Mohammed Assaf, the Palestinian pop sensation who captured hearts across the Arab world as the winner of the second season of Arab Idol in 2013, has seen his personal life, particularly his romantic journey, unfold under the intense glare of public scrutiny. From early, unfulfilled affections to a high-profile engagement and a surprisingly private marriage, Assaf's love story reflects the challenges and complexities of celebrity romance. His relationships have often been a topic of widespread interest, with fans eager to follow the romantic developments of the beloved "Rocket" from Gaza.
Before his meteoric rise to fame, Assaf experienced a significant, albeit unfulfilled, first love. According to reports, he met this person after graduating from high school. However, the relationship did not culminate in marriage. Assaf himself revealed that at the time, his financial circumstances did not allow him to propose or afford a wedding, and his former love ultimately married someone else. This early experience hinted at the personal sacrifices and challenges that would later define aspects of his romantic life.
The first publicly confirmed and widely reported relationship for Assaf came with his engagement to Lina Qishawi. A Palestinian-Russian television presenter, Qishawi was born in 1992, making her three years younger than Assaf. The couple’s relationship began to blossom, and they publicly announced their engagement in September 2015. Their engagement party was held in Beit El, near Ramallah, a significant location that underscored their Palestinian roots. The news sent ripples of excitement through his massive fanbase, who eagerly anticipated the union of their idol.
The relationship with Lina Qishawi was closely watched by the media and public. They made their first public appearance together at the London Film Festival during the European premiere of Assaf's biopic, The Idol, further solidifying their status as a celebrity couple. However, the engagement was relatively short-lived, with reports confirming their breakup in February 2016. The reasons behind their separation became a subject of much speculation. Assaf had reportedly expressed a desire for Qishawi to step away from her media career and the public eye, seeking a more private home life. Qishawi, however, continued her work as a TV presenter. Assaf vaguely commented on the split, stating, > "We tried to get to know each other better during the time of out engagement, but things didn't work out." Qishawi later echoed similar sentiments, indicating that they were simply "not a match." The differing views on privacy and career seemed to be a significant factor in their amicable parting.
After the highly publicized engagement to Lina Qishawi, Mohammed Assaf maintained a relatively private romantic life for several years. Fans and media alike speculated about his relationship status, but he largely kept details out of the public domain. This period of privacy underscored his desire to separate his personal life from his public persona, a sentiment he had previously expressed.
Then, in a surprising turn of events, it was revealed in August 2020 that Mohammed Assaf had married in a secret ceremony. His bride was identified as Reem Ouda. The wedding took place in the United Arab Emirates, and it was an intimate affair, attended only by close family and a handful of friends. The news came as a shock to many, as Assaf had managed to keep the relationship entirely out of the public eye until after the nuptials.
Reem Ouda is a Palestinian-Danish woman who had lived in Saudi Arabia for several years before moving to Denmark. Little public information is available about her, a testament to the couple's commitment to privacy. Assaf himself confirmed the marriage shortly after the news broke, taking to social media to announce his union and request privacy for his new wife, emphasizing that she has no social media presence. > "My dear life partner Reem has no social media," he stated, reinforcing their desire for a private life away from the glare of celebrity. A friend, Lebanese journalist and director Majed Najjar, shared a short video clip from the wedding, showing Assaf and Ouda dancing, further confirming the joyous occasion.
Mohammed Assaf's romantic journey highlights a pattern of seeking both connection and privacy. While his early career saw him navigate a very public engagement, his subsequent marriage to Reem Ouda demonstrates a clear preference for a more discreet personal life. He has consistently aimed to protect his relationships from the intense scrutiny that comes with his celebrity status, allowing him to focus on his music and advocacy while maintaining a stable and private home life. His current marriage to Reem Ouda signifies a mature approach to balancing a demanding public career with the desire for personal tranquility and a loving partnership.