A state of anxiety and anticipation prevailed in the artistic community and among the fans and admirers of the Egyptian star Mai Ezz El-Din , following the sudden announcement of the deterioration of her health condition and her undergoing an urgent surgical operation that required her transfer to the intensive care unit to closely monitor her health condition.

Details of her health condition and her husband's message

Ahmed Taymour revealed details of her recent health crisis, explaining on his official Instagram account that her ordeal began about two weeks before the start of Ramadan. Taymour indicated that Mai had been hospitalized for approximately a week to receive necessary care and prepare for surgery, saying, "Mai has been unwell for two weeks before Ramadan. She was admitted to the hospital a week ago and underwent surgery today. She is currently in intensive care. Please pray for her recovery." This news sparked a wave of sympathy and heartfelt prayers from her colleagues in the entertainment industry and her large fan base.

Withdrawal from the Ramadan 2026 race

This health setback comes at a critical time, as Mai Ezz El-Din was preparing to participate in the 2026 Ramadan television season with a series titled "Before and After ." However, her health condition and her desire to present artistic content befitting her history and standing with the public led her to make the decision to withdraw at the last minute. Reports confirmed that her wish to avoid rushing and deliver a well-rounded project was the primary motivation behind this decision, especially since Ramadan series require significant physical and mental exertion.

Cast of the postponed series

The series "Before and After" was set to bring together a distinguished group of Egyptian drama stars, making it one of the most eagerly anticipated productions. The cast, alongside Mai Ezz El-Din, included Hani Adel, Mahmoud Abdel-Moghni, the veteran actress Sawsan Badr, Reem El-Baroudi, Laila Ezz El-Arab, Iman El-Sayed, and Emad Ziada . The series was written by the acclaimed writer Mohamed Soliman Abdel-Malek and directed by Morcos Adel, both of whom boast a long and successful track record in television drama.

Mai Ezz El-Din's status and the impact of her absence

The absence of Mai Ezz El-Din from the screen, whether due to illness or project postponements, is a significant event in the Egyptian and Arab artistic scene, given her widespread popularity and unique talent that has enabled her to excel in romantic, comedic, and complex social roles. The public has grown accustomed to her strong and impactful presence, which is why news of her illness has dominated search engines and social media platforms. Fans have been eager to write messages of support and wishes for a speedy recovery to the "Princess of Egyptian Drama," hoping for her swift return to her artistic activities and to continue entertaining them with her distinctive work.

The renowned Egyptian actress Elham Shaheen once again topped search engines and social media platforms following a series of candid statements revealing previously hidden and sensitive aspects of her personal and marital life. These revelations came during her appearance on the program "Between the Lines" with journalist Yomna Badrawi, where the Egyptian star opened up to the public, speaking with unprecedented candor about the conditions of her marriage and her crucial decisions regarding motherhood.

The condition of "infallibility" and second marriage

In a revelation that surprised many, Elham Shaheen confirmed that in one of her marriages, she agreed to be a second wife, but only under one exceptional condition guaranteeing her complete freedom: that she retain divorce . She justified this condition by stating her desire to have the power to end the relationship and separate at any moment she felt uncomfortable or unstable, without having to navigate the complexities of traditional divorce proceedings.

Shaheen explained that her husband agreed to this difficult condition due to his deep attachment to her, but the relationship was short-lived. She indicated that a lack of understanding and differing personalities hastened the decision to separate, which came as a shock to her husband. He tried to reconcile, but ultimately divorced her to preserve his pride as an Eastern man. She even received threats after realizing he had made significant concessions to be with her.

The price of fame: abortion and the lost dream of motherhood

Ilham Shaheen's candor didn't stop at discussing marriage; she delved into a more sensitive and painful area: her decision to forgo motherhood. The actress confessed to having two abortions ; the first during her first marriage, and the second during her subsequent marriage. She attributed this difficult decision to her lack of marital stability, her fear of raising children in a troubled and stressful environment, and her desire not to sacrifice her artistic career.

Ilham revealed the bitter internal conflict she endured between her innate desire to be a mother and her professional ambitions and fear of failing as a parent. She mentioned that her mother suffered deep sorrow because of these decisions, as she longed to have grandchildren. She also noted that her first husband tried to force her to retire from acting and devote herself to the home and children, which she categorically refused, prioritizing her career over her married life, ultimately leading to their divorce.

Public debate and the impact of statements

These statements bring renewed attention to sensitive issues in Arab society, where discussions about "women's right to divorce" and "voluntary abortion" are taboo subjects rarely addressed so openly by public figures. Ilham Shaheen is one of the most prominent actresses of her generation, known for her bold stances and staunch defense of women's freedom and independence, both through her film roles that tackled important social issues and through her personal opinions.

The interview sparked a sharp division of opinions. While some in the audience saw her candor as reflecting strength of character and a realistic approach to difficult life choices, others considered her statements shocking and contrary to prevailing norms, particularly regarding the issue of abortion. What remains certain is that Elham Shaheen continues to be a formidable figure in the artistic and media landscape, consistently capable of igniting debates about the complex relationship between art and private life.

In a remarkable gesture that captivated millions, global pop icon Shakira surprised her fans in Egypt and the Arab world with a spontaneous video she posted on her official Instagram account, in which she spoke Arabic with remarkable fluency, announcing her great enthusiasm for her upcoming concert at the foot of the ancient Giza Pyramids on April 7.

The Colombian star of Lebanese descent appeared in the video with a radiant smile, addressing her Egyptian fans directly in a charming Arabic accent: "Hello and welcome, I'm Shakira, I'm so happy to be performing in Egypt, in Giza and at the Pyramids, I love you all." She concluded her message with an air kiss, sparking a wave of positive reactions on social media platforms, where users shared the clip widely, praising the star's appreciation for her Arab audience and her eagerness to connect with them in their native language.

This concert is of particular importance as it marks Shakira's historic return to Egypt after a long absence of nearly 19 years. In 2007, Shakira performed for the first time in front of the Pyramids in a legendary concert that remains etched in the memory of the Egyptian public. Today, she returns at the peak of her artistic maturity as part of her new world tour, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour," inspired by her latest album, which achieved phenomenal global success.

From an organizational standpoint, the concert is being held in collaboration with Venture Lifestyle and has witnessed unprecedented public demand. Organizers announced that tickets for the first three stages (Wave 1, 2, and 3) sold out immediately upon release, reflecting the immense eagerness of the Egyptian and Arab public to attend this exceptional event. The concert is expected to blend the allure of Pharaonic history with the vibrancy of Latin music, featuring hits like "Hips Don't Lie" and "Waka Waka" resonating under the Cairo sky.

In a broader context, hosting such international events in the Giza Pyramids area is a strategic step that enhances Egypt's position on the global leisure tourism map. In recent years, the pyramids area has become a preferred destination for A-list celebrities from around the world, directly contributing to the promotion of Egyptian tourism and conveying a sophisticated image of Egypt's ability to organize major artistic events, thus linking the richness of its history with the modernity of contemporary art.

It is worth noting that Shakira has always expressed her pride in her Arab roots, which adds a special emotional character to her concerts in the Arab region, where the audience considers her one of them, and not just a visiting international star, which promises an unforgettable artistic night in the history of concerts in Egypt.