Muscat – Omani actress Shamaa Mohammed, 64, passed away following a heart attack on Wednesday morning in Saudi Arabia.

Fans of Shamaa posted heartfelt condolences and messages on social media condoling her death which has left a void in this developing field in the sultanate. They prayed to God to show his mercy and benevolence on her soul and to give solace and comfort to her family and relatives.

Born in Kuwait on February 19, 1958, Shamaa was educated in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Shamaa began her career as an actress in 1975 but her real break came in 2002 when she featured in many television programmes and theatre, including Al Asouf, Ghorba Feelings, Adhari and Draish, all of which were well received.

She was an active volunteer for several humanitarian initiatives, too.

Well-known broadcaster Suhaa Ruqaishi said, “Oman has lost Shamaa’s smile on screens but she will remain in the memories of all.”

On Twitter, Alhusam said, “Today, the light of Oman has gone but her smile will forever shine.”

Nasser al Jassasi, another fan, described the actress as a goodwill ambassador, too. “Shamaa participated in many voluntary activities in the country. We will miss her a lot,” he said.

Mohammed al Hinai, who works with children with cancer, said, “There was never an occasion when we invited her to participate in events for children with cancer and she refused. She always obliged without hesitation.”

She appeared in projects made locally and other Gulf countries from where condolences have been pouring in.

“Oh! God have mercy on Shamaa, forgive her, and settle her in the expanse of your gardens. Pass over her and bring her down to the House of Hassan and crown her with righteousness,” Mai al Aidan, a fan from Saudi Arabia, tweeted.

Abdul Rahman Nasser, a journalist working for Al Riyadh newspaper, tweeted, “May God have mercy on Omani actress Shamaa Muhammad and give her family and relatives patience and comfort.”