Zakia Hamwee is the artistic director and choreographer of The Flames of Araby. She is also co-director of The Sheik & Flames of Araby. With over 20 years experience she has performed throughout the Miami area as well as Southern New Mexico, El Paso and the surrounding area. She has made special appearances in Arizona, New Jersey and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. In El Paso, Zakia introduced belly dance to the Persian Cafe, Sah'Vah's, Cafe Latte and Lucky Devils, creating opportunities for other local performers. Zakia had over 14 years experience as a dancer before starting to teach classes in Hollywood, Florida. After moving to El Paso in 1999, Zakia has continued her tradition of educating her students on the history of the dance as well as teaching ethnic and cabaret styles. In El Paso, Zakia has sponsored belly dancing events including, A Taste of the Desert, Let's Belly Dance & Dances of Lebanon where she has promoted local teachers and dancers and brought in the internationally known performer, Tasha Banat . Zakia has created national fame with her spectacular event Desert Fire, which includes belly dance competitions, workshops with instructors such as Scheherazade & Carla, Amira, Karen Barbee Adkisson and more.