The 9th Annual Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards (DIAFA) returned to Dubai Festival City’s Marsa Boulevard on November 25 and 26, 2025, bringing together a wide mix of Arab and international personalities for two evenings of recognition, performances, and red-carpet style.
Organized by Shine Entertainment and broadcast across OSN Plus, Al Kahera Wal Nas, and YouTube, the event welcomed attendees from more than 28 countries.
This year’s ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Abdelhalim Hafez, whose legacy guided the show’s tone and inspired several tributes throughout the night.
The red carpet maintained DIAFA’s reputation for polished glamour. Honourees and guests stepped onto the carpet in a mix of timeless formalwear and contemporary, fashion-forward cuts.
The ninth edition of DIAFA highlighted achievements across film, music, media, and global cultural impact. Some of the honourees included:
- Amina Khalil: Actress of the Year for her performance in Lam Shamsiya
- Anas Bukhash: Influential Personality of the Year
- Aoora: K-POP Artist of the Year
- Aser Yassin: Recognized for his ongoing contributions to Arab cinema
- Ghada Abdelrazek: Career Achievement Award
- İbrahim Çelikkol: Turkish Actor of the Year
- Jumana Mourad: Honoured for her acting contributions
- Oumaima Taleb: Honoured and performed following her award
- Vanco: Global Song of the Year “Ma Tnsani (Yalla Habibi)”
Following the ceremony, the official after-party took place at Babylon in DIFC, hosted in partnership with Esquire Middle East. Guests, honorees, and industry insiders gathered to continue the celebrations in a relaxed setting, rounding off DIAFA 2025 with music, conversation, and a stylish late-night atmosphere.
This year’s DIAFA continued its role as a key awards event spotlighting creativity and influence in the Arab world.
