Qais Sheikh Najib: The journey of a star who built his presence with talent and sincerity
In a world where faces change quickly and the spotlight fades for many, Qais Sheikh Najib has managed to maintain his standing as one of the most prominent stars of Arab drama—not only thanks to his talent, but also to his exceptional ability to breathe a spirit into his characters that makes them feel close to people. Over more than two decades, he has moved between diverse roles that left a clear imprint in the audience’s memory, becoming a name that commands respect and affection wherever his works are shown.
In recent years, his presence has no longer been limited to the screen; it has also extended to humanitarian work, after he was chosen as the first National Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Syria—a step that added a new dimension to his distinguished career.
When art becomes a message
In a move reflecting the great confidence in his standing and influence, UNICEF announced the appointment of Qais Sheikh Najib as its National Ambassador in Syria. This selection was not only an honour for his artistic career, but also recognition of his ability to deliver humanitarian messages to people’s hearts.
Qais expressed his pride in this mission, stressing that children are the true hope of any society, and that investing in their future is the most beautiful and most important investment. Through this role, he seeks to spotlight children’s issues and defend every child’s right to safety, education, and a dignified life.
A son of Damascus, born between art and a dream
On June 5, 1977, Qais Sheikh Najib was born in Damascus, the city that would later accompany him in many of his works and memories. He grew up in a home well acquainted with art: his father is the esteemed Syrian artist Mohammad Sheikh Najib, one of the names that left a mark on Syrian drama, while his mother, Khadija Al-Abd, was close to the world of folk arts before choosing to devote herself to her family and children.
In this environment, art was not a sudden choice in his life; it seemed like a destiny awaiting him since childhood. He chose to study acting at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus, graduating in 1998, before joining the Syrian Artists Syndicate in 1999 and embarking on a long journey of creativity and success.
Throughout his artistic years, he moved between dozens of characters and works that built his wide popularity, earning many awards and honours, including the Murex d’Or and the Best Leading Actor award for his standout performance in the series “On the Edge of the Abyss” at the Adonia International Festival.
A love story that began with friendship
Away from the bustle of fame, Qais Sheikh Najib maintains a stable family life with his wife, Syrian writer and journalist Lubna Mashlah, whom he married in 2011, and they were blessed with their only son, Joud.
But the love story did not begin suddenly; it was born quietly in the corridors of the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts. At the time, Qais was in his final year, while Lubna was taking her first steps in her studies. The years passed, their friendship grew, and it later turned into a deep relationship that was crowned with marriage.
Lubna describes her husband as a kind, supportive man with a cheerful spirit, while Qais sees in his wife a life partner with intelligence, sensitivity, and the ability to understand him through the different stages of his life. Perhaps for this reason, their relationship has remained away from the noise of the artistic scene, preserving its privacy and balance.
Another side away from drama
Although audiences knew him as an actor above all else, Qais Sheikh Najib had a different experience when he co-presented the third season of the programme “Qa‘det Rijal” alongside Khaled Selim and Nicolas Mouawad.
There, he appeared in a different light—more spontaneous and closer to people—discussing human relationships and social issues with a cheerful spirit and a likeable presence, affirming that the charisma he has on screen is not exclusive to the characters he plays, but is also part of his real personality.
Between art and humanitarian work, and between stardom and a quiet family life, Qais Sheikh Najib continues to write new chapters in his journey, holding on to the status that has made him one of the most present and influential stars of Arab drama—and a voice capable of reaching hearts, whether through a character he portrays on screen or a message he carries for the future of children.
