Raya Abirached
Lebanon’s Voice That Bridges Hollywood, Humanity, and Heartfelt Storytelling
By Paul Smith
In an era where the screen mediates legend and reality, Raya Abirached stands out as a luminous figure, an international celebrity journalist whose grace and authenticity have connected the Arab world with Hollywood’s brightest lights, while grounding her influence in compassion and cultural pride.
Born in Beirut in 1977, Raya’s journey began with a strong academic foundation. After completing her studies at a French lycée, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, followed by a Master’s in Cinema from Saint Joseph University in Lebanon. Determined to deepen her craft, she later moved to the UK and earned another Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Westminster in London. What began as a foundation in storytelling and communication gradually evolved into a lifelong mission to give the Arab world a seat at the global entertainment table.
Her early career saw her working with local media outlets such as Radio du Mont Liban and MTV in Beirut. These formative experiences taught her the art of interviewing, production, and reporting. In 1999, Raya relocated to London to broaden her horizons. That decision proved pivotal, as she soon became a major presence in Arab and international media.
Her name became synonymous with the long-running show Scoop with Raya, a weekly entertainment program that aired on MBC starting in 2005. With her warm, yet polished interviewing style, Raya managed to sit across from the biggest names in Hollywood, from Tom Cruise to Angelina Jolie, George Clooney to Beyoncé, and deliver interviews that felt less like promotional segments and more like real conversations. Her ability to connect with stars on a personal level made her beloved not just in the Arab world, but also respected in international entertainment circles.
In addition to Scoop, she co-hosted Arabs Got Talent from 2011 to 2019, where her energy, empathy, and sense of fun balanced perfectly with co-host Qusai and the rotating panel of celebrity judges. Through this platform, Raya became a household name across the region, further solidifying her place in the entertainment industry as someone who could balance high production value with human warmth.
But Raya’s talents extend far beyond what is seen on screen. She is not only the face of her show, but also its producer, writer, and researcher. Her coverage of global events such as the Oscars, Cannes, and the Golden Globes isn’t just about the glamour, it’s about access, representation, and providing Arab audiences a window into worlds often kept distant. She also plays a key role in regional festivals, having hosted events like the El Gouna Film Festival and the Red Sea International Film Festival, as well as major galas such as the Time100 Impact Awards in Dubai.
A lesser-known, but equally impressive part of Raya’s career is her voice acting. She has lent her voice to beloved animated characters, including Matilda in The Angry Birds Movie, Lola Bunny in Space Jam: A New Legacy, and Smurf Willow in The Smurfs: The Lost Village. These roles allowed her to reach younger audiences and demonstrate her versatility as a performer.
Recognition has followed naturally. In 2019, she was honored with the Arab Women of the Year Award for Achievement in Television, as well as Nickelodeon Arabia’s Favorite TV Personality. She has consistently been featured in Forbes Middle East rankings as one of the most influential Arab public figures. Luxury brands such as Bvlgari, Armani, Tiffany & Co., and IWC have partnered with her, acknowledging not just her fame, but her values, elegance, and consistency.
Despite the glitz and accolades, Raya’s true power lies in her ability to use her platform for good. Since 2017, she has been an active supporter of humanitarian causes through her ongoing partnership with UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency. In 2021, she was appointed the first Arab woman to serve as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador for the Middle East and North Africa. In this role, she has visited refugee camps, hosted fundraising telethons, and spoken out on behalf of displaced communities across the region.
Her humanitarian efforts are not performative, but deeply rooted in personal belief. Raya understands the weight of her platform and seeks to amplify stories that matter, whether they’re being told on a red carpet or in a refugee settlement. She has used her voice to shine a light on the refugee crisis, climate displacement, and the need for compassion in policy and public perception. This duality, her place in both high society and humanitarian spaces, makes her a unique figure in global media.
Off-camera, Raya continues to inspire with her authenticity. Whether she is strolling the streets of London, spending time with her daughter, or posting reflections on Instagram, she embodies a woman who is grounded, thoughtful, and unafraid to show both strength and softness. She embraces comfort and calm in her personal life, valuing simplicity and genuine relationships.
Raya Abirached is a cultural connector. She blends the glamour of world cinema with the heart of Arab storytelling in a way that feels authentic, relatable, and deeply human. Her legacy is one of empathy and excellence, bridging continents not just through interviews, but through impact.
She is also a voice of empathy in an increasingly noisy digital world. Her storytelling is intentional, her coverage fair, and her interviews rooted in genuine curiosity. She reminds us that being seen and heard matters, and that media, when used right, can build bridges rather than barriers.
As a versatile leader, she wears many hats, host, journalist, producer, voice actor, humanitarian ambassador, all with clarity, grace, and a quiet sense of purpose. She shows that success doesn’t have to be loud or showy to be meaningful. Rather, it can be elegant, thoughtful, and driven by values that transcend trends.
In celebrating Raya Abirached, we celebrate more than a media personality. We honor a woman who has dedicated her life to connecting people, elevating stories, and making the world just a little more compassionate, one conversation at a time.