Biography
Yousra is Egypt’s most renowned multi-faceted celebrity who has left an indelible mark on the Egyptian film industry over the past few decades. Since the 1970s, Yousra starred in some of the most important films in the history of Egyptian cinema. Her roles in films and TV series are trailblazing and continue to influence and inspire generations.
Named one of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Arab Women and a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (The Oscars®) in recognition of her rich cinematic history, Yousra has received over 80 awards, certificates of appreciation, from international film festivals all over the world. She also shone brightly in the world of music, as well, with several chart-toppers under her belt, including Abu’s hit song 3 DAQAT.
No stranger to fashion, she was Christian Dior's Middle East ambassador. Many of Yousra’s dresses were tailored by international fashion designers like Stéphane Rolland, Elie Saab, and Zuhair Murad. Yousra’s exquisite taste in fashion also qualified her to be a judge in various fashion shows, such as the Arab world version of the famous reality TV show Project Runway Middle East, alongside Elie Saab.
Yousra is a true master of her trade. For many of her fans, her roles with the legendary superstar Adel Emam are the closest to their hearts. The duo worked together in 17 films with sweeping box-office success, the last of which was in the 2009 hit BOBBOS. She also over nine collaborations with the late screenwriter Wahid Hamed, starring in hallmark Egyptian TV shows and blockbusters such as THE YACOUBIAN BUILDING, TERRORISM AND KEBAB, and BIRDS OF DARKNESS.
She also starred opposite the late veteran actor Ahmed Zaki in five films and appeared in Youssef Chahine’s films such as ALEXANDRIA… NEW YORK, ALEXANDRIA AGAIN AND FOREVER, and ALEXANDRIA… WHY?. Additionally, she starred alongside renowned international Egyptian actor Omar El Sharif and superstar Amr Diab in LAUGHTER, GAMES, SERIOUSNESS AND LOVE.
A crowd favorite on the smaller screen, Yousra’s TV drama starred in several highly successful series, including KHEYANET AHD — which won her the DG Best Actress award and received the DG Best Series at the Dear Guest Awards — and AHLAM SA’EEDA.
Most recently, the renowned star received the well-warranted Omar El Sherif Award at the first edition of the Arab Golden Globes. She also took part in the play EL SHATER during the 2024 Riyadh Season alongside Ahmed Ezz.
Aside from her acting work, Yousra graced the cover of Harper's Bazaar Arabia for the September 2023 issue. She was honored at the opening ceremony of the second edition of the RSIFF, receiving the GOLD YUSR Honorary Award for her exceptional career.
