Jwana Karim
| Birth Place |
Basra, Iraq |
| Ethnicity |
Iraqi |
Biography
Jwana Karim (also written Joanna Karim) is an Iraqi singer, actress and media personality based in Dubai. She was born in Basra, Iraq, and joined the Netflix docu-soap Dubai Bling as a new main cast member in Season 3, which was released on 8 January 2025.
Before reality television, she became known in the Arab world through music and television drama. Her breakthrough song was "Kol Al Hala", and her acting credits include the Gulf drama series Hawamir Al-Sahra (Riches of the Desert) and Al-Sultana.
On Dubai Bling she was introduced as a friend of Mona Kattan and describes herself as a luxury, fashion, events and lifestyle connoisseur. She has more than four million followers on Instagram.
Early Life
Jwana Karim was born in Basra in southern Iraq. Her birth name is reported as Ibtihal Karim, and she performs under the stage name Jwana (Joanna) Karim. Her sister, who performs as Malayeen (Millions), is also a singer.
Few details of her childhood have been published, and she has largely kept her family life private. She is the mother of a daughter.
Career
Jwana Karim first became known as a singer, with "Kol Al Hala" as her first hit, followed by songs including "Seebouni". She then moved into acting in Gulf television drama, appearing in several seasons of Hawamir Al-Sahra between 2010 and 2012, in Al-Sultana (2013) and in Al-Falta (2014). In a 2016 interview she said she had stepped back from her career a few years earlier to focus on her family, and she later returned with a renewed focus on music.
She joined Dubai Bling in its third season, released on Netflix on 8 January 2025, alongside fellow newcomer Mahira Abdel Aziz. She made her entrance at Mona Kattan's New Year's party, and one of the season's main storylines was a long-running feud between Jwana and returning cast member Loujain "LJ" Adada. During the season she also advised Danya Mohammed about Danya's business partnership with Ebraheem Al Samadi.
Alongside music and television, she is active on social media, where she shares fashion, travel and events from Dubai.
Jwana Karim: Quick Facts
Where is Jwana Karim from?
Jwana Karim was born in Basra, Iraq. The exact date of birth has not been made public.
What is Jwana Karim's ethnicity?
Jwana Karim's ethnicity is Iraqi.
What is Jwana Karim known for?
Jwana Karim is best known for appearing in Dubai Bling.
