Lebanese singer Yara announced as UNICEF’s new regional ambassador

Yara started her musical career in 1998 after winning the television talent competition “Kass El-Noujoum.” (Instagram)
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Updated 29 December 2020
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Lebanese singer Yara announced as UNICEF’s new regional ambassador

DUBAI: Lebanese pop singer Yara has been appointed by UNICEF as the regional ambassador for the Middle East and North Africa, the humanitarian aid organization shared this week on their Instagram account.  

“I am just delighted to receive this appointment with UNICEF,” Yara said in a released statement. “I look forward to working with my friends at UNICEF to advance children’s issues across the region.”

The ceremony was held on an online video conference. 

In her new role, the star will focus on UNICEF’s efforts to supply more people with credible information related to COVID-19 and related health and prevention measures, the organization said. 

Yara started her musical career in 1998 after winning the television talent competition “Kass El-Noujoum.”

In 2006, she joined singer Fadl Shaker in a duet called “Khedni Ma’ak.” In 2009, she joined Jean-Marie Riachi for the album “Belaaks” with the song “Shefto min biid” (“I Saw Him”) in Lebanese dialect.

So far, she has released six albums with songs in different dialects in Arabic, making her extremely popular in different parts of the region. 

She joins a long list of celebrities, including Palestinian-Dutch model Gigi Hadid, Egyptian couple Ahmed Helmi and Mona Zaki, actress Salma Abu Deif, Lebanese model Jessica Kahawaty and many more who are also ambassadors for the organization.


Imaan Hammam shines in bridesmaid mode

Updated 29 December 2025
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Imaan Hammam shines in bridesmaid mode

  • Attends wedding of best friend and model Cindy Bruna

DUBAI: Supermodel Imaan Hammam recently attended the wedding of her best friend and fellow supermodel Cindy Bruna, who tied the knot with former basketball star and actor Blondy Baruti in an intimate ceremony in Paris.

Bruna, a French-Congolese model best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret and major fashion houses, married in a private celebration attended by close friends and family. She wore a custom gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam)

Hammam was a part of the bridal party, serving as one of Bruna’s bridesmaids. The Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian model wore a long, maroon-red gown with a sleeveless silhouette.

The dress was paired with matching elbow-length gloves in the same deep red shade, creating a coordinated and striking look that stood out but was in keeping with the formal event.

On Instagram she posted images with the caption: “Most special weekend celebrating my sis and Blondy. The most beautiful bride … truly. My heart is so full. We danced, we laughed, and we loved every moment.”

The floor-length gown featured clean lines and a streamlined cut, allowing the rich color to take centerstage. Hammam kept her styling minimal, letting the dress and gloves do most of the work.

Hammam and Bruna have been close friends for years, frequently appearing together at fashion events and on international runways.

Hammam is one of the most in-demand models in the industry. She was scouted in Amsterdam’s Centraal Station before making her catwalk debut in 2013 by walking in Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture show. 

Hammam has appeared on the runway for Burberry, Fendi, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Balenciaga and Carolina Herrera. And starred in international campaigns, including for DKNY, Celine, Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani and Tiffany & Co.

Earlier this year, she launched Ayni, an archival platform dedicated to preserving and celebrating Arab artistic expression from her perspective.

“For me, it’s always been so much deeper than just fashion. It is about staying connected to my roots, telling stories that move me and shining a light on the voices that need to be heard.”

She said her hope for Ayni is for it to grow beyond a personal vision and become a “real community.”