Turki Al-Sheikh & Farouk Hosni: Joy Awards 2026 Moment

Written by: Marwan Al-Tayeb

09:48 PM17/01/2026

Riyadh hosted a glittering festivity Saturday evening as former Egyptian Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the sixth annual Joy Awards. The event, brimming with stars from across the entertainment world, saw Counselor Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General entertainment Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, personally bestow the honor upon Hosni.

A Heartfelt Recognition for a cultural Icon

The Joy Awards celebrated Hosni’s enduring legacy and impact on the arts.

Al-Sheikh emphasized the significance of the moment, noting it marked Hosni’s first trip in five years. Visibly moved, Al-Sheikh kissed Hosni’s head in front of the applauding audience, stating, “The first time he has traveled in 5 years, and the Lifetime Achievement Award honors him.”

The ceremony drew a constellation of prominent figures, including Egyptian stars Yousra, Fifi Abdo, Hassan Al-Raddad, Mai Omar, Hana al-Zahed, Nicole Saba, Bushra, Hanan Mutawa, and Nadia El Gendy.Bollywood icon Shahrukh Khan also graced the event, alongside media personality Wafaa Al-Kilani and her husband, actor Tim Hassan. International stars Millie Bobby Brown and Heather Graham added to the global appeal, as did Lebanese artists Nancy Ajram and Saba Mubarak, and Syrian actor Duraid Lahham, and iman Al-Assi and Hani Ramzy.

The Joy Awards aim to recognize both Arab and international stars for their contributions to entertainment over the past year, while also acknowledging individuals who have played a pivotal role in the development of the art industry.

What exactly are the Joy Awards? These annual awards, presented by the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, celebrate excellence in the entertainment industry, recognizing both regional and international talent.

Did you know? Farouk Hosni served as Egypt’s minister of Culture for a decade, from 2004 to 2011, overseeing significant cultural initiatives and promoting Egyptian arts internationally.

pro tip The Joy Awards are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and boost its entertainment sector.

reader question The event’s growing international appeal suggests Saudi Arabia is becoming a major hub for entertainment and cultural exchange in the region.

• Farouk Hosni received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Joy Awards in Riyadh.
• Counselor Turki Al-Sheikh personally presented the award, highlighting Hosni’s long-awaited return to travel.
• The ceremony was attended by a diverse array of stars from the Arab world and beyond.
• The joy Awards recognize contributions to the entertainment industry over the past year.

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