Qais Sheikh Najib: A Star Who Built His Presence Through Talent and Sincerity
In an industry where faces change quickly and fame often fades, Qais Sheikh Najib has maintained his place among the leading stars of Arab drama.
His success comes not only from his talent. He also gives every character a spirit that feels real and familiar to viewers. For more than two decades, he has played a wide range of roles. Many of these characters have remained in the audience’s memory.
Today, his name inspires both respect and affection across the Arab world.
In recent years, Qais has expanded his influence beyond television. UNICEF appointed him as its first National Ambassador in Syria. This role added an important humanitarian dimension to his career.
When Art Becomes a Message
UNICEF selected Qais Sheikh Najib because of his strong public influence and trusted reputation.
The appointment honoured his artistic achievements. It also recognised his ability to communicate humanitarian messages in a sincere and powerful way.
Qais expressed great pride in his new mission. He believes that children represent the true hope of every society. He also sees investment in their future as one of the most valuable forms of investment.
Through his role, he aims to raise awareness about children’s needs. He also supports every child’s right to safety, education, protection, and a dignified life.
A Son of Damascus Raised Around Art
Qais Sheikh Najib was born in Damascus on June 5, 1977. The Syrian capital later became part of many of his artistic memories and projects.
He grew up in a family with strong connections to the arts. His father, Mohammad Sheikh Najib, is a respected Syrian actor who helped shape Syrian drama. His mother, Khadija Al-Abd, also had an interest in folk arts before she devoted her time to her family.
In such an environment, acting did not enter Qais’s life by chance. Art surrounded him from an early age and gradually became his chosen path.
He studied acting at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus. He graduated in 1998 and joined the Syrian Artists Syndicate in 1999.
From that point, he began a long journey filled with creativity and success.
Over the years, Qais played dozens of diverse characters. These roles helped him build a wide and loyal audience.
He also received several awards and honours. They included the Murex d’Or and the Best Leading Actor award at the Adonia International Festival. He earned the latter for his performance in the series “On the Edge of the Abyss.”
A Love Story That Started With Friendship
Away from fame and television, Qais enjoys a stable family life with his wife, Syrian writer and journalist Lubna Mashlah.
The couple married in 2011 and later welcomed their only son, Joud.
Their relationship did not begin with a sudden romance. It started quietly at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts.
At the time, Qais was completing his final year. Lubna had just started her studies. Their friendship grew over the years and gradually developed into a deep relationship. They eventually decided to marry.
Lubna describes Qais as kind, supportive, cheerful, and caring. Qais sees Lubna as an intelligent and sensitive life partner who understands him during every stage of his life.
Their relationship has remained largely away from the public spotlight. This privacy has helped them protect its balance and stability.
A Different Side Beyond Drama
Audiences mainly know Qais Sheikh Najib as an actor. However, he also explored television presenting when he co-hosted the third season of “Qa‘det Rijal.”
He presented the programme alongside Khaled Selim and Nicolas Mouawad.
The show allowed viewers to discover another side of his personality. He appeared spontaneous, relaxed, and close to the audience.
The presenters discussed social issues and human relationships with humour and openness. Through this experience, Qais showed that his charisma does not belong only to his dramatic characters. It also forms an essential part of his real personality.
Between acting, humanitarian work, and family life, Qais Sheikh Najib continues to write new chapters in his journey.
His talent has made him one of the most influential stars of Arab drama. His sincerity has helped him remain close to the public.
Whether he speaks through a character on screen or delivers a message for children, Qais continues to reach people’s hearts.


