CAIRO, Egypt,— Egyptian belly dancer icon and actress Soheir Zaki has died on Saturday at the age of 81 after a career that spanned more than three decades and helped shape modern belly dancing and Egyptian cinema, local reports said.
Her death was confirmed after a period of declining health. She suffered from severe dehydration, along with lung complications and breathing difficulties.
In recent days, she had been admitted to intensive care following a series of age-related health crises before her death was announced on Saturday.
Soheir Zaki Abdullah was born on Jan. 4, 1945, in Mansoura in Dakahlia province. Her family roots trace back to Upper Egypt. She later moved to Alexandria, where she began building her reputation as a dancer before relocating to Cairo to expand her career.
Zaki became widely known during the 1960s and 1970s, a period seen as the height of her success. She performed at both official and private events and became associated with leading figures of her era.
She was often referred to as the “dancer of leaders,” reflecting her appearances at high-level gatherings.
She performed at the weddings of the children of former Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser and appeared before several international figures, including former U.S. President Richard Nixon, Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba, and Iran’s Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
Zaki also gained attention for introducing dance performances to the music of Umm Kulthum. Reports said the singer initially opposed the idea but later expressed admiration after watching Zaki perform.
Her film career included roles in more than 50 productions, where she appeared as both a dancer and actress.
Among her works were “For Women Only,” “The Price of Love,” “Men in the Trap,” and “Me, Him, and Her.” Her final film appearance was in “I Deserve It” in 1984.
She retired from performing in the early 1990s.
Zaki was also known as the first dancer to perform to Umm Kulthum’s song “Enta Omri,” a move that marked a shift in belly dancing style at the time.
She was married to photographer and producer Mohamed Amara and worked in several films directed by Hussein Amara.
Her career also included performances abroad, including a visit to Moscow at the invitation of Soviet Defense Minister General Grechko during the era of President Leonid Brezhnev.
Zaki’s funeral is set for Sunday at the Police Mosque in Sheikh Zayed, followed by burial at the family cemetery along the Fayoum Road.
(With files from Agencies)
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