Dina Shihabi, a renowned Saudi Arabian actress, has established a successful career in the United States.
Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dina was raised in a multicultural environment, having spent her formative years in Saudi Arabia, Beirut, and Dubai. Her early exposure to dance began at the tender age of six, and by 13, she was taking dance lessons from the esteemed Sharmilla Kamte, a dance teacher at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre Chaloub Studio, affectionately known as the "dancing queen" of the United Arab Emirates.
Dina's dance skills soon led her to become a member of her modern professional dance team. Her academic journey took her to various schools in Dubai, including Al Mawakeb School, Emirates International School, and Dubai American Academy. She actively participated in numerous school plays, and her teacher, Nancy Mock, encouraged her to pursue a career in acting.
At the age of 18, Dina made the bold decision to relocate to New York City in 2007, marking the beginning of her journey as a professional actress. She dedicated herself full-time to her craft in 2010. In 2011, she received acceptance letters from both Juilliard and The Graduate Acting Program at NYU Tisch School for the Arts. Although she did not complete a traditional four-year Bachelor's degree, having attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, an Acting Conservatory, from 2008 to 2010, NYU waived the requirement, and she graduated with her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in 2014.
Dina Shihabi's achievements are a testament to her talent and perseverance. She is the first Middle East-born woman to be accepted to both the Juilliard and NYU Graduate Acting programs, paving the way for future generations of Middle Eastern women in the entertainment industry.
