Ruzayqa Al Tarish, legendary Emirati actress and media pioneer, passes away at 71

Time of India

04-07-2025

Ruzayqa Al Tarish, one of the pioneering voices in Emirati radio and television, passed away at the age of 71 on Friday, leaving behind an indelible mark on the UAE's cultural and entertainment landscape.
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Her death was confirmed by fellow actress Shatha Sabt, who paid tribute to Al Tarish on Instagram, calling her 'dear and precious' and praying for her peace. Al Tarish's legacy spans over five decades, during which she became a beloved figure in Emirati media and theatre.
A Groundbreaking Career in Radio and Television
Ruzayqa Al Tarish's career began in 1969, when she made her debut at Abu Dhabi Radio, becoming one of the UAE's first female voices in the media. Her distinctive voice and engaging personality quickly earned her a special place in the hearts of listeners.
As the UAE's media landscape began to expand, Al Tarish made a seamless transition to television, where she quickly became a household name.
Her presence on both radio and television resonated deeply with audiences not just in the UAE but across the Gulf region. She was a leading figure in Emirati entertainment, and her contributions helped shape the cultural identity of the UAE.
An Iconic Actress with a Strong Emotional Connection to Audiences
Al Tarish's breakout role came in the late 1970s with the popular television series
Ashhfan
, where she portrayed 'Mitha,' a character that became iconic and is still remembered fondly by viewers to this day.
The show was a defining moment in Emirati television, and Al Tarish's portrayal of Mitha was a key reason for its success.
Her acting career spanned more than 40 television productions, many of which became annual staples during Ramadan, the most significant time for television viewing in the region. Some of her most notable roles were in
Haayir Taayer
,
Tmaasha
,
Sa'eed Al Hath
, and
Al Qiyadah
. In each of these series, Al Tarish brought a distinctive combination of humor, warmth, and cultural authenticity to her roles, making her an essential part of the UAE's television landscape.
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Her portrayals of traditional and comedic characters offered a powerful reflection of Emirati identity and domestic life, enabling audiences to connect with her on an emotional level.
Theatre and Film: Expanding Her Artistic Horizons
In addition to her work on television, Al Tarish made significant contributions to the Emirati theatre scene. She was part of the early wave of theatre artists in the UAE during a time when the country's stage productions were still in their infancy. Her performances in plays like
Allah Ya Dunya
and
Al Sabr Zain
, which were staged between 1969 and 1979, played a key role in laying the foundations for the thriving theatre scene that would emerge in the years to come.
Al Tarish's talent was not limited to acting alone. She also ventured into film, appearing in productions such as
Uqab
,
Al Khitbah
, and
Zill (Shadow)
, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Her creative prowess extended to screenwriting as well. Al Tarish penned her first comedy script,
Na'ima wa Naeema
, which featured fellow artists Samira Ahmed and Ahmed Al Ansari.
She continued to write scripts for various television dramas, including
Athab Al Dameer
and
Atija wa Atij
, further solidifying her multifaceted contributions to the entertainment industry.
Her death leaves a void in Emirati entertainment, but her work remains an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of artists and media professionals.