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Salma Hayek steps out in NYC with a member of Qatar’s royal family


The 59-year-old actress was spotted walking through Manhattan alongside one of the most prominent figures in the international arts and cultural world


Salma Hayek attends the Serpentine Summer Party 2026 at Serpentine South on June 23, 2026 in London, England. © Darren Gerrish/WireImage for Ser
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
AUGUST 25, 2026 11:02 AM EDT

Salma Hayek turned a casual New York City outing into a lesson in effortless summer dressing. The 59-year-old actress was spotted walking through Manhattan alongside Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, a member of Qatar’s royal family and one of the most prominent figures in the international arts and cultural world.

For the daytime outing, Hayek kept her wardrobe decidedly understated. The actress wore a flowing black midi dress with short sleeves and an asymmetrical, draped hemline. The relaxed silhouette offered plenty of movement as she walked through the city while still delivering the polished style that has become part of Hayek's fashion signature.


Actress Salma Hayek was spotted out in New York City alongside Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, sister of Quatar's ruler. © The Image Direct/The Grosby Group
Actress Salma Hayek was spotted out in New York City alongside Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, sister of Quatar's ruler.

She finished the monochromatic look with chunky black platform sandals featuring wide straps and buckle detailing. A black shoulder bag with a gold chain strap added a luxe accent, while oversized dark sunglasses completed her New York street style.

The result was an all-black outfit that felt comfortable enough for walking around Manhattan without sacrificing impact.

Salma Hayek's black dress makes a case for easy summer style

Hayek's latest look offers a different approach to summer dressing at a time when breezy white dresses, linen separates, and bright colors typically dominate warm-weather wardrobes.

Instead, the actress leaned into head-to-toe black.


Actress Salma Hayek was spotted out in New York City alongside Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, sister of Quatar's ruler. Hayek wore a black dress paired with matching black platform sandals and carried a black handbag.© The Image Direct/The Grosby Group
Hayek wore a black dress paired with matching black platform sandals and carried a black handbag.

Her loose-fitting dress was particularly well suited to the formula. Rather than choosing a structured or body-skimming silhouette, Hayek opted for lightweight-looking fabric, a relaxed neckline, and an uneven hem that gave the dark outfit an airier appearance.

The platform sandals were the statement piece.

With their substantial soles and oversized buckle details, the shoes brought a slightly tougher finish to the soft dress. They also continued the tonal styling from head to toe, making the outfit look cohesive without requiring elaborate accessories.

Salma Hayek steps out in New York City in a chic black dress and platform sandals alongside Qatar royal and arts leader Sheikha Al-Mayassa Al Thani.
© The Image Direct/The Grosby Group
Salma Hayek steps out in New York City in a chic black dress and platform sandals alongside Qatar royal and arts leader Sheikha Al-Mayassa Al Thani.

Hayek kept her long brunette hair loose and wore minimal visible jewelry. Her oversized sunglasses provided the final practical touch for the sunny afternoon.

It's a straightforward celebrity summer outfit formula worth noting: one comfortable black dress, chunky sandals, a shoulder bag and sunglasses.

Salma Hayek spotted with Sheikha Al-Mayassa Al Thani in New York

Hayek's companion was equally notable.

Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is the sister of Qatar's current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the daughter of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani



Actress Salma Hayek was spotted out in New York City alongside Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, sister of Quatar's ruler. © The Image Direct/The Grosby Group
Actress Salma Hayek was spotted out in New York City alongside Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, sister of Quatar's ruler.

For the New York outing, Sheikha Al-Mayassa chose a contrasting light ensemble. She wore a pale blue striped longline shirt with loose white trousers and vivid blue shoes. A small crossbody bag and patterned headband completed her look.

While Hayek went monochrome and dark, Sheikha Al-Mayassa's combination of pale separates and colorful footwear offered a lighter interpretation of relaxed city dressing.

The two appeared deep in conversation as they walked together, with Hayek gesturing animatedly at one point.

Who is Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani?

Sheikha Al-Mayassa's influence extends well beyond her royal title. She serves as chairperson of Qatar Museums, an organization she has led since its founding in 2005. She also chairs the Doha Film Institute, Reach Out to Asia and Qatar Leadership Centre and is co-chairperson of Fashion Trust Arabia. 

 Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani© Dave Benett/Getty Images for Fas
Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

Her work has made her an internationally recognized figure across art, museums, film and fashion. Under her leadership, Qatar Museums has developed a network of museums, galleries, heritage sites and public art projects while supporting Qatar's broader cultural infrastructure. Sheikha Al-Mayassa has also been closely involved in international cultural exchange initiatives. 

Her connection to fashion is particularly significant. She was a principal founder of Fashion Trust Arabia in 2019, an initiative created to provide financial support, mentorship and opportunities for emerging designers from the Middle East and North Africa.