Maher Salibiy

Acting · Born February 12, 1961 · Hama, Syria

Maher Salibi is a Syrian actor, director, and theater educator with an extensive career in television, film, and stage productions. He graduated from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus in 1986 and later taught at the institute for ten years while pursuing his acting and directing career. Salibi began his professional career in theater before expanding into film. His early screen work included The Algae, directed by Raymond Boutros, and The Night, directed by Mohammad Malas. He later appeared in Ordinary Life (2008) and Khorfakkan (2020). As a filmmaker, he directed the short film Hadoutat Al-Matar, which received recognition at Arab film festivals, as well as Shwayet Waqt (2008). Over the years, Salibi became a familiar presence in Syrian television, appearing in historical dramas, contemporary stories, and crime series. His notable credits include Shajarat Al-Naranj, Al-Shaqeeqat, Al-Ababeed, Al-Fawaris, Saladin (2001), Spring of Cordoba (2003), Small Hearts (2009), and Born from the Flank (2011), in which he portrayed Lieutenant Colonel Fayez. He also played Abu Mousa in The Godfather: The Orient Club (2015) and appeared in Harvest of Time (2015) and Bidam Barid (2025). Alongside his acting career, Salibi directed television productions including Marsoum Aili (2009) and Qyoud Al Rouh (2010), and contributed to the direction of Coma (2018). His experience also extends to voice performance, and in 2021 he was selected to serve as a judge for the Voice Arts Awards in the United States. Salibi left Syria in 2012 with his wife, actress Yara Sabri, and continued working in the arts abroad. Following his return to Syria, he resumed his theater career, directing Proofat Yawm Al-Hisab in Damascus in 2026. The production marked his first directing project in Syria after fourteen years away from the country.