Which Arab country dominates the top MENA models?

Afef Jnefin

The audacious Tunisian model recently gained popularity in the region following her role as a judge on the Arabic edition of “Project Runway” launched by MBC - alongside world-renowned Lebanese fashion Designer, Elie Saab.

She started modeling in France after leaving her home country in 1988 as she struggled day-in and day-out trying to fulfill her hopes to become one of the most successful models in the Arab world, as well as an inspiration to many. The Tunisian-Italian fashion icon is now married to the CEO and owner of the well-known Pirelli.

Jessica Kahawaty

An Australian-born Lebanese model, Kahawaty was crowned beauty queen of the Lebanese community living in Sydney. She finished as second runner-up in Miss World 2012 competition.

Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree in law, speaks three languages fluently, as well as enjoys playing the piano. She also presents OMG Stars program on YouTube.

Rym Saidi

This Tunisian fashion model is the eighth most beautiful woman in the world according to World Actuality, beating the likes of actresses Monica Bellucci and Eva Mendes, who ranked 22 and 44 respectively. The stunning Megan Fox was listed number 6 while the Indian actress Priyanka Choupra came in the fourth place.

Iman Hamaam

This Dutch model was born to a Moroccan mother and an Egyptian father. She started her career in 2014 as a model for the best fashion designers including Givenchy and Calvin Klein. She is a characteristic supermodel with a tanned complexion and corkscrew curls.

Hind Al-Sahli

Al-Sahli’s modeling dream came true when she was picked up by an agency in Morocco in 2008, then moved to New York after signing a contract with DNA agency. During an interview, she recalled how her family were supportive of her career, as well as never being subjected to any discrimination for being a Muslim.

Hanaa Ben Abdesslem

This Tunisian model turned into a celebrity in the Arab world following her participation in the reality program ‘Mission Fashion 2’ in 2007 where she was listed as second to kick off a fashion modeling career 2010. She walked for the British designer Vivienne Westood, as well as Givenchy in the same year. She became the first Muslim Lancôme ambassador.

Leïla Bekhti

The 32-year-old French model is of Algerian origin. She studied theater and played roles in several French films and episodes such as Tout ce Qui Brille and Je t’aime and Sheitan.

Kenza Fourati

Fourati’s family moved to Tunisia soon after she was born in France. She stayed there throughout her school years studying in a French school before moving back to France to study literature at Sorbonne University, she also studied film making in London, England.

Having been born a Muslim, she said she is perfectly comfortable modeling swimsuits after appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit in 2011. She stated in an interview: “I’ve grown up in an Islamic environment, but I can appear in swimsuits, why should we segregate between the Islamic culture and my choice to appear in swimsuits?

Karima Adebibe

Born to a Moroccan father and an Irish mother, the 31-year-old grown and nurtured in Tangier, Morocco before her family moved to settle in London. She began her modeling career for top cosmetic brands, and in 2006 she was chosen as the face for the promotion campaign of the famous video game Lara Croft.

Amina Kaddur

Kadour was born in Algeria in 1988 and appeared on the cover of Vogue magazine in 2008. She was on the list of the sexiest Arab women for 2010.