MENA celebs with the most unexpected university degrees

Can you imagine Gigi Hadid working with criminals, or Bassem Youssef performing heart surgeries? You'd be surprised to learn how many celebrities studied something completely different in college compared to their current careers

Here are some stars from the MENA region with the most unexpected university degrees.

Huda and Alya Kattan

The Kattan sisters stormed the makeup industry with Huda Beauty in 2013. Huda has a degree in Finance from the University of Michigan. Alya received a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition from the American University of Sharjah and also minored in Chemistry, Biology, and Business.

Alya Kattan, Huda KattanHuda Kattan on Instagram

Mona Kattan

Mona Kattan studied Finance as well at the American University of Sharjah. In 2018, she founded Kayali Fragrances, the sister brand of Huda Beauty.

Mona KattanMona Kattan on Instagram

Anas Bukhash

The Emirati entrepreneur and host received a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, USA.

Anas BukhashAnas Bukhash on Instagram

Safa Siddiqui

The Dubai Bling star studied in the United Kingdom and graduated with a degree in Psychology.

Safa SiddiquiSafa Siddiqui on Instagram

Bassem Youssef

The Egyptian-American comedian and TV host graduated from Cairo University's Faculty of Medicine. His major was cardiothoracic surgery which he practised for 13 years! Youssef even became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) in February 2007.

Later on, he switched to comedy and satire which is what he is known for now.

Bassem YoussefBassem Youssef on Instagram

Mahira Abdel Aziz

The Emirati TV presenter and the star of the upcoming Dubai Bling season 3 completed her degree in Architecture at the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. She received the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Gold Medal for Excellence for her thesis.

Mahira Abdel AzizMahira Abdel Aziz on Instagram

Nora Achmaoui and Khalid Alherani

Moroccan-German blogger Nora Achmaoui received a Bachelor's degree in International Business, Innovation, and Techniques from DHBW Mosbach in Germany in 2017. Khalid Alherani is a Civil Engineer graduate. The Dubai-based couple is one of the most well-known TikTokers in the region.

Khalid Alherani, Nora AchmaouiNora Achmaoui on Instagram

Gigi and Bella Hadid

Gigi made it all the way to New York City to study criminal psychology at The New School but later chose to focus on modeling instead. Meanwhile, Bella studied photography at the Parsons School of Design but gave it up for the same reason.

Bella Hadid, Gigi HadidGigi Hadid on Instagram

Mena Massoud

Egyptian-Canadian actor Mena Massoud planned to become a doctor or a psychologist when he enrolled in the University of Toronto and chose neuroscience as his major. But his passion for acting won over, making him transfer to Ryerson University for their theatre performance program. He graduated in 2014.

Mena MassoudMena Massoud on Instagram

Elissa

Famous Lebanese actress Elissa graduated from the Lebanese University with a degree in Political Science.

ElissaElissa on Instagram

Adel Emam

The Egyptian actor earned a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from Cairo University.

Adel EmamAdel Emam on Instagram

Riz Ahmed

British-Pakistani actor and rapper Riz Ahmed graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. He almost dropped out because of how isolated he felt. But eventually, Ahmed decided to organize parties to celebrate different cultures.

Later, Riz Ahmed enrolled in the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama to study acting.

Riz AhmedShutterstock