Loading ...9 Arab Video Game Characters to Inspire Your Halloween Costume
By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer
As Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to explore costumes that respectfully represent Arab cultural heritage. Fortunately, the gaming industry increasingly strives to depict Arabs with greater depth. The representation of Arab characters in video games has evolved from stereotypes to more thoughtful portrayals. This article explores some of the most notable Arab characters in popular video games that offer exciting costume options without falling into offensive clichés.
1. Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad – Assassin’s Creed
One of the most iconic Arab characters in video game history, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad (Arabic: الطائر ابن لا أحد), was introduced in Assassin’s Creed as a member of the Levantine Brotherhood of Assassins. He was born in Masyaf, Syria, 1165 to a Christian mother and a Muslim father. Altaïr’s name means “The Flyer,” derived from the Arabic (النسر الطائر al nesr al taïr) meaning eagle. Ibn La’Ahad (إبن لا أحد) is Arabic for “Son of No One.” With his epic name and striking outfit, this legendary character is ideal for anyone who appreciates medieval-themed costumes.
2. Shaheen – Tekken
Shaheen (Arabic:شاهين ) debuted in Tekken 7 after producer Katsuhiro Harada consulted the Arab community to ensure cultural sensitivity following a previous controversy involving Arabic script in Tekken Tag Tournament 2. Harada apologized and corrected the issue. Shaheen’s introduction represents a positive step for Arab representation in gaming. His name, meaning “falcon” or “hawk,” is of Persian origin but widely used in the Arab world. The care in Shaheen’s design is evident, with the character speaking Arabic in the game. His costume, featuring the iconic red and white checkered shemagh and agal, paired with an elegant outfit, makes for an excellent and respectful Halloween option. See him in action here.
3. Rashid – Street Fighter
Rashid (Arabic: رشيد) debuted in Street Fighter V shortly after Tekken’s Shaheen, with some suggesting that Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada influenced his inclusion. Rashid marks a major improvement over Pullum Purna, an earlier, less accurate Arab character from Street Fighter in 1996. His creation involved collaboration between Capcom Japan, Sony, and Middle Eastern distributors to ensure a respectful portrayal. While one of his alternate costumes, featuring a purple vest, and a white turban, resembles Disney’s Aladdin, Rashid’s primary outfit is a great Halloween costume option. He wears a thobe-inspired white outfit with a high-tech visor and a white ghutra to add a local touch. See him in action here.
4. Salim – Uncharted
Salim (Arabic: سليم), a Bedouin leader in Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, is portrayed as a noble and trustworthy figure. His deep commitment to protecting his tribe and homeland is admirable, and his people in Rub’ al Khali hold him in high regard. His name, meaning “safe” or “unharmed,” reflects his role as a protector. Salim offers a respectful portrayal of Bedouin communities, providing a dignified alternative to the typical, clichéd Sheikh costume. With his blue turban, loose blue shirt, gray pants, and brown boots, his outfit makes for a culturally respectful and easy Halloween costume. See him in action here.
5. Basim Ibn Ishaq – Assassin’s Creed
Basim (Arabic: باسم) is a key character in the Assassin’s Creed series, born in Samarra around 844. His father, an architect, designed the famous Great Mosque of Samarra. The name Basim means “one who smiles,” while “Ibn Ishaq” translates to “son of Isaac” in Arabic. Basim is often shown visiting the House of Wisdom, a nod to the Abbasid-era intellectual center in Baghdad. His attire features a dark hooded cloak, a fitted leather tunic with intricate details, and a belt that holds his iconic Hidden Blade, making him an excellent costume choice for fans of medieval and historical characters. See him in action here.
6. Ana Amari – Overwatch
Ana Amari (Arabic: أنا عماري), born in Cairo, Egypt, descends from a line of military veterans and is one of the country’s top snipers. She uses her skills to defend her homeland and her loved ones. Ana Amari wears a long, hooded coat with blue accents and a white scarf around her neck. Her beige pants are reinforced with armor plating on her knees, paired with black boots. Ana has a high-tech sniper rifle, and her right eye is covered with a blue eyepatch. Her outfit is great for those who appreciate military-inspired costumes. Her design was inspired by a lady sniper in Mad Max: Fury Road and the hijab. In-game, she speaks Egyptian Arabic, and her name means “Mother” in Turkish and “I” or “me” in Arabic. Listen to her talk in Egyptian Arabic here.
7. Pharah – Overwatch
Fareeha Amari (Arabic: فريحة عماري) was born in Canada to an Egyptian mother and a Canadian father. The family later moved to Cairo, where Fareeha embraced her Canadian Egyptian heritage. Her “Asp skin” honors her Egyptian side, while the “Raindancer and Thunderbird skins” celebrate her father’s Native American roots. Pharah’s name nods to “Pharaoh,” and the Arabic name Farah, meaning joy. She wears blue and white armor with gold accents, making her an exciting character for fans of superhero suits. See her in action here.
8. Layla Hassan – Assassin’s Creed
Layla Hassan (Arabic: ليلى حسن), an Arab American scientist, was born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1984. She moved to the United States with her family in 1986 and settled in Queens, New York. Layla’s name (ليلى) comes from the Arabic word “Lail,” meaning night, while Hassan (حسن) means good. She is known for her intelligence, resourcefulness, and passion for technology and historical research. Her outfit features a brown leather jacket over a dark blue shirt, a loosely worn scarf, dark blue cargo pants, and brown boots. This practical look makes for an easy and stylish Halloween costume. See her in action here.
9. Zara Ghufran – Battlefield 1
Zara Ghufran (Arabic: زهرة غفران) is a character in Battlefield 1. Her name, Zara (Zahrah), means “flower” in Arabic, while Ghufran translates to “forgiveness.” Hailing from the Kingdom of Hejaz, Zara is a fierce Bedouin rebel dedicated to protecting her village and fighting for freedom from foreign control. She is a skilled fighter, excelling in guerrilla tactics, horseback riding, and handling various weapons. Zara’s outfit includes a red tunic over a light shirt, a layered vest, baggy trousers tucked into boots, and a blue Shemagh wrapped around her head. Zara’s outfit is an amazing choice for those who admire historical costumes and Bedouin communities. See her in action here.
These nine characters represent a positive shift in the gaming industry’s portrayal of Arabs, moving toward more nuanced and respectful representations. While there is still progress to be made, this marks a promising starting point. Hopefully, in the future, we’ll see even more remarkable Arab characters to celebrate and write about.
Check out our blog here!
