The Rebirth Issue: Soul Arabia January 2026 at Umm el-Jimal
Alongside the ruins of Jordan’s historic Umm el-Jimal, Soul Arabia unveiled its new January 2026 issue with a spirit that carries the meanings of unity, creative renaissance, renewal, and strength, brought to life through a series of interviews and photoshoots with global cultural icons from the worlds of fashion, cinema, art, business, and music, under the patronage of Bitget, the leading platform for trading cryptocurrencies and crypto derivatives worldwide.
From Fashion to Activism: The Women Redefining Arab Culture
The new cover of “Soul Arabia” brings together ten influential women shaping the cultural landscape of the Arab region, celebrating their defining achievements across their respective fields. Among them are: Hannah Rasekh, the British-Jordanian fashion entrepreneur; Mary Nazzal, the Jordanian-British lawyer, social entrepreneur, and impact investor; Marianela Pereyra, the writer, TV presenter, and activist of Argentine-American roots; fashion influencer Zeynab Elhelw; TV host Lana Medawar; Jordanian media figure Lana Qusous; Jordanian content creator Lama Maaitah; Jordanian writer and media personality Dana Abu Khader; Egyptian pharmacist and health coach Dr. Nourhan Kandil; and Jordanian artist Zain Awad.
In exclusive interviews with these figures, the focus centered on spirit, the power of influence, and creativity. Soul Arabia spotlighted the ways they have redefined their fields, becoming role models not only in stepping confidently toward the future by embracing innovation and modernity, but also in preserving identity and strengthening the traditions that made their creativity distinctive. This is reflected across conscious fashion and style, content that advocates for rights by grounding itself in culture, sustainable hospitality rooted in community support, and even motherhood, presented as an ideal that helps build a cohesive society.
Ancient Ruins, Modern Vision: Why Umm el-Jimal Was the Perfect Setting
As these women stand together on the new cover as symbols of a renewed era, Soul Arabia chose the archaeological site of Umm el-Jimal in Jordan as the backdrop for this striking image, one that embodies harmony between history and modernity, balance between heritage and innovation, and a moment that carries a profound narrative, where legends rise together, adding a sense of renaissance built on unity, collective strength, and celebration of a shared cultural legacy.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Cover: Jewelry, Fashion, and Artistic Direction
Jewelry was the hero of the image that expressed this inspiring concept. Soul Arabia collaborated with Imseeh Jewelry to bring its luxurious pieces as a soft artistic touch to the presence of the pioneering women celebrated in this issue. Most of the selected jewelry for the shoot came from the 2025 “I’M” collection. The bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings from the same collection ranged in color between white, green, gold, and black, alongside earrings and necklaces adorned with precious turquoise howlite stones.
Through a vision crafted by Sultan Abu Tair, Creative Director and Editor-in-Chief of Soul Arabia, the magazine selected a lineup of remarkable looks for the women featured in the issue, collaborating with an elite circle of talented designers and global fashion houses. These included fashion designers Karoline Lang, Joanna Andraos, and Sara Murad, alongside the renowned Lebanese designer Rami Kadi, in addition to a number of high-end labels including ELISABETTA FRANCHI, ADEN Fashion, CHATS by C.DAM, and Gaëlle Paris.
A Palette of Strength: Black, Red, and the Colors of Rebirth
The fashion direction of the exclusive shoot, executed by Lebanese stylist Joni Matta with an inventive artistic touch, balanced elegance, boldness, and softness. Each piece was meticulously chosen to reflect a singular, distinctive female character, while the diverse women ultimately harmonized through the color palette: a composition of heritage, couture, and luxury accessories that honors the value of tradition and the allure of contemporary fashion.
The color palette of the shoot moved between black and red, standing powerfully against the soft, earthy desert tones as a symbol of strength, renaissance, and purity. Dresses in varied natural fabrics were chosen to create harmony between the women and the historic environment of Umm el-Jimal, while natural sunlight emphasized faces and architectural details, evoking “dawn breaking from darkness,” an expression of the issue’s theme: new birth and unity.
