Amid the glimmer and allure of celebrity culture, numerous renowned personalities possess Arab ancestry, and some of their backgrounds might come as a surprise.
Steve Jobs
The legendary co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs, but his biological father is Abdulfattah Jandali, a Syrian Muslim.
Ariana Grande
In 2014, the popular pop singer revealed on Twitter, “I just found out my grandparents are primarily Greek and partly North African… I thought I was Italian… Who am I? My entire life has been a lie.” A genetic test uncovered that she has Moroccan, Tunisian, or Algerian ancestry on one side of her family.
MIKA
The acclaimed British artist, famous for tracks like Relax, Take It Easy and Love Today, was born in Beirut to a Lebanese mother and an American father. Due to the turmoil in Lebanon, he had to flee during the war, ultimately relocating to Paris and then to the UK.
Gigi Hadid & Bella Hadid
These supermodel siblings are outspoken advocates for Palestine, reflecting the birthplace of their father, Mohamed Hadid. Gigi and Bella consistently express pride in their Arab heritage.
Salma Hayek
The American-Mexican actress, renowned for her roles in intense films, openly embraces her Arab background. Her father has a heritage that includes Mexican and Lebanese roots from Baadat, Lebanon, and her first name signifies peace and calm in Arabic.
Shakira
The beloved singer Shakira, who has achieved global fame, celebrates her Arab roots, which have significantly influenced her music. Born in Colombia to a Spanish mother and a Lebanese father, her Arab heritage is evident in her dance skills, particularly in her iconic belly dancing performances.