madamearabia

“I’m someone who’s dedicated to my own growth and the work I do on myself,” shares @madamearabia’s cover star actress May Calamawy (@calamawy). “I am wary sometimes of stepping into what a role model could be. I can see how, as I grow into my work, I will maybe make choices that aren’t going to be what people might be proud of. I want to be a role model for authenticity and someone knowing what they want.” May might be seen as a role model thanks to her impressive work in the Marvel series Moon Knight or the critically acclaimed drama-comedy series Ramy, but it is her focus to stay true to herself, to follow her calling to be an actor when those around her tried to dissuade her and to challenge the way the western world sees Arab women, that makes her a true role model for modern women. Tap the link in the bio to read the full cover story interview. Credits: Publisher: @asmaalfahim Editor-in-Chief: @jessicamichault Videographer: @elisonbartolomeu DOP: @bourdeaux_films Production: @wmi.production Executive Producer: @georgemadeit Producer: @amaliamartinez_ Stylist: @racheldavisfashionstylist Make Up: @kateglanfield Hair Stylist: @Andrewdylanhair Stylist Assistant: @macyriichards Interview: @devinderbains Outfit: #bottegavenetta Location: @modernitystockholm

@madamearabia’s cover star May Calamawy (@calamawy) dreamt of being an actor since she was a small child growing up between Bahrain, Qatar and the USA, “I would put on the Nutcracker, or very dramatic classical music, and run around the house, acting out things,” she admits. But it was a path that wasn’t supported by those around her during her youth. It was only after the untimely loss of her mother to cancer – when the actor was 25 – that May found the strength within to bypass the reservations of others. “It ended up all being generated from me. I haven’t had people around me being like, ‘you go do this. it’s your dream, you enjoy it, you’re good at it’. No, I’m the one that’s just sort of pushed myself,” shares May. Tap the link in the bio to read the full cover story interview. Publisher: @asmaalfahim Editor-in-Chief: @jessicamichault Photographer: @buzzwhitestudio Production: @wmi.production Executive Producer: @georgemadeit Producer: @amaliamartinez_ Stylist: @racheldavisfashionstylist Make Up: @kateglanfield Hair: @Andrewdylanhair Photographer Assistant: @freddie.hare Stylist Assistant: @macyriichards Interview: @devinderbains Location: @modernitystockholm Outfit: #bottegavenetta

For its final cover of the year @madamearabia wanted to shine a spotlight on the Egyptian actor May Calamawy (@calamawy). Already the world’s first Arab Marvel superhero, Calamawy is a force of nature talent that can take on any film genre with the ease of someone who is both self-aware and self-assured. “I’m grateful that I love myself – well, at the very least, that I’ve grown to learn how to champion myself, believe in myself, and not be mean to myself. And that, I think, has taken work that comes at a later age, ”she shares in this issue’s cover story. Besides her transformation into the Scarlet Scarab for Marvel, the Egyptian actor also wowed fans with her turn as Dena in three seasons of the critically acclaimed dramedy Ramy. It’s a character that gives the Arab woman a depth and complexity that’s often missing in the single dimension continually portrayed through the Western gaze. Upending stereotypes is something Calamawy seems particularly talented at. In her next role, in the upcoming film The Actor, she will be flexing her acting chops by playing five distinctly different parts. It was a challenge that she relished as it allowed her to stretch as an actor and show the world the breadth and width of her abilities. With each project, Calamawy is determined to sculpt a future where her passion for storytelling is the driving force. It is this sort of focused intention that makes her an actor that we should all be keeping our eye on. Tap the link in the bio to read the full cover story interview. Credits: Publisher: @asmaalfahim Editor-in-Chief: @jessicamichault Photographer: @buzzwhitestudio Production: @wmi.production Executive Producer: @georgemadeit Producer: @amaliamartinez_ Stylist: @racheldavisfashionstylist Make Up: @kateglandfield Hair: @Andrewdylanhair Photographer Assistant: @freddie.hare Stylist Assistant: @macyriichards Interview: @devinderbains Location: @modernitystockholm Outfit: #bottegaveneta

Sparkle and shine this holiday season with @pomellato’s festive jewellery — a timeless gift that will be treasured for years to come. #MADAMEArabia

@ralphlauren took over Abu Dhabi for an elegant afternoon aboard the Maison’s iconic yacht, cruising the Arabian Gulf. The event featured maritime-inspired tableware and linens in navy and cream, creating the perfect backdrop for music, conversation, and breathtaking views. #madamearabia

@piaget celebrates 150 years of golden creativity, reimagining iconic designs in an editorial that honours a legacy of bold luxury and groundbreaking innovation. #MADAMEArabia

“The secret of long-lasting houses is their ability to transmit.” Resonating with the wisdom of the oldest Parisian house still thriving, Christofle’s CEO, Émilie Metge-Viargues, encapsulates in one sentence the heart of a brand crafting memories for nearly 200 years. Seated gracefully in the intimate setting of the new Dubai Mall boutique, Metge-Viargues unveils how the house, under her guidance and with the Chalhoub family’s storied legacy, is reshaping the very essence of luxury – honouring the echoes of the past while composing melodies for the future. Tap the link in the bio to read more of our conversation with Metge-Viargues. #MADAMEArabia

Founded in 2005, Etoile La Boutique has become a go-to destination for curated luxury and exclusivity in the UAE’s fashion scene. Established to cater to the most discerning clientele, this sartorial treasure trove is the only regional multi-brand luxury boutique, offering an edited selection of clothing and accessories from a carefully curated brand portfolio. Tap the link in the bio to learn more about what makes the boutique so special. #MADAMEArabia

@mo_jumeira celebrates its 5th anniversary with a stunning collaboration with @garrard, unveiling a sapphire-inspired Christmas tree. Adorned with shimmering blue baubles and a ribbon of cascading light, the tree adds a touch of holiday magic. Guests can also indulge in a sapphire-themed afternoon tea, where desserts capture the timeless elegance of Garrard’s creations. #MADAMEArabia

@gucci’s Pre-Fall 2025 collection channels 1970s inspiration with minimalist lines and innovative fabrics. Reinterpreting the brand’s rich heritage, it combines sleek tailoring and evocative colour palettes for a modern take on classic sophistication and subtle nostalgia. #MADAMEArabia

What do dinosaurs, Popeye, sparkling bows, rubber duckies, varsity jackets, and colourful charm bracelets have in common? They are all elements that @stuartvvers, the creative director of Coach, has woven into his collections for the iconic brand. Since his arrival at the American fashion house 11 years ago, the British native has enthusiastically focused his energy on designing pieces that have a playful whimsy at their core or tug on the heartstrings of those who love all things Americana. At the link in the bio you can read MADAME Arabia’s exclusive interview with the creative... #MADAMEArabia

Unwrap a world of enchantment with @wedgwood’s festive ornaments. Adorn your home and Christmas tree with timeless tales that spark childlike wonder and holiday magic. #MADAMEArabia