Studied directing at the University of Southern Illinois over a period of 4 years upon his return to Egypt he began preparations for his first feature film "The Emperor" which was an adaptation of the American film scar face. The Film was a massive success and played in Egyptian cinemas for a record breaking 26 weeks. He then followed on the success of his first film with "El Pasha" again starring Ahmed Zaki , who had established himself as one of the top stars of Arab cinema after the emperor. After El Pasha Tarek took a break from cinema and began a successful career in music videos and commercials during which he worked with the leading a singers and artists in the Arab world. Tarek made a strong return to cinema in 2001 with his 3rd film "Snakes and Ladders" which was one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year, as well as a commercial success.