Fatima Al-Banawi named Montblanc brand ambassador

Fatima Al-Banawi is a Saudi actress and director. (AFP)
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Updated 05 September 2025
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Fatima Al-Banawi named Montblanc brand ambassador

  • Saudi’s Al-Banawi is an acclaimed actress, director
  • Debut feature ‘Basma’ on Netflix making headlines

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia actress and director Fatima Al-Banawi is now the brand ambassador for Montblanc.

The star recently shared pictures on her Instagram profile posing with products from the brand, including writing instruments, leather goods and accessories.

In the images, she is seen in different settings: holding a pen and notebook while seated on a cushioned chair; and dressed in a trench coat with a notebook and leather backpack beside her.

She is also pictured at a desk with postcards, a fountain pen, and leather stationery items; and standing by a window wearing a blazer while carrying a leather portfolio and wearing a watch.

This marks another major brand collaboration for Al-Banawi, who previously appeared in Estee Lauder’s 2023 campaign “Together We Shine,” celebrating Arab women.

Al-Banawi first gained prominence for her role in the 2016 drama “Barakah Meets Barakah.” She also starred in the Egyptian Netflix series “Paranormal.”

In 2020, she directed her first short film, “Until We See Light.” That same year, she co-wrote, co-directed and starred in “Al-Shak,” a Shahid Original series, which she shot fully from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She has been making headlines recently for her film “Basma,” which premiered on Netflix in June.

The movie marks Al-Banawi’s debut as a feature film director. She also wrote the screenplay, contributed an original song to the soundtrack, and played the lead.

The film follows a young Saudi woman who returns to her hometown of Jeddah after two years studying in the US, only to discover that her parents have divorced without telling her.

The story explores her emotional reckoning with the past, including her father’s mental illness and the impact it had on the family. The role of her father, Dr. Adly, is played by Yasir Al-Sasi.

As she reconnects with her family, Basma is distraught to learn that her beloved father has moved out — and worse, that most of the family members are reluctant to visit him.

Convinced that all he needs is the love and care of family, she decides to move in with him, defying the advice of her mother Hind (Shaima), brother Waleed (Tared Sindi), and uncle Hamza (Mohammed Essam).

The reunion turns out to be quite challenging.


Celebrities promote Palestinian aid song ‘Lullaby’

Updated 14 December 2025
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Celebrities promote Palestinian aid song ‘Lullaby’

DUBAI: British pop star Leigh-Anne Pinnock took to social media this week to promote “Lullaby,” which the Together for Palestine charity is trying to propel to the Christmas No. 1 spot in the UK chart to raise money for the people of Palestine.

Pinnock is featured on the track, alongside Palestinian singer Nai Barghouti, Celeste, Dan Smith from Bastille, Lana Lubany, the London Community Gospel Choir, Mabel, Nadine Shah and Neneh Cherry

The song is an adaptation of a Palestinian lullaby called “Yamma Mwel El Hawa” and it carries a message about demanding dignity.

“It has a very special place for a lot of people,” Barghouti recently told The Guardian. “It’s basically saying that I would rather die in dignity than live a life without freedom. That’s the main theme of the song, we want to live a dignified life that we deserve as Palestinians, where we can share the beauty of our identity.”

The track was recorded after the sold out Together for Palestine concert, held at Wembley Arena in September.

“Lullaby” is produced by Kieran Brunt, Benji B and Henri Davies and features a mix of the original Arabic lyrics with English additions written by Peter Gabriel.

Pinnock took to Instagram on Saturday to promote the song, saying:  “Honoured to be a part of the new charity single ‘Lullaby,’ out now. Watch the official video, directed by Lina Makoul.

“Shot across different parts of Palestine, including Gaza, it draws viewers closer to Palestine and Palestinians — reminding them of the beauty of the land and the resilience of its communities.

“We have sold over 11,000 downloads of ‘Lullaby’ already in the race for Christmas No. 1. This is our message of hope and solidarity to the place where the Christmas story began.”

Profits from the sale of the track will go to the Together for Palestine Fund operated by the platform Choose Love, which will then distribute the proceeds to Palestinian charities.