Fashion

The Arab Models Dominating Fashion Right Now

BYKhaoula Ghanem

February 18, 2026

For decades, fashion’s idea of beauty was narrow, repetitive, and (let’s be honest) boring. Then came a wave of Arab models who didn’t just walk into the industry; they rearranged it. Suddenly, hijabs appeared on runways, Arabic names topped casting sheets, and brown skin was no longer a “trend.” From Paris couture salons to campaigns splashed across Sheikh Zayed Road billboards, Arab models have moved from token representation to undeniable influence.

Part of what makes the world’s top Arab models unique is their range. Some are supermodels with Arab heritage who’ve defined entire eras; others are emerging Arab models 2026 is already buzzing about. Many grew up between cultures, speaking multiple languages, and carrying layered identities that show up in their work. Fashion is hungry for authenticity, and Middle Eastern models bring stories with them.

Below, a definitive list of top Arab international models female and male to know—from household names to upcoming models slowly but surely building momentum. (And yes, you’ll probably end up following half of them on Instagram by the end.)

FEMALE ARAB MODELS

Gigi Hadid (Palestinian-Dutch)

Gigi Hadid walks for Ralph Lauren Fall 2026 RTW

Gigi Hadid is one of the most famous Arab models alive. A runway fixture for practically every luxury brand you can think of, such as Versace, Chanel, and Balmain, the mother-of-one has spoken openly about her heritage and used her platform to spotlight Palestinian causes—something that matters deeply to fans across the region. In many ways, she represents a new blueprint: supermodel, activist, businesswoman, mother, all at once. If you’re wondering who was the first Arab supermodel, Gigi is probably the closest to it.

Bella Hadid (Palestinian-Dutch)

Bella Hadid walks for Saint Laurent Spring 2026 RTW

Bella Hadid hardly needs an introduction, having already cemented her status as one of fashion’s most sought-after faces, gracing countless runways, magazine covers, and campaigns (we’ve practically lost track at this point). Her editorial work borders on performance art, whether she’s channeling 90s minimalism for Coperni or vintage glamour for Dior Beauty. She has also been outspoken about Palestine, making her one of the most politically visible Middle Eastern models on the global stage. She recently added acting to her ever-expanding CV with roles in Ramy, and more recently, FX’s The Beauty.

Laiqah Omar (Somali-Yemeni-Welsh)

Laiqah Omar walks for Prada Spring 2018 RTW

The Somali-Yemeni-Welsh model first burst onto the scene at just 16 with a debut that most models spend years working toward. She walked her very first show for Tommy Hilfiger in London, then immediately flew to Milan to secure a coveted Prada exclusive, before rushing back to the UK in time to make it to school. Since, she’s walked for Dior, Chloe, and Tommy Hilfiger, and fronted campaigns for labels like Jimmy Choo and Makeup Forever.

Nora Attal (Moroccan-British)

Nora Attal walks for Tory Burch Fall 2026 RTW

Nora Attal became one of the first Moroccan-British models to front major luxury campaigns including Prada and Burberry. Designers love her versatility. She can do romantic couture one day and razor-sharp tailoring the next.

Imaan Hammam (Egyptian-Moroccan-Dutch)

Imaan Hammam walks for Jacquemus Fall 2026 RTW

Often cited as one of the world’s top Arab models, Imaan Hammam broke barriers early, walking for nearly every major fashion house before turning 25. Scouted at 14-years-old, her voluminous curls and glowing skin challenged Eurocentric beauty standards long before diversity became a buzzword.

Meriam Turki (Tunisian)

Meriam Turki walks for Yohji Yamamoto Spring 2026 RTW

Meriam Turki is having the kind of breakout year casting directors dream about, emerging as one of the most exciting Arab models to watch right now. This season alone, Turki has walked for Yohji Yamamoto, Giorgio Armani Privé, and Zuhair Murad Couture— a trio that spans avant-garde minimalism, classic haute couture, and opulent Middle Eastern glamour. Few models can move convincingly between those extremes, but Turki’s adaptability makes the transitions feel seamless rather than jarring. Her editorial work reflects that same range. She has appeared in high-jewelry stories for Van Cleef & Arpels, lookbooks for Brunello Cucinelli, and has also worked with H&M.

Malika El Maslouhi (Moroccan-Italian)

Malika El Maslouhi walks for Dsquared2 Fall 2026 RTW

Fashion insiders adore Malika for her distinctive look—strong brows, sharp cheekbones, a kind of cinematic intensity. She has walked for Missoni, Chanel, and Etro among others, cementing her place among top Arab models 2026 will continue to watch. She’s also fronted campaigns for Versace and Guerlain, and featured in editorials and covers for practically every major fashion magazine you can think of.

Amira Al Zuhair (Saudi)

Amira Al Zuhair walks for Giorgio Armani Spring 2026 RTW

One of the most exciting top Saudi models and fashion figures, Amira Al Zuhair represents a new era of Arabian models coming directly from the Gulf rather than the diaspora. She has appeared in major regional editorials and runway shows, helping normalize Saudi representation in an industry that once overlooked it entirely.

Loli Bahia (Algerian-French)

Loli Bahia walks for Miu Miu Spring 2026 RTW

Loli Bahia’s rise has been meteoric. Born in Lyon to Algerian heritage, she quickly became a runway favorite for Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Prada. Nominated for Models.com’s Model of the Year (Breakout) in 2021 and 2022, she is recognized for walking over 65 shows in a single season.

Hayett Belarbi McCarthy (Algerian-Irish)

Hayett Belarbi-Mccarthy walks for Di Petsa Fall 2024 RTW

A compelling mix of North African and Irish heritage, Hayett has carved out space in both editorial and commercial modeling. She’s part of a broader wave of Middle Eastern models whose identities refuse to fit neat boxes, and that ambiguity is precisely the appeal.

Ghita Lamghari (Moroccan)

Ghita Lamghari walks for Yohji Yamamoto Spring 2026 RTW

A standout among emerging Arab models 2026 watchers are keeping tabs on, her work spans fashion editorials and brand campaigns, positioning her as a future global name. She’s already walked for Maison Margiela, Christopher Esber, and Giambattista Valli, to name a few.

Fadia Ghaab (Iraqi)

Fadia Ghaab walks for Alberta Ferretti Fall 2025 RTW

Iraqi representation in high fashion remains rare, which makes Fadia Ghaab’s presence especially meaningful. The Sweden-bred model has worked across editorial shoots and campaigns, including for the likes of Gucci, bringing visibility to a country often absent from fashion narratives.

Chaima Ameziane (Algerian)

Chaima Ameziane walks for Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring 2025

Chaima Ameziane embodies the understated cool that casting directors love right now. Clean features, adaptable styling, and a camera-friendly calm make her ideal for both luxury and contemporary brands such as Casablanca, Saint Laurent, Missoni, Schiaparelli, and Courreges, to name a few. Recently, she starred as the lead love interest in Saint Levant’s music video for Diva.

Anisa Dagher (Lebanese-American)

Anisa Dagher for Dolce & Gabbana

Based in New York, Anisa Dagher represents the diaspora experience many Arab models share. Her portfolio includes fashion campaigns and editorial spreads for the likes of Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue that highlight both sides of her identity. In addition to being a model, she is also a lawyer, who graduated from law school at Northwestern University, and the founder of Empowering Women in Law, a national organization aimed at preparing undergraduate students for law school.

Myriem Boukadida (Tunisia)

Myriem Boukadida walks for Georges Hobeika Spring 2026 Couture

Myriam Boukadida represents Tunisia’s growing influence within the ecosystem of Arab models working internationally. The model and actress has basically become a fixture of Couture Week, walking for couture houses including Georges Hobeika and Tamara Ralph, among others. She has also appeared in fashion editorials for Vogue Arabia, Elle Arabia, and Schön!.

Nour Rizk (Lebanese)

Nour Rizk walks for David Koma Fall 2024 RTW

Lebanese models have long dominated regional fashion, and Nour Rizk continues that legacy. Her work spans beauty campaigns and runway appearances for Dior, David Koma, Richard Quinn, Ferragamo, and Giambattista Valli.

Shahed Elnakhlawy (Jordanian-Palestinian-Egyptian)

Shahed Elnakhlawy for Louboutin

A true blend of Levantine identities, Shahed’s look is strikingly versatile. She can embody classic Arabic beauty one moment and avant-garde cool the next, making her a favorite for editorial shoots. Brands she has worked with include Ralph Lauren, YSL Beauty, The Frankie Shop, and Guerlain.

Leyla Greiss (Egyptian)

Leyla Greiss for Balenciaga

With her sharp bone structure, hypnotic gaze, and quietly unsettling elegance, Leyla Greiss feels tailor-made for editorial high fashion. Her look leans unapologetically avant-garde, which explains why boundary-pushing houses like Balenciaga gravitate toward her. She has appeared in the brand’s shows and campaigns, as well as editorials for titles like British Vogue and Numéro Berlin, where stylists lean into her ability to embody something slightly otherworldly.

Mariam Abdallah (Egyptian)

Mariam Abdallah opens for KIMHĒKIM

Another rising Egyptian talent, Mariam Abdallah has appeared in regional campaigns and fashion shoots for Vogue Arabia and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, gradually building an international profile by recently opening shows for KIMHĒKIM during Paris Fashion Week and walking for Georges Hobeika.

Shanina Shaik (Saudi-Pakistani-Lithuanian-Australian)

Shanina Shaik walks for LaQuan Smith Fall 2024 RTW

A Victoria’s Secret veteran and global supermodel, Shanina Shaik brings Saudi heritage into mainstream Western fashion. Her career proves that Middle Eastern models can thrive at the highest commercial level without downplaying their background.

Taleedah Tamer (Saudi)

Taleedah Tamer for Miu Miu

Among emerging Saudi talent, Taleedah Tamer is gaining attention for her editorial work and distinctive presence. She represents a generation shaped by Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving cultural scene.

Rania Benchegra (Moroccan)

Rania Benchegra walks for Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall 2025

Discovered in Marrakech and later propelled onto the international stage after reaching the finals of Vogue’s 2023 Open Casting, her career has accelerated at runway speed ever since. She has walked for major houses including Louis Vuitton, Schiaparelli, Versace, and Elie Saab, while also appearing in campaigns for Calvin Klein and Miu Miu.

Sharon Rose (Palestinian)

Sharon Rose for Renaissance Renaissance

Born in Haifa to a Palestinian mother and an Irish-Swedish father, Sharon Rose represents a growing cohort of Arab models whose careers unfolded almost accidentally. By her own account, she never set out to enter the industry, yet her striking features quickly caught the attention of photographers and casting directors.

Azza Slimene (Tunisian)

Azza Slimene walks for Ashi Studio Spring 2019 Couture

Born and raised in Tunisia, Azza Slimene made her Paris Fashion Week debut in 2018. She went on to walk for brands like Chanel and Yohji Yamamoto, breaking boundaries as the first Arab model to do so.

Sarah Hawija (Palestinian-Syrian)

Sarah Hawija walks for Zomer Fall 2025 RTW

Born and raised in Sweden, the 23-year-old catwalker has been modeling since she was 15. Signed to modeling agencies across New York, London, Milan, Sydney, and Stockholm, the rising star to watch has walked for major labels such as Paloma Wool, Zomer, and Sandy Liang to name a few.

Ameni Esseibi (Tunisian)

Ameni Esseibi opens Weinsanto Spring 2026 RTW

The Dubai-based Tunisian model has become one of the most groundbreaking Arab faces in fashion. Widely recognized as the first Arab plus-size model to gain significant international traction, she has challenged long-standing industry norms around body image, representation, and who gets to occupy luxury spaces. Her achievements over the past few years have cemented her status as more than a symbolic figure. Esseibi was named Model of the Year at the inaugural Global Fashion Awards, she has also been appointed a Jean Paul Gaultier ambassador, and on the runway, she has become a fixture for Weinsanto at Paris Fashion Week.

Serena Sefyan (Lebanese-Armenian)

Serena Sefyan opens for Fendi Fall 2027 RTW

At just 20, Armenian-Lebanese model Serena Sefyan is already operating at a pace most careers take years to reach. Born and raised in Beirut and still based there, the Next Models signee has quietly built an international résumé in only two years, walking for Dries Van Noten, shooting a lookbook for Etro, and appearing in campaigns for Gucci. Her breakout moment came when she opened Fendi’s Fall 2027 show in Milan — a coveted first exit that immediately positioned her as one to watch.

MALE MODELS

While female talent has historically received more visibility, male Arab models are increasingly shaping menswear, editorial fashion, and commercial campaigns. Their rise signals a broader shift in how masculinity is represented in fashion: less rigid, more nuanced, often more expressive.

Ahmad Kontar (Syrian)

Ahmad Kontar for Hugo Boss

Born in Damascus and later building his career across Europe, Kontar has become a fixture in high-fashion editorials and runway shows, particularly for brands that favor strong, sculptural faces and emotionally restrained presence. He has walked for designers including Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto, and Ann Demeulemeester.

Ali Latif (Tunisian)

Ali Latif for Casablanca

Ali Latif has built a portfolio that spans luxury tailoring, editorial fashion, and commercial campaigns. He has appeared on runways and in presentations for brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, and Ermenegildo Zegna. His campaign work has ranged from fragrance and luxury accessories to ready-to-wear, highlighting his versatility.

Yoesry Detre (Moroccan-Belgian)

Yoesry Detre for Isabel Marant Spring 2026 RTW

Raised between cultures, Yoesry Detre carries the kind of visual ambiguity casting directors increasingly seek. He has walked for powerhouse houses including Louis Vuitton, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Isabel Marant, and Off-White. His campaign résumé is just as impressive. Detre has fronted projects for Loro Piana, Fendi, and Gucci, among other major brands.

Youssef Rocha (Moroccan)

Youssef Rocha walks for Louis Vuitton Fall 2026 Men’s

Youssef Rocha is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting Arab male faces on the international circuit. Signed to Premier Model Management, one of the world’s most influential agencies, Rocha has built momentum at remarkable speed, culminating in a nomination as a “Breakout Star” in the Models.com 2025 Model of the Year Awards— a distinction that often signals long-term global relevance rather than fleeting hype.

Abdallah El Farjani (Libyan-Sudanese)

Abdallah El Farjani walks for Louis Vuitton Spring 2026 Men’s

Abdallah El Farjani is one of the very few faces from Libya and Sudan to gain visibility on international runways, walking for Y-3, Toga, Wales Bonner, Undercover, Craig Green, and Kiko Kostadinov, among others. In an industry where North and Sub-Saharan African representation often remains uneven, his ascent feels significant.

Hedi Ben Tekaya (Tunisian-French)

Hedi Ben Tekaya walks for Paul Smith Fall 2025 Men’s

The French-Tunisian model, was nominated for Male Model of the Year in 2024. After winning the 2023 Readers’ Choice Breakout Men’s Star, Ben Tekaya continues his meteoric rise as one of fashion’s biggest names. He has walked for Louis Vuitton, Armani, and Jacquemus, and shot campaigns for Casablanca and Versace.

Walid Fiher (Moroccan-Italian)

Walid Fiher walks for Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2026 Men’s

The Moroccan catwalker joins Ben Tekaya in solidifying North African representation at the top of the industry. His CV includes Hermes, Bottega Veneta, Moncler, Balmain, and Ferragamo, among many others.

Takfarines Bengana (Algerian-French)

Takfarines Bengana walks for Boss Spring 2026 RTW

Born in France to Algerian heritage, Takfarines Bengana has worked with an impressive roster of luxury houses, including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Hermès, Lanvin, Dries Van Noten, Sacai, and Etro, speaking to a versatility few Arab models achieve early in their careers.

Karim Safi (Palestinian)

Karim Safi for Valentino

Karim Safi’s Palestinian identity carries cultural weight in an industry where representation from the region remains uneven. He has worked with an impressive lineup of global brands including Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Moncler, Rhude, and Dion Lee, appearing in runway shows, lookbooks, and campaigns that span traditional European luxury and modern, culture-driven labels.

Mohamed Hassan (Egyptian)

Mohamed Hassan walks for Zegna Fall 2026 RTW

The Egyptian model based in Amsterdam is certainly one to keep a close watch on. After making his runway debut for Virgil Abloh’s spring 2022 menswear collection for Louis Vuitton, Mohamed Hassan has gone on to work with Hermes, Dior, Rimowa, Casablanca, Etro, and Ferragamo, to name just them.

Qaher Harhash (Palestinian)

Qaher Harhash walks for Ahluwalia Spring 2026 RTW

Known as the first Palestinian male model (Yes, long before Anwar Hadid), Harhash paved a lane of his own. You’ll find his face in campaigns for Jean Paul Gaultier and Versace, and in the pages of 032c, Vogue, and GQ. And he’s only just getting started.

Nizar Talal (Moroccan)

Nizar Talal walks for AWGE Spring 2026 RTW

A rising staple on the fashion runways, Paris-based Arab model Nizar Talal has walked for top brands like Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Fendi, Jacquemus, and Dior.