Emirati acting pioneer Raziqa Al Taresh dies aged 71
Al Taresh rose to prominence from her role on the Emirati comedy show Ish'hafan in 1978. Since then, she has featured in numerous television including Hayer Tayer and Tamasha.
Her career began in 1964, when at the age of 10, she appeared in his first television show titled Al Mara'a. At 15, she began working for a radio station in Abu Dhabi. She then moved into theatre work, acting in five stage plays between 1969 and 1979.
In 1976, she appeared in her first television series Al Shaqiqan, followed Al Qawas in the following year. But it was her role in the Ish'hafan that earned her acclaim and appreciation for the rest of her career.
Audiences in the UAE became accustomed to seeing Al Taresh on their screens every Ramadan, often depicting a caring but funny mother. Her warm style of comedy endeared her to multiple generations with every successful production.
Artists from across the Gulf have taken to social media to share tributes. Kuwaiti comedian Tareq Al Ali shared on X: 'The beloved and great Emirati star Raziqa Al Taresh, Umm Saif, has passed away to the mercy of Almighty God. Our condolences go to her family and to the esteemed artistic community in the United Arab Emirates.'
Emirati singer Ahlam shared a similar post, writing on X: "[We ask] the Almighty to have mercy on her, forgive her, grant her a place in His spacious gardens, and inspire patience and solace in her family, relatives, and fans.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Timeframe: When a 155 million-year-old dinosaur first roamed Dubai Mall
This weekend, film fans in the UAE will be heading to the cinema to watch the latest Jurassic World film, but those who want to get a closer look at a real dinosaur can do so in one of Dubai's biggest tourist attractions. On March 10, 2014, Dubai Mall might have felt more like Jurassic Park after a massive dinosaur skeleton was unveiled to the public at the mall's Grand Atrium, and it quickly became a popular attraction, garnering attention from residents and tourists alike. The 24.4 metres long and 7.6 metre-tall fossil from the late Jurassic Period was 90 per cent original. Skeleton displays of the dinosaur species, known to scientists as Diplodocus longus, usually only feature 30 per cent of original bones. The dinosaur remains were unveiled by Mohamed Alabbar, founding member and chairman of the mall's owner, Emaar. The remains of the creature, distinguished by its long tail, slender neck and very small head, were unearthed in 2008 at the Dana Quarry in central Wyoming, US. The specimen is of an adult female and was discovered in a resting position. Before arriving to Dubai, it was previously exhibited at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and acquired for Dubai Mall through Khalid Seddiq, founder of the Etihad Modern Art Gallery in Abu Dhabi. After the unveiling, a competition was announced to give the Dubai Mall dinosaur a name, with the winner getting a chance to travel to Jurassic Park at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. In June that year, Johara Al Bayedh, a bank manager from Saudi Arabia, was announced the winner for her suggestion, DubaiDino. 'I'm a big fan of dinosaurs and I had submitted three names,' Al Bayedh told The National after her win. 'I was so excited about this that I entered instantly, and knew I had to be one of the first ones. It's just amazing to have a giant dinosaur fossil in Dubai. It is not just educational, but will make people imagine how planet Earth used to function, and how the world was back then.' In August 2019, Emirates Auction announced that it would hold an auction to find DubaiDino a new home, seeking lovers of rare collectibles as potential new owners. The online auction began with a starting value of Dh14.6 million. Despite the auction, DubaiDino is still a resident of Dubai Mall. The fossil has since been moved from the Grand Atrium to a new location. It can now be found near the mall's ice rink.
Cosmopolitan ME
3 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan ME
Erm, if you wanna be a photographer then you ntk about this comp
In celebration of World Photography Day, Sony Middle East and Africa invites students across the UAE to capture the beauty in everyday, often-overlooked moments through its new Student Photography Competition, The Art of Noticing. From a stranger's passing glance to a quiet street corner, students are invited to turn the ordinary into visual stories. This competition is an invitation to share your perspective and contribute to a broader creative dialogue. Open to all students in the UAE, regardless of field of study, skill level, or choice of device, the initiative champions creativity over clout. Supplied Entries can be submitted at: Competition highlights: Theme: The Art of Noticing – capturing beauty in life's subtle, often overlooked moments. The Art of Noticing – capturing beauty in life's subtle, often overlooked moments. Eligibility: UAE-based students, 18 years or older, enrolled in any educational institution (including online programs). UAE-based students, 18 years or older, enrolled in any educational institution (including online programs). Experience level: Open to all, from beginners to emerging creators. Open to all, from beginners to emerging creators. Awards: Three winners will receive Sony camera gears Three winners will receive Sony camera gears Student benefit: 15% discount on Sony products via Sony World. 15% discount on Sony products via Sony World. Exposure: All submitted works will be featured on the Sony World website. All submitted works will be featured on the Sony World website. Entry period: 1 July to 31 July 2025. Looking for some photo tips? Click here to learn how to slay low-light snaps with your iPhone.
UAE Moments
3 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Emirati Actress, Raziqa Al Taresh, Dies Aged 71
Raziqa Al Taresh, a revered figure in Emirati arts and a pioneer of local television and theatre, has passed away at the age of 71. Her career began in 1964 when, at just 10 years old, she debuted on television with Al Mara'a before transitioning to radio at age 15 with Abu Dhabi Radio. Between 1969 and 1979, she appeared in five landmark stage productions—a time when Emirati theatre was still in its infancy. In the mid-1970s, Al Taresh played key roles in early television series such as Al Shaqiqan (1976) and Al Qawas (1977), but it was her breakout performance in the 1978 comedy show Ish'hafan that solidified her status. Known for portraying warm, humorous maternal figures during Ramadan, she became a cherished part of UAE households, appearing in popular series like Hayer Tayer and Tamasha. Her passing has prompted heartfelt tributes from Gulf peers. Kuwaiti comedian Tareq Al Ali wrote on social media: 'The beloved and great Emirati star Raziqa Al Taresh, Umm Saif, has passed away… Our condolences go to her family and the esteemed artistic community in the United Arab Emirates.'
