Balqees Fathi Like Never Before In Her Vogue Arabia Cover Debut
In her first-ever Vogue Arabia cover,Balqees Fathi unveils a bold new side of herself, one that transcends expectations and redefines modern Arab artistry. In a striking Prada look and a short wig that makes her almost unrecognizable, the multi-talented singer, performer, and entrepreneur commands the cover in a style never seen before.
As the star of Vogue Arabia’s April issue, Balqees shares her journey of reinvention. From breaking barriers as the first female artist to perform live in Saudi Arabia to sharing the stage with Andrea Bocelli and Alicia Keys, she has shattered stereotypes throughout her career. Now, she delves into the delicate balance of fame, motherhood, and personal growth. “It’s a delicate balance, but one that I’ll navigate with purpose and love, making sure that my success as an artist never overshadows my role as a mother.”Balqees shares with Vogue Arabia.
Celebrated for her fearless approach to music and fashion, Balqees has also earned admiration from industry icons, including Donatella Versace, who said exclusively to Vogue Arabia: “Balqees is stunning. She is so sure of herself, strong and gorgeous. She truly is a modern Versace woman.”
Reflecting on the significance of this groundbreaking cover, Manuel Arnaut, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue Arabia, states:“Over the years it was incredible to witness Balqees transformation from a celebrated regional singer to a global fashion force. She is an artist in every sense of the word, a woman of strength, passion, and reinvention. With this cover, she reminds us why she continues to inspire and lead, embodying the essence of what it means to be a modern Arab icon.”
This interview in the latest issue of Vogue Arabia offers an unfiltered glimpse into Balqees’ evolution, both as a global star and a woman embracing the next chapter of her life.
“My identity is a beautiful blend of Yemeni heritage and Emirati upbringing. Born and raised in Abu Dhabi with Emirati citizenship, I proudly represent the UAE. But I love singing in the Yemeni dialect. Yemeni culture is thousands of years old, so it offers rich musical inspiration.”
“As big as that wedding was, the divorce was just as big. It was an inevitable evil, but one that gave me strength.”
“That album was me telling my stories. That’s what got the public interested in my personal life.” (Hala Jadida, her album post-divorce, was deeply personal.)
“Balancing my musical career and personal life, especially as a female and a single mother, is a triple dose of work and pressure. It’s a delicate balance, but one that I’ll navigate with purpose and love, making sure that my success as an artist never overshadows my role as a mother.”
“I always ask myself, ‘What’s next, what would make you happy?’ I’ve done so much. The answer is always to go international, collaborating with names like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Ariana Grande, as well as K-pop groups like Black Pink.”
“I’m considering getting married and making a family again. I’m young, I’d love to have more kids and live the housewife life,” she reveals. Currently in a new relationship, she approaches this era with the wisdom gained from past experiences.
“My previous marriage taught me a lot of lessons, but the best thing to do is to move forward and learn from them.”
The full exclusive interview will be available in the April issue of Vogue Arabia magazine and is available now on Vogue Arabia’s website HERE.
