Aziz Gharbawi: Not Just Acting

Aziz Gharbawi isn’t your typical rising star. The Jeddah-born actor and storyteller carries a quiet intensity, shaped by introspection, loyalty to his family, and a deep commitment to his craft. When not on set or working on his next screenplay, he retreats into solitude—at home or abroad—to recharge and reflect.

Often misunderstood at first glance, Gharbawi admits people assume he's “cocky and unbearable”—until they get to know him. His cinematic influences range from The Dark Knight to Scarface, but he’s still grounded enough to say he isn’t chasing fame: “I'm chasing a better version of myself through hard work and challenges.”

In this exclusive interview with SaudiTimes, he opens up about his personal growth and the space between perception and reality.

Born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Gharbawi initially pursued a career in electronics engineering, earning his degree from Sydney, Canada. However, his passion for storytelling and performance led him to transition into acting. He honed his craft through acting classes in Toronto and London, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the Saudi entertainment industry. Gharbawi is known for his compelling performances in productions such as Rashash (2021), Last Light (2022), and Safar Berlik (2023).

Q: You've played dark and morally complex characters. Do you ever worry about how those roles might shape how people perceive you in a society that is still negotiating its public image?
A: I worry about myself. What will I feel after embodying the character? Sometimes the character sticks with you. I don't worry that much about how people may perceive me. I worry more about whether they felt the message that I'm trying to convey—do they hate me, love me, or even feel me? That's what matters to me.

Q: Do you think there is such a thing as a "Saudi acting style"? If so, what makes it different from what you learned in Canada or the UK?
A: For me, acting is an art, not math. I believe that each person has their own style, whether they are Saudi or American. Yes, there are schools like Stanislavski and Sanford Meisner, among others. I can review their techniques and styles, but ultimately, I create my own style and technique that makes me unique and stand out.

Q: If you could cast any figure from Saudi history in a psychological thriller, who would it be and why?
A: It would be me because I have many things to let out. We will see it in the future, inshallah.

Q: Is there a role you've turned down because it didn't sit right with where Saudi society is today?
A: No, but I have turned down several projects that have repetitive stories. I'm sick and tired of seeing them or portraying them. I will focus on the characters that add value and challenge me to bring out a better version of myself.

Q: As someone trained abroad but working in Saudi Arabia, do you ever feel caught between two cinematic languages—the Western one that taught you the craft, and the local one that defines your audience?
A: Having trained abroad and now working in Saudi Arabia, my experience places me uniquely between the established Western and emerging local cinematic languages. My craft, honed through international training and continuous learning, bridges these styles. Proud of my background, I'm now dedicated to elevating Saudi cinema—an exciting intersection of global expertise and local storytelling.

Q: What surprised you most about how foreign directors or actors view Saudis once they actually work with one?
A: Foreign collaborators are often surprised by the professionalism and talent they find in Saudi Arabia. Working with them enriches my perspective and brings new techniques, but local collaborators offer crucial cultural understanding for authentic storytelling. A blend of both creates the strongest films.

Q: When all is said and done, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave—as an actor and as a Saudi?
A: To leave something wonderful in people's hearts.

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