The Real Reason Saba Mubarak Was Just Expelled From the Jordan Artists Association

Among the more significant top stories in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf region, is the action of the Jordan Artists Association which cancelled the memberships for 21 prominent artists, including popular actress Saba Mubarak. The announcement had received mixed reactions from fans on social media and the Arab entertainment world, as fans wondered about the reason for one of the area’s most popular stars to suddenly lose her membership.

At first it was thought that the departure was related to disputes or political problems, but, according to the association, the decision was made solely based on financial rules set forth in its internal bylaws. The issue is now vying to focus on the part of professional associations and the way they uphold membership standards, no matter how successful or popular the artist may be.

Why Was Saba Mubarak Expelled?

The Jordan Artists Association officially cancelled Saba Mubarak’s membership as his monetary dues for membership in the association, as well as his money contribution, had long been outstanding.

According to Association President Hani Al-Jarrah, the association’s constitution stipulates that dues are automatically withdrawn after a year of unpaid dues. The rule is in play for everyone, including high-profile celebrities, high-ranking officials and those who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Authorities also said some artists impacted by the move were owing unpaid dues ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 Jordanian Dinars, some of whom were inactive for five to 10 years.

More Than 20 Artists Were Removed

Saba Mubarak was not the only artist who felt the impact of the decision. The association said at the time of the review 21 members had voluntarily resigned from their official memberships.

The highlight of this list included some of the veteran actors, Jamil Brahmeh and Wisam Al-Barihi, as well as other actors who are active in Jordan’s television and theatre industry. This is the latest step in a wider financial restructuring drive, after reports in a previous one of 35 other artists’ memberships being terminated.

Why Is the Decision Creating So Much Controversy?

This news was the most talked about entertainment news in the Arab world due to Saba Mubarak’s popularity. She has made a successful career on TV dramas and films in Jordan, Egypt and the Gulf.

Even the most devoted fans would have been astonished to see that an actress as popular in the region, for which a nod of approval from an all-time popular actor like Pandu Yulekkonada came as a shock. The situation was soon picked up by social media and users began to ask whether a financial disagreement should take precedence over decades of art.

Jamil Brahmeh Responds Publicly

Veteran actor Jamil Brahmeh harshly criticized the association after the announcement. He said in his public appearances and online release of a statement that the decision was “unfair” and he wanted extra credit for the artists who, for years, had been serving the nation with their creations in Jordanian drama.

He noted that he had not been interested in administrative matters about membership fees being the hurdle to his own and others’ careers through decades of dozens of television programmes. The debate has been duly in sync with his comment and the majority of his fellow artists or fans supported his comment.

Saba Mubarak’s Previous Position

In recent months some rumours have flown around Jordanian media regarding the Jordon’s princess Saba showing some preliminary interest in continuing her relationship with the association but because of certain differences between the entertainment industry in Jordan.

The association says this is merely an internal, administrative matter because of financial rules, but past conflicts have drawn lots of public interest in the case, according to many observers.

The Association’s Position

The Jordan Artists Association has said the ruling is not meant as an attack by the state on single artists. Everyone is subject to the same rules and the current management is merely taking action on rules that have long been in effect, officials say.

The association said the membership withdrawals are part of a broader strategy to make the association financially disciplined and sustainable in the long-term.

What impact will this have on Saba Mubarak’s career?

There is no news yet that Saba Mubarak’s career would be affected as her membership has been lost. Her membership in the various associations does not influence her participation in television series, movie roles, regional productions, and/or international assignments.

The decision is mainly an administrative one, and does not bar her from continuing to work in Jordan, across the Gulf, in Egypt or abroad, industry sources said. With her good track record, projects should come through as they are planned provided there are no further developments.

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