Inside the Lives of Noor and Banen Stars: Fame, Sisterhood, and Family
JEDDAH — Iraqi-American content creator Noor Naim, better known as Noor Stars, and her younger sister Banen have built one of the most successful social media empires in the Arab world, with Noor amassing over 22 million YouTube subscribers and close to 18 million Instagram followers, while Banen has more than 18 million followers across platforms.
In a recent interview with Arab News’ sister publication Hia magazine, the sisters opened up about fame, their relationship, and their journey as refugees. Noor described her entry into social media as “completely by chance,” while Banen noted that growing up as refugees in Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and the United States shaped her rational approach to life.
On fame, Noor advised against letting it consume one’s entire life, adding that she now takes fewer photos to “live the experience.” Banen echoed the sentiment, saying social media can make you forget “how to live in the moment.”
The sisters dismissed any sense of competition between them. “When Banen achieves something, it lands as though I’d done it myself,” Noor said. Banen added: “Noor is the only person I actively hope will outdo me. Most people want to be the best in the room; I am happiest watching Noor pull ahead.”
Describing their bond, Noor called Banen “not just my sister. She’s my friend and my support.” Banen said Noor “believed in me before I believed in myself.” On challenges, Noor noted that “hard times built my character and made me appreciate every milestone.” The sisters also shared qualities they admire in each other, with Noor praising Banen’s “rationality” and Banen admiring Noor’s “persuasive abilities and strong determination.”
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