Egyptian actress Shaimaa Saif and producer Mohamed Carter are once again navigating a separation, marking the second such split in their nearly seven-year marriage. News of the renewed discord surfaced in late September 2025, following the pair’s separate appearances at the wedding of actor Bayoumi Fouad’s son. While neither party initially offered a public statement, sources close to Saif have since confirmed the divorce has been finalized.
The initial reports of trouble began circulating after observers noted the absence of joint photos from the wedding event, sparking speculation on social media. A source speaking to ET بالعربي confirmed the divorce occurred “a few weeks ago,” emphasizing that this separation was formal, unlike previous disagreements that hadn’t resulted in legal proceedings. Saif reportedly confided in friends at the wedding, explaining her solo attendance and the finality of the split.
This isn’t the first time the couple’s relationship has faced public scrutiny. In February of last year, Saif announced their initial separation via Instagram, expressing a desire to keep her personal life private. However, that split proved temporary, with Carter posting a photo of the reunited couple just a month later, signaling a reconciliation. The on-again, off-again nature of their relationship has become a recurring topic of discussion within Egyptian entertainment circles.
Adding another layer to the unfolding narrative, wedding planner Ahmed Yassin, who organized Saif and Carter’s wedding, deleted all photos and videos of the event from his official Instagram account. This action was widely interpreted by the public as a confirmation of the couple’s final separation. Saif herself further fueled speculation by unfollowing Carter on her social media accounts.
Despite the personal turmoil, Saif has continued to focus on her career. She recently garnered attention for her performance in the Ramadan drama series “Esh Esh,” alongside Mai Omar, Maged El Masry, and Hala Sedki. The series showcased a different side of her talent, demonstrating her versatility as an actress. Her recent appearance at Fouad’s son’s wedding also drew attention, not for her companion, but for her striking new look following noticeable weight loss.
The actress has largely remained silent regarding the divorce, choosing instead to share photos from the wedding event. This strategy mirrors her previous approach to privacy, opting to avoid direct commentary on the situation. However, she did offer a brief statement, reportedly saying “الحمد لله كل شيء نصيب” (“Praise be to God, everything is destiny”), according to reports in Al-Masry Al-Youm. This sentiment suggests a sense of acceptance regarding the outcome.
The situation has also drawn commentary from outside the immediate entertainment world. Columnist Khaled Montaser criticized Saif’s contemplation of retiring from acting and adopting the hijab, a topic she briefly addressed in recent interviews. This highlights the broader cultural context surrounding personal choices and public image for female artists in Egypt.
Saif and Carter married in 2018, and their relationship has been consistently followed by the Egyptian media. The repeated cycles of separation and reconciliation have made them a subject of ongoing public interest. The current divorce, confirmed by sources, appears to be final, bringing an end to a relationship that has played out publicly for nearly a decade. The couple reportedly feared ridicule from social media users, which may have contributed to their initial reluctance to announce the separation.
While the reasons behind the final split remain largely private, the consistent reports of discord suggest underlying issues that proved insurmountable. The couple’s decision to avoid a public announcement initially speaks to a desire to manage the narrative and protect themselves from further scrutiny. However, the actions of those around them – Yassin’s deletion of wedding photos, Saif’s social media activity – ultimately confirmed the end of their marriage.
Shaimaa Saif’s career continues to flourish despite the personal challenges. Her role in “Esh Esh” demonstrated her acting range, and her continued presence in the public eye suggests a commitment to her craft. The future remains uncertain, but Saif appears to be focusing on her work and navigating this new chapter with a degree of quiet resilience.
