An Egyptian actor, born in the Sayyida Zeinab district of Cairo in 1949. He began acting while still a student. Although he initially enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering and joined its theater troupe, he did not complete his studies there; instead, he chose to attend the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, where he earned his bachelor's degree.
He appeared in dozens of films in supporting roles starting in the 1970s, including Wahda bi-Wahda (Tit for Tat), Al-Irhab wal-Kabab (Terrorism and Kebab), and Bakhit wa Adila. He also distinguished himself in television series such as Al-Seera Al-Hilaliyya and Hind wa al-Doctor No'man. He worked with Adel Emam in the play Al-Zaeem (The Leader).
Three films featuring Ahmed Rateb were selected for the list of the 100 best films in the history of Egyptian cinema—based on a 1996 critics' poll—namely: Lil-Hob Qissa Akhira (1985), Al-Bari' (1986), and Al-Hob Fawq Hadabat al-Haram (1986).
He won the Best Actor award at the Radio and Television Festival for his role in the series Umm Kulthum.
