Dr. Ashraf Zaki, head of the Actors Syndicate in Egypt, put an end to the widespread controversy that recently arose regarding the health condition of the veteran artist Abla Kamel, and the truth about her final retirement from art, in televised statements that put an end to the rumors circulating on social media platforms.

The truth about Abla Kamel's serious illness

In a decisive response to reports claiming that actress Abla Kamel's health had deteriorated and that she was suffering from a serious illness, the head of the Actors' Syndicate categorically denied these rumors. Zaki emphasized that he knew nothing about these claims, stressing that her recent appearance in a Ramadan advertisement was clear evidence of her stable health, as she appeared to be in good health, reassuring her large fan base in Egypt and the Arab world.

Insistence on distancing oneself and refusal to return

Regarding her return to the art scene, Ashraf Zaki revealed details of his ongoing communication with the "Queen of Spontaneity," explaining that he tried to persuade her to reconsider her decision to step away from the spotlight on more than one occasion, but she met these attempts with firm refusal. He indicated that Abla Kamel currently prefers to enjoy her private life away from the limelight and cameras, adhering to her decision to remain in the shadows after a career brimming with contributions.

A noble stance: refusing honors and financial support

In a related context, the head of the syndicate revealed a poignant aspect of the renowned artist's character, explaining that she declined all official honors at art festivals. She also categorically refused any form of financial or medical support, whether from the syndicate or other entities, affirming her conviction that her income should be solely the product of her own efforts—a stance that further enhances the public's respect for her.

Clarification regarding Ramadan advertising fees

Zaki addressed the astronomical figures circulating regarding her fee for the recent advertisement, denying the accuracy of those exaggerated sums. He emphasized that her participation involved minimal effort and was compensated fairly, contrary to what some pages had claimed, thus confirming that she prioritizes preserving her artistic integrity over financial gain.

An enduring artistic career and an indelible influence

The public's interest in news about Abla Kamel stems from her exceptional place in the history of Egyptian drama. She left an indelible mark through iconic roles, most notably her portrayal of Fatima Koshary in the series "I Will Not Live in My Father's Robe," her role in "Raya and Sakina," and the "Silsal El Dam" series. Despite her absence from the screen, Abla Kamel remains a powerful presence in popular culture and across social media platforms, where her facial expressions and lines of dialogue have become "icons" shared by the younger generation, reflecting an artistic influence that transcends mere physical presence on screen.

In a cultural scene reflecting the depth of belonging to the roots, and coinciding with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s celebrations of its precious national occasions, the Renaissance Association revived the old Najdi folk heritage known as “Al-Hawamah,” in a huge celebration that blended the authenticity of the past with the aspirations of the future, aiming to instill the values ​​of national identity in the hearts of the emerging generations.

Al-Hawamah: A Window into the History of Fathers and Grandfathers

“Al-Hawamah” is one of the most prominent traditional social customs in the Najd region of central Saudi Arabia. It was a festive ritual preceding Eid, during which children would roam the alleyways of old neighborhoods chanting special songs, asking their neighbors for sweets and simple gifts. This tradition is not merely a recreational activity; it carries profound social significance, strengthening neighborly bonds and social solidarity. This is what Al-Nahda Association sought to revive through this event, introducing the new generation to the simple yet value-filled lives of their ancestors.

Linking the present to the past on the founding day

The CEO of Al-Nahda Association, Muzna Al-Omair, explained that reviving the "Hawamah" festival this year coincided with the celebration of the association's founding day, stemming from its firm belief in the importance of taking pride in Saudi history and authentic cultural identity. Al-Omair noted that the association makes it a point to provide a range of community services annually, as the holy month of Ramadan and the Eid holidays approach, starting with providing Eid clothing and culminating in activities that bring joy to children. She emphasized that "Hawamah" has returned to serve as a bridge connecting children to their history.

Heritage events and economic empowerment

The event did not stop at chanting, but transformed the association's halls into a vibrant heritage square, which included:

• Traditional games: such as the game of “tug of war”, which brought back the physical enthusiasm of children away from electronic games.
• The storyteller's corner: where stories from the Saudi heritage were narrated to reinforce noble values.
• The Good Old Shop: which showcased sweets and old products, along with handicrafts such as henna engraving and Sadu weaving.

In the context of economic empowerment, the association allocated spaces for beneficiaries to display their products. Dr. Muzna emphasized that supporting productive families and giving them the opportunity to showcase the quality of their work is a fundamental pillar in the association’s strategy to move towards self-reliance, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Effective community partnership

The event witnessed remarkable community solidarity, as the association appreciated the efforts of its partners in success, including Kudu Restaurant and Tim Hortons for providing food support, in addition to the outstanding voluntary participation of students from Oasis of Knowledge Schools in operating the heritage corners, and members of the Student Club “Kas” from Alfaisal University, who contributed their efforts in organizing the event and bringing joy to the hearts of visitors, reflecting the spirit of social responsibility among institutions and Saudi youth.