If the Croisette could talk, it would probably whisper in Arabic this year. The 2025 Cannes Film Festival was about cinema and statement gowns and unapologetic presence. Most prominently, the Arab stars’ presence, that screamed a refusal to play background characters on the global stage. From debutantes dazzling in Dior to veteran icons draped in drama (and Georges Chakra), this year’s red carpet was less Hollywood and more Habibi-wood.
Lights, Camera, Yalla.
Here’s your KHAMSA5 guide to the Arabs who turned Cannes into their own runway-meets-revolution moment:
١. Bella Hadid (Palestine)
Back in her element—and by that we mean couture gowns, existential posing, and Chopard ice. Bella showed up in a minimalist black Jacquemus number and gave us “mourning chic” like only a supermodel from Nazareth can.
٢. Aseel Omran (Saudi Arabia)
A deeper drama with a Charbel Karam gown, Aseel had Cannes cameras nodding respectfully.
٣. Amal Clooney (Lebanon)
Amal came solo in vintage Galliano for Dior, and the red carpet promptly bowed. She made a legal case for velvet elegance, and we, the people, approve.
٤. Razane Jammal (Lebanon)
In an ivory Dior gown with embroidered delicacy, Razane brought indie film energy to A-list fashion.
٥. Yasmine Sabri (Egypt)
All eyes on red. Her bold Jean-Pierre Khoury gown was basically a fairy emoji with heels, plus Chopard diamonds just in case anyone forgot she’s cinema royalty.
٦. Salma Abu Deif (Egypt)
Lace, fitted, and black, Salma redefined classics with more rumble and feather.
٧. Youssra (Egypt)
Legend status. She wore Marchesa but brought generations of Egyptian cinema with her. When Youssra walks, cameras rise.
٨. Shanina Shaik (Saudi descent)
Shanina Shaik radiated elegance in a strapless, light pink gown by Yara Shoemaker the poise of a Roman statue. Not just model behaviour, Arab pride on display.
٩. Nadine Nassib Njeim
In a structured white gown by Tamara Ralph, Nadine delivered architectural elegance with a modern twist.
١٠. Dana Hourani (Lebanon)
In monochrome and minimalism, Dana went full art-school chic. Tailored, timeless, and no notes.
١١. Amina Khalil (Egypt)
Wearing Rami Kadi in blush pink and feathers, Amina gave us glam with a soft punch. Egypt, but couture.
١٢. Raya Abirached (Lebanon)
Earthly tones in Chakra and gold, Raya does glam quietly because she knows Cannes is the place where your own radiance is felt most.
