water — was the perfect complement to the physical and spiritual work on the retreat. The treatment rooms offer panoramic views of the ocean, which only deepens the relaxation experience, and every aspect, from the scents used to the post-treatment tea, was curated to bring a sense of calm and renewal. 

This retreat gave me the space to reconnect with myself in a truly meaningful way, and Métaireau’s guidance gave me a deeper understanding of yoga. I used to attend classes in Dubai, but I struggled to focus, often skipping the breathing exercises, weighed down by the stress of a busy workday. But being in the Maldives, surrounded by nature, was a completely different experience. With every session, I felt more present, more grounded and more in tune with myself. 

If you would like to try yoga — or if you’ve already tried but found it hard to engage properly — then I highly recommend going on a retreat, even within your own country. Stepping away from your daily routine makes all the difference.  


Mona Khashoggi brings ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life on the London stage

Updated 16 July 2025
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Mona Khashoggi brings ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life on the London stage

DUBAI: Saudi writer and producer Mona Khashoggi’s latest production, “Sinbad the Sailor,” was staged on Tuesday at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre, blending traditional Arab storytelling with contemporary performance. 

The family-friendly dance show was a vibrant reinterpretation of the legendary seafarer’s adventures, inspired by tales from “One Thousand and One Nights” and set in eighth-century Mesopotamia.

Khashoggi is a long-time advocate for reviving Arab arts through international collaborations. (Supplied)

The musical tells the story of Sinbad, who loses his fortune in a card game and goes on a journey to find new treasures. Along the way he faces sea monsters, wild adventures and magical caves. He meets a kind girl and together they find friendship, love and a way back home to Baghdad, where Sinbad inspires a young boy with his stories.

Khashoggi, a long-time advocate for reviving Arab arts through international collaborations, emphasized her decision to work with a global cast. “Because this is a dance show … I wanted the best ballet and contemporary dancers. My dancers are all professional from the Mathew Bourne school, English National Ballet and West End Musicals,” she told Arab News. 

Staging Sinbad in London is part of Khashoggi’s broader mission to spotlight Arab culture for international audiences. (Supplied)

“My lead Mark Samaras is in ‘Moulin Rouge.’ My creatives are from the West End with awards. I wanted to push the bar high and introduce an Arab story,” she added. “Mona Khash Productions is a British production. I always work and produce my shows in London before we tour internationally. London and the West End shows are the center and capital of theater in the world.”

Staging Sinbad in London is part of Khashoggi’s broader mission to spotlight Arab culture for international audiences. 

Traditional songs were gathered from Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria, with the audience enjoying original compositions by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish. (Supplied)

“My work and passion is to revive our culture and bring it to a wider audience and international audience. My shows are educational and cultural. The dance and costumes are inspired by stories from ‘1001 Nights,’ set in Mesopotamia in the 8th century, during the era of Haroun El-Rashid and Queen Zubaida,” she said. 

Traditional songs were gathered from Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria, with the audience enjoying original compositions by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish.

Director and choreographer Anjali Mehra, whose credits include “Jesus Christ Superstar” and "Lord of the Rings,” said: “The Middle East offers so many exciting social and celebratory dances.
“I was inspired by certain steps, foot rhythms, arm movements and stage patterns. With a mixed heritage cast, we were able to combine modern storytelling dance with classical technique and Arabic steps to bring ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life,” Mehra added.


Madinah exhibition showcases local heritage, crafts 

Updated 15 July 2025
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Madinah exhibition showcases local heritage, crafts 

  • Three-day event, which ended on Tuesday, is among several Year of Handicrafts initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture
  • Elements of heritage were embodied in palm-based crafts including baskets, incense burners, and decorative pieces

RIYADH: The “Arts Telling Stories” exhibition in Madinah showcased the nation’s culture and history through authentic handicrafts.

The three-day event, which ended on Tuesday, is among several “Year of Handicrafts” initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The exhibition featured a diverse collection of handcrafted creations reflecting the identity of the local community. 

Elements of heritage were embodied in palm-based crafts including baskets, incense burners, and decorative pieces, illustrating the historical bond between people and the environment.

The event also showcased wooden artworks, including decorated boxes, vases, and household items crafted with techniques blending traditional sensibility and modern innovation.

It featured pottery pieces inspired by folk art, drawing from the colors and landscapes of the region’s geography, the SPA reported.

The exhibition reflects the ministry’s efforts to promote traditional arts, foster community awareness, and encourage young people to connect with their cultural roots.


Jessica Kahawaty’s cookbook receives celebrity nod of approval

Updated 15 July 2025
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Jessica Kahawaty’s cookbook receives celebrity nod of approval

DUBAI: Lebanese Australian duo, model Jessica Kahawaty and mother Rita, have launched their own cookbook — with no less a person than Hollywood actress and producer Courteney Cox providing a cover quote.

Kahawaty and her mother are the minds behind UAE-based food delivery business Mama Rita and the book, “Mama Rita: Family recipes from the Mediterranean,” is now available for pre-order ahead of its release in September.

It is endorsed by Cox, who says it is “a must-have for anyone who is passionate about cooking and loves food as much as I do.”

Writing on Instagram on Monday, Kahawaty said: “The moment we held the Mama Rita cookbook in our hands for the very first time … after two years of pouring our hearts into it. And we’re beyond thrilled to share a special surprise on the cover — a quote from the one and only (Courteney Cox). Her iconic role as Monica in ‘Friends’ — the talented chef, perfectionist, and loving control freak — mirrors so much of the dynamic between mum and me. And her true persona is even more beautiful, warm, and generous.

“Years of love, passion, late nights and so many memories. It’s all finally coming to life just as Mama Rita turns five this September,” she added.

Kahawaty is on an entrepreneurial roll, having launched jewelry brand Kahawaty Jewels alongside her father, master jeweler Ghassan Kahawaty, in May. Based in Dubai, it continues the family’s long-standing tradition of jewelry craftsmanship.

“I grew up watching my father in his jewelry trade. I saw how happy he made people when he created these beautiful pieces,” Kahawaty told Arab News. “I’ve always wanted to continue my father’s legacy and my grandfather’s trade. I felt like this is the perfect time to launch Kahawaty Jewels in Dubai, which is a city I’ve been in for over 13 years.”

For Jessica, building the brand with her father has been a meaningful journey.

“He’s the only man I trust when it comes to diamonds and jewelry. He has an impeccable eye for detail and quality. He has the most incredible craftsmanship. I learned so much from him and launching this with my father feels like a true partnership,” she said.