Maya Ali awarded the ‘Pakistani Actress of the Year’ at DIAFA

KARACHI 03 Nov (Online): From her debut as a supporting cast member in ‘Durr-e-Shehwar’ to later bagging lead roles in ‘Mann Mayal’ and ‘Diyar-e-Dil,’ Maya Ali has successfully carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry. Recently, the Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards (DIAFA) announced Maya as the recipient of the ‘Pakistani Actress of the Year Award.’

Taking to Instagram, the annual award show posted a picture of the renowned actor, with a caption that read, “Pakistan. This is for you! Announcing this year’s recipient of the Pakistani Actress of the Year award.”Other award recipients include international stars such as 365 Days actor Michele Morrone, film director Song Yinxi, French singer Gims and Armenian artist Iveta Mukuchyan.

The 6th International DIAFA Festivals Awards is set to be held on November 4 at Dubai Creek Harbour Marina. The festival celebrates the achievements of exceptional artists and innovators from all walks of life and regions of the world. The award show has honoured several celebrities from Pakistan in the past. Mahira Khan was presented with the International Recognition Award and Sajal Ali received the International Icon Award in 2020.

According to the DIAFA website, the annual red carpet and awards ceremony is a “unique and prestigious” event that recognises and celebrates the accomplishments of notable influencers from Arab countries and beyond.

These individuals are chosen by an expert panel and represent a wide range of cultures and professions. The DIAFA organisers formerly ran the Beirut International Awards Festival (BIAF), also regarded as one of the most prestigious events in the Middle East.

Since 2017, DIAFA has held four award shows and each one has become the talk of the town amongst bloggers and influential people in the media.

This year, the award show welcomes honourees from 18 countries, including the UAE’s host country France, Tanzania, Pakistan, India, Tunisia, Jordan, the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia. Mayssa Assaf, a popular celebrity stylist will also be in charge of the red carpet’s beauty station.

The festival commemorates the life and legacy of late artist Warda Al-Jazaeryia, who is still widely recognised and honoured as a cultural icon in the Arab world even after her passing more than a decade ago.