Actors
This Oscar-winning actor is of Egyptian descent and his most notable roles include Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody and Elliot Alderson in the 2015 TV Show Mr. Robot.
Who is Rami Malek?
In Egypt, these ancient structures at Giza are the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.
What are the Pyramids of Giza?
Capital of Saudi Arabia, where one of the largest urban development plans are in place.
Where is Riyadh?
This Islamic holiday, marking the end of Ramadan, involves new clothes, sweets, and family visits.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
This word, used constantly across nearly every Arabic dialect, means "let's go" or "come on," and is often shouted to hurry someone along.
What is "yalla"?
This actress has deep Lebanese roots despite being Mexican-born and one of her breakthrough roles had her star as the titular character Frida Kahlo in the 2002 Film Frida. Other popular roles of hers include Ajak in Marvel’s Eternals and Carolina in Desperado.
Who is Salma Hayek?
In Jordan, this "Rose City" carved into rock was famously featured in an Indiana Jones movie.
What is Petra?
Capital of Iraq, it was once considered the intellectual center of the world and largest city on Earth, home to the famous House of Wisdom.
Where is Baghdad?
This holiday, observed about 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son and involves distributing meat to those in need.
What is Eid al-Adha?
Literally meaning "my love" in Arabic, this word is used casually among friends and family regardless of any romantic relationship — closer to "buddy" or "dear" in practice.
What is "habibi/habibti"?
This Egyptian born actor established himself in the world of cinema with his role as the titular character in the 2019 live-action Aladdin. In 2023, he became the host of a Canadian television show called Evolving Vegan which was based on his cookbook of the same name.
Who is Mena Massoud?
In Jerusalem, this golden-domed shrine sacred to Islam sits on the same hilltop compound as Al-Aqsa Mosque.
What is the Dome of the Rock?
Capital of Kuwait, notable for some of the hottest summers on the planet and its iconic Kuwait Towers.
Where is Kuwait City?
In Iran (and celebrated by many other communities across the region), this holiday marks the Persian New Year and the first day of spring, celebrated around a table called the "Haft-Sin."
What is Nowruz?
This word, meaning "I swear to God" in Arabic, gets dropped constantly in everyday conversation to emphasize you're telling the truth.
What is "wallah(i)"?
This late Egyptian actor began his career in the early 1950’s, and starred as the title character in Lawrence of Arabia and later in Doctor Zhivago.
Who is Omar Sharif?
In the UAE, this is currently the tallest building in the world, located in Dubai.
What is the Burj Khalifa?
Capital of Oman, stands out for a strict law against high rise buildings as to preserve the traditional architecture.
Where is Muscat?
Especially significant to Shia Muslims, this day of mourning commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at Karbala.
What is Ashura?
Said upon hearing good news or seeing something admirable — like a baby or a new car — this word wards off the evil eye by crediting the good fortune to God.
What is "mashallah"?
This actor is of Lebanese decent and his notable roles the titular character in the TV show Monk and Abe Weissman in The Marvelous Ms. Maisel. He was also awarded an Expatriate Medal by the Lebanese Government to honor his cultural connection and pride throughout his career.
Who is Tony Shalhoub?
In Saudi Arabia, Muslims ecomplete this holy pilgrimage to Mecca for Hajj where this landmark is in the center.
What is the Kabba?
Capital of Tunisa, which contains the UNESCO World Heritage Site, an officially recognized landmark with natural and cultural sites.
Where is Tunis?
This Islamic holiday celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
What is Mawlid (al-Nabi)?
This Levantine Arabic word means "enough" or "done," and gets used to shut down an argument, end a task, or insist a conversation is over.
What is "khalas"?