Ruzayqa Al Tarish, voice of a generation in Emirati drama, passes away at 71

Abu Dhabi: Ruzayqa Al Tarish, one of the UAE’s first female voices in radio and television, and a beloved figure in Emirati theatre and screen acting for more than five decades, died Friday at the age of 71.

Her death was confirmed by fellow actress Shatha Sabt, who posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling her “dear and precious” and praying for her peace.

A leading personality in Emirati media, Al Tarish launched her career in 1969 with Abu Dhabi Radio, before transitioning to television, where she quickly became a household name.

Her warm, expressive presence resonated with audiences across the Gulf, and she was soon cast in serial dramas that helped define the UAE’s cultural landscape.

Her breakout acting role came in the late 1970s with the popular television series Ashhfan, where she portrayed “Mitha,” a character that remains etched in the collective memory of a generation.

She would go on to appear in more than 40 television productions, many of them staples of the Ramadan viewing season, including Haayir Taayer, Tmaasha, Sa’eed Al Hath, and Al Qiyadah.

She brought a distinct blend of humor and heritage to her performances, often taking on comedic and traditional roles that reflected Emirati identity and domestic life.

Her stage work also left a mark, with performances in early plays such as Allah Ya Dunya and Al Sabr Zain, staged between 1969 and 1979, at a time when the theater scene in the UAE was still in its infancy.

Al Tarish’s contributions extended to the big screen with roles in films like Uqab, Al Khitbah, and Zill (Shadow), and she also dabbled in screenwriting.

Her first written work, Na’ima wa Naeema, was a comedy that featured fellow artists Samira Ahmed and Ahmed Al Ansari. She later penned scripts for dramas including Athab Al Dameer and Atija wa Atij.

In an era when few women in the Gulf had a public platform, Al Tarish emerged as a cultural force.

Her work helped shape not only entertainment but also the broader narrative of women in Emirati society, breaking ground for future generations of actresses and media professionals.

Though her final major television roles came in 2020, her legacy reminds very much alive in Emirati households.