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Top 8 Notable Arabs People: Well-Known Individuals

The Arab world is home to a plethora of talented individuals who have gained worldwide recognition for their contributions in various fields. From actors and singers to athletes and activists, here are 10 most popular celebrities and notable people from Arab ethnicity:

  • Taraji P. Henson: With roots tracing back to Egypt and Cameroon, Taraji P. Henson is an American actress best known for her role as Cookie Lyon in the hit TV series “Empire.” She has also starred in movies like “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Hidden Figures.”
  • Rami Malek: Born to Egyptian parents, Rami Malek won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the biographical film “Bohemian Rhapsody.” He has also gained recognition for his role in the TV series “Mr. Robot.”
  • Yara Shahidi: Yara Shahidi is an American actress and activist of Iranian and African-American descent. She gained fame for her role in the TV series “Black-ish” and has since starred in her own spin-off series “Grown-ish.”
  • Mia Khalifa: Mia Khalifa, born in Lebanon, is a former adult film actress who has become an internet sensation. Despite her brief career in the adult entertainment industry, she has gained immense popularity online and has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights.
  • Mo Salah: Mo Salah, an Egyptian professional footballer, is considered one of the best soccer players in the world. He has achieved tremendous success playing for Liverpool FC and the Egyptian national team, breaking numerous records along the way.
  • Nancy Ajram: Nancy Ajram is a Lebanese singer who is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential Arab artists. Her catchy songs and dynamic performances have earned her a global fan base, and she has won numerous awards for her contribution to music.
  • Lina Khalifeh: Lina Khalifeh is a Jordanian martial artist and activist who founded the self-defense organization SheFighter. She has become a prominent figure in the fight against gender-based violence and has been recognized for her efforts globally.
  • Omar Epps: Omar Epps, with roots in Sudan and Kenya, is an American actor known for his roles in movies like “Love & Basketball” and “House.” He has also appeared in the TV series “ER” and “Resurrection.”
  • Mai Kassab: Mai Kassab is an Egyptian singer and actress who has gained popularity for her powerful voice and versatile talent. She has released successful albums and has acted in several TV series and movies, showcasing her skills on multiple fronts.
  • Tawakkol Karman: Tawakkol Karman, born in Yemen, is a human rights activist and the first Arab woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She has been a prominent figure in the Yemeni uprising and continues to advocate for peace and women’s rights.

Most Famous Arabs People

Arabs’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Arabs community has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that stretches back thousands of years. With a population of over 400 million people spread across 22 countries, the Arab world encompasses a wide range of traditions, languages, and ethnic groups. Throughout history, the Arabs have contributed greatly to various fields such as science, art, and literature. Today, their historical inheritances continue to shape the world in numerous ways.

Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Arabs heritage:

  • Arabic Language: One of the most significant contributions of the Arabs is the Arabic language. Considered a Semitic language, Arabic is spoken by millions of people around the world. It is renowned for its poetic beauty and is the language of the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Arabic has also had a profound impact on other languages, with words and phrases being absorbed into various dialects and even English. Today, learning Arabic is highly regarded, as it opens doors to understanding Arab culture and history.
  • Islam: Although Islam is a global religion with followers from all corners of the world, its roots lie in the heart of the Arab world. The Prophet Muhammad, considered the last messenger of God in Islam, was born in the city of Mecca, located in present-day Saudi Arabia. The teachings and principles of Islam have profoundly influenced Arab societies throughout history. From architecture to literature, the tenets of Islam continue to shape Arab culture and heritage.
  • Arabian Nights: Also known as “One Thousand and One Nights,” Arabian Nights is a collection of folktales and stories that has captured the imaginations of readers for centuries. With tales such as “Aladdin,” “Sinbad the Sailor,” and “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” Arabian Nights offers a fascinating glimpse into the storytelling traditions of the Arab world. These stories have woven their way into global literature and continue to enchant audiences of all ages.

The Arabs community is a treasure trove of history, traditions, and cultural richness. From their language to their religious heritage and literary contributions, the Arabs have left an indelible mark on the world. Exploring and learning about their historical inheritances gives us a deeper appreciation for the diverse and vibrant Arab culture.

The Arabs (Arabic: عَرَب, DIN 31635: ʿarab, Arabic pronunciation: [ˈʕa.rab] ), also known as the Arab people (Arabic: الشَّعْبَ الْعَرَبِيّ), are an ethnic group mainly inhabiting the Arab world in Western Asia and Northern Africa. A significant Arab diaspora is present in various parts of the world.Arabs have been in the Fertile Crescent for thousands of years. In the 9th century BCE, the Assyrians made written references to Arabs as inhabitants of the Levant, Mesopotamia, and Arabia. Throughout the ancient Near East, Arabs established influential civilizations starting from 3000 BCE onwards, such as Dilmun, Gerrha and, Magan, playing a vital role in trade between Mesopotamia, and the Mediterranean. Other prominent tribes include Midian, ʿĀd, and Thamud mentioned in the Bible and Quran. The Amorites, likely originating from Arabia, emerged around 2100 BCE in the Levant and Mesopotamia. Around 1300 BCE, the Edomites were found adjacent to Moab in the southern Levant. Later, in 900 BCE, the Qedarites enjoyed close relations with the nearby Canaanite and Aramaean states, and their territory extended from Lower Egypt to the Southern Levant. From 1200 BCE to 110 BCE, powerful Arab kingdoms such as Saba, Lihyan, Minaean, Qataban, Hadhramaut, Awsan, and Homerite emerged in Arabia. According to the Abrahamic tradition, Arabs are descendants of Abraham through his son Ishmael.During classical antiquity, the Nabataeans established their kingdom with Petra as the capital in 300 BCE, by 271 CE, the Palmyrene Empire with the capital Palmyra, led by Queen Zenobia, encompassed the Syria Palaestina, Arabia Petraea, and Egypt, as well as large parts of Anatolia. The Arab Itureans inhabited Lebanon, Syria, and northern Palestine (Galilee) during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The Osroene and Hatran were Arab kingdoms in Upper Mesopotamia around 200 CE. In 164 CE, the Sasanians recognized the Arabs as "Arbayistan", meaning "land of the Arabs," as they were part of Adiabene in upper Mesopotamia. The Arab Emesenes ruled by 46 BCE Emesa (Homs), Syria. During late antiquity, the Tanukhids, Salihids, Lakhmids, Kinda, and Ghassanids were dominant Arab tribes in the Levant, Mesopotamia, and Arabia, they predominantly embraced Christianity. During the Middle Ages, Islam fostered a vast Arab union, leading to significant Arab migration from the East to North Africa, under the rule of Arab empires such as the Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid, and Fatimid, ultimately leading to the decline of the Byzantine and Sasanian empires. At its peak, Arab territories stretched from southern France to western China, forming one of history's largest empires. The Great Arab Revolt in the early 20th century aided in dismantling the Ottoman Empire, ultimately leading to the formation of the Arab League on 22 March 1945, with its Charter endorsing the principle of a "unified Arab homeland".Arabs from Morocco to Iraq share a common bond based on ethnicity, language, culture, history, identity, ancestry, nationalism, geography, unity, and politics, which give the region a distinct identity and distinguish it from other parts of the Muslim world. They also have their own customs, literature, music, dance, media, food, clothing, society, sports, architecture, art and, mythology. Arabs have significantly influenced and contributed to human progress in many fields, including science, technology, philosophy, ethics, literature, politics, business, art, music, comedy, theatre, cinema, architecture, food, medicine, and religion. Before Islam, most Arabs followed polytheistic Semitic religion, while some tribes adopted Judaism or Christianity and a few individuals, known as the hanifs, followed a form of monotheism. Currently, around 93% of Arabs are Muslims, while the rest are mainly Arab Christians, as well as Arab groups of Druze and Baháʼís.

Arabs People

Factsheet About Arabs People

Country Population Percentage of Total Population
Saudi Arabia 35,099,986 15.07%
Algeria 42,228,408 13.7%
Sudan 43,849,260 12.14%
Iraq 39,339,753 11.48%
Morocco 35,156,744 10.19%
Yemen 29,174,779 9.89%
Tunisia 11,659,448 9.35%
Syria 17,070,135 8.98%
United Arab Emirates 9,599,353 7.54%
Lebanon 6,825,445 6.03%
British Arabs (Arabic: عرب بريطانيا) are British citizens of Arab descent. They share a common Arab ethnicity, culture, language and identity from different Arab countries. Arabs also come from non-Arab countries as ethnic minorities. 
The majority of British Arabs reside in the British capital of London, and have come largely from the Arab countries of Iraq,  Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Palestine, Yemen, Lebanon, and the Gulf States.

The Ancient Heritage of Arabs Ethnic Groups

Arabs Ethnicity: References and Resources

References and resources to dig deeper about the Arab ethnic group:

  • Books:
    • “Arabs: A 3,000-Year History of Peoples, Tribes and Empires” by Tim Mackintosh-Smith – A comprehensive exploration of Arab history and culture from ancient times to the present day.
    • “Arabs: A History” by Eugene Rogan – Provides an in-depth look at Arab history, politics, and society, highlighting key moments and transformations.
    • “Arab Voices: What They Are Saying to Us, and Why it Matters” by James Zogby – Explores the diverse voices and perspectives of Arabs, offering insights into their experiences, beliefs, and aspirations.
  • Websites and Articles:
    • The New Arab – An English-language news site covering Arab and regional affairs, culture, and society.
    • List of Arab People – Provides a comprehensive list of notable Arabs from various fields, including arts, science, politics, and literature.
    • Encyclopedia Britannica: Arab – Offers an overview of the Arab ethnic group, covering their history, culture, language, and contributions to humanity.
  • Academic Journals:
    • Arab Studies Quarterly – Publishes articles and research papers on various aspects of Arab society, history, language, and culture.
    • Berber History and Culture – Explores the intertwined history of the Arab and Berber ethnic groups, focusing on North Africa.

Exploring these references and resources will allow you to delve deeper into the rich history, culture, and diverse experiences of the Arab ethnic group. Whether you are interested in their ancient civilizations, contemporary politics, or contributions to various fields, these materials will provide valuable insights and knowledge.

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