Soheir Zaki Dies at 81

Prominent former Egyptian belly dancer Soheir Zaki passed away on Saturday at the age of 81 after a battle with illness, leaving a legacy that remains deeply woven into the golden era of Egyptian cinema. 

Prior to her death, Zaki had suffered a severe health crisis for months, experiencing severe dehydration and respiratory complications, which necessitated her admission to the intensive care unit and placement on a ventilator.

Born on January 4, 1945, Zaki is one of the most prominent belly dancers of the 1960s and 70s. She was dubbed by the former president of Egypt, Anwar Sadat, as the "Om Kalthoum of dance."

Umm Kulthum Kalthoum was the legendary Egyptian singer and songwriter, one of the most famous and influential figures in Arabic music to this date.

Zaki’s love for dance began early, entering the profession at just nine years old. Her passion and talent quickly set her apart, paving the way for a remarkable career that flourished throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

Over the years, she earned a distinguished status and was famously dubbed “the dancer of presidents and kings.” Her performances graced high-profile events, including weddings of the children of late Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. 

She also performed in front of global figures such as U.S. President Richard Nixon, Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba, and the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Throughout her career, she participated in more than 50 films, combining acting and dancing, before retiring in the early 1990s. Since then, Zaki has disappeared from the spotlight and the cameras, preferring a quiet private life away from the clamor of the showbiz scene.