From Ziad Rahbani and Naima Samih to Mohammad Bakri, Arab celebrities and cultural figures who died in 2025

From a pioneering Emirati actress who helped lay the foundations of national television and theatre, to a Lebanese composer who soundtracked the social and political pulse of his homeland and a Moroccan singer hailed as “the Lady of tarab”, the Arab cultural scene has been etched by significant loss in 2025.

Spanning music, film, television, literature and visual arts, these artists not only shaped the creative landscape in their own country, but also brought Arab creativity to the global stage.

1. Mahmoud Saeed: January 28

The Iraqi-American novelist lived in Chicago. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Iraqi novelist died, aged 87, in Chicago where he had lived since 1999 after fleeing Baghdad and spending several years in Dubai. An influential figure in the development of modern Iraqi literature, Saeed authored more than 20 novels, many of which were banned in Iraq for their portrayals of Saddam Hussein’s repressive regime. His most well-known work is the 2004 English translation of the autobiographical novel Saddam City, based on his experiences in Iraqi prisons – a powerful reflection of the country’s brutal history.

2. Mohammed Al Tawayan: January 31

The Saudi actor and playwright passed away at the age of 79. Renowned for blending deft social commentary into his theatre and television works, particularly in the series Awdat Asweed and Tabeeb Bil‑Misha’ab, Al-Tawayan is credited with raising the bar when it comes to domestic Saudi stories being told on stage and screen.

3. Maha Bayrakdar Al Khal: February 22

The Syrian‑Lebanese poet, visual artist, children’s book author and TV presenter passed away at the age of 77, in Lebanon, reportedly after a long illness. Born in Damascus, she released poetry collections, illustrated children’s stories, and curated arts and cultural events in Beirut. She was the wife of the late influential poet Yusuf al‑Khal, and mother to actors Ward and Youssef al-Khal.

4. Naima Samih: March 8

Hailed in her homeland as “the Lady of tarab”, the veteran Moroccan singer died in Rabat at the age of 72.