PM Appoints Ashraf Zaki as Academy of Arts' President

Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly has officially appointed Dr. Ashraf Zaki as president of the Academy of Arts, according to a presidential decree.

Minister of Culture Dr. Enas Abdel Dayem had temporarily appointed Dr. Zaki last year as the president of the Academy of Arts, following the retirement of Dr. Ahlam Younis, the former president of the academy.

He also currently serves as the Head of Actors' Syndicate. Dr. Zaki was elected in March as head of the syndicate by acclamation, after the exclusion of his only rival theater actor, Shady Makrama, after a number of appeals were raised against him.

Stars Samy Maghawry, Ehab Fahmy, Afaf Rashad, Ashraf Tolba, Nehal Anbar, Mostafa Haggag was elected as the new council members.

Zaki, born on December 29, 1960, is an Egyptian actor and Theater director. He is the brother of actress Magda Zaki.

He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Commerce from Cairo University, Department of Business Administration, and then joined the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts.

Zaki served in many position including, Assistant Professor in the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in the Academy of Arts, and Member of the Directors Board of " Egyptian Media Production City.

He began his career as an actor through TV series such as "My Aunt Safiya and the Monastery", "The Republic of Zifta", and "Umm Kulthum".

Zaki participated in several movies with small roles such as "Eyal Habiba", "Elwatar", “Elragol Elghamed Besalamto".

The 58-year-old actor is married to actress Rogena, and have two daughters, Maya and Marym.