Radiant Saudi star Fatima Al Sherif graces the cover of Éclat Saudi Arabia’s Summer 2026 issue, in an exceptional feature that coincides with her steady and impressive strides within the Arab entertainment and drama sector. In this comprehensive, exclusive interview, Al Sherif opens her heart to discuss the milestones of her artistic journey and the details of her latest global successes.
Few careers evolve with the organic nature that has characterized the journey of the Saudi star. Before stepping into the spotlight, she built her professional life as a social worker—a role deeply rooted in empathy, understanding, and human connection. Reflecting on this foundational beginning, Al Sherif affirms:
“Those years didn’t simply precede my acting career; they became the foundation of it.”
Her experience working closely with people sharpened her emotional intelligence and gave her a remarkable ability to understand complex personalities. Today, those qualities are reflected in every character she portrays, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to the screen.
Fatima’s transition into acting marked the beginning of a steady and impressive rise within the Saudi entertainment industry. Through carefully chosen roles and consistently compelling performances, she has established herself as one of the leading faces of Saudi drama. As Saudi cinema and television continue to gain international recognition, Al Sherif has become one of the actresses helping shape this exciting new chapter, representing a generation capable of telling authentic local stories while connecting with audiences far beyond the region.
Behind the Scenes of Love in Slow Motion
In her latest artistic milestone defining the Summer 2026 scene, Fatima captivated viewers with her performance in the Netflix film Love in Slow Motion, expanding her artistic journey and demonstrating her ability to move seamlessly between television and film. Speaking about this prominent project on a global platform, she shares:
“I’m delighted to be part of this film, as it marks an important milestone in my acting career. The film is produced by Eagle Films, written by Iyad Saleh, and directed by Elie Semaan. It premiered on Netflix and has received an incredible response from audiences, which makes me especially happy. It is also my first project to be released on a global platform like Netflix, making the experience even more meaningful.”
Despite this tangible success, Al Sherif admits she felt a bit of hesitation at first, explaining:
“At first, I did feel a little hesitant because it was my first time working with Nour Al Ghandour, Ali Kakooli, Noha Nabil, and Shoug Al Hadi. However, from our very first meeting, I was welcomed by an atmosphere of warmth, collaboration, and mutual respect. Any hesitation quickly disappeared, and we became one team, working together in complete harmony.”
Describing her collaboration with director Elie Semaan, Al Sherif speaks with admiration:
“It was a wonderful experience. Elie Semaan gave every actor the opportunity to contribute their own vision of the character during the preparation process, which created a strong sense of understanding among the cast. He is an intelligent director with a clear creative vision and a meticulous eye for detail, qualities that are reflected in every scene of the film.”
As for the collaborative teamwork and behind-the-scenes atmosphere, she describes it by saying:
“I truly enjoyed working with everyone. The cast was incredibly humble, supportive, and collaborative, especially Nour Al Ghandour, Ali Kakooli, and Shoug Al Hadi. It felt as though we had known each other for years, and that genuine chemistry translated naturally onto the screen. Filming in Abu Dhabi was also one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had, with stunning locations—especially the island where part of the story takes place, which added a unique atmosphere enhancing both the visual beauty and the emotional tone of many scenes.”
A Character Pulsing with Culture and Diversity
Regarding the details of the character she plays, Fatima explains the nature of her role:
“I play the aunt of the characters portrayed by Nour Al Ghandour and Shoug Al Hadi. She is an unmarried woman who takes on the responsibility of raising her late sister’s two daughters after their mother’s passing. Despite her responsibilities, she is deeply invested in her appearance and likes to think of herself as being close to them in age, which creates many heartwarming and humorous family moments throughout the story. One of the aspects I love most about the film is its authentic cultural diversity: my character speaks in the Saudi dialect, while Nour Al Ghandour and Shoug Al Hadi speak in the Kuwaiti dialect, adding realism to the relationships and reflecting our region’s diversity in a natural and engaging way.”
Fatima Al Sherif concludes her appearance on the cover of Éclat Saudi Arabia’s Summer 2026 issue by emphasizing that her artistic journey has only just begun, remaining eager to explore characters that challenge conventions and reveal new dimensions that audiences have yet to discover. In her closing remarks, she expresses special gratitude:
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to producer Jamal Sanan and executive producer Joelle Bitar for their dedication to every aspect of the production and for creating the best possible environment for the entire cast and crew. Jamal Sanan’s regular visits to the set reflected the professionalism and care that define Eagle Films. That commitment to excellence is undoubtedly one of the reasons behind the company’s continued success and the high quality of its productions.”
