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The Lighthouse Conversations is a bi-monthly podcast focused on the Middle East’s entrepreneurial and cultural landscape. Hosted by our co-founder Hashem Montasser, our topics and guests are as exciting as our food! From local tablescaping superstar Anoud Al Zaben to the cloud kitchen food-tech start-up Kitopi we’re discussing everything from entrepreneurship to arts.

“We feel a trend before it becomes mainstream.” The Bokja founders on why storytelling is central to their brand image.
“You should prepare for the right type of luck to find you.” Silicon Valley Bank’s Ashraf Hebela on the value of a long-term mindset in startup investing.
“There was instinct and learning-as-you-go, no playbook.” Aramex founder Fadi Ghandour on the limitations, risks and rewards of building a heritage company.
“Success is not only measured by financial results but also by cultural relevance.” Ahmad Al Marri on launching Canvas Gelato against the odds and why community support was crucial to his success.
“Everyone has written off Dubai at one point.” Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim on how Dubai bounced back post-pandemic and what lies ahead for its culinary scene.
“I’ve always been a strong believer in offering financial services to the unbanked.” Mounir Nakhla on turbo-charging growth at Egypt’s leading FinTech startup Halan
“The issue with progress is that it’s seldom linear.” Nadia Wassef on narrative structure, trafficking in nostalgia and life after publishing a debut memoir.
“I can figure out your personality by walking around your space.” Anoud Alzaben on the process of creating and immortalizing ephemeral tablescapes.
“I’m half woman, half to-do list!” Stasha Toncev on her improbable journey from Belgrade to Dubai and what it took to launch Balkan bistro 21 Grams
“The Michelin Guides are consistent; one star in Dubai equals one star in Paris” Michelin Guides’ Gwendal Poullennec debunks urban legends surrounding the iconic restaurant guide which just announced its Dubai chapter
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants Behind the Scenes with Claudia de Brito and Samantha Wood “The fact that we have this list is a vote of confidence for the MENA region.”
“If you want to employ more women, design your workplace around it.” Rania Masri El Khatib’s call to arms for female employees is loud and clear.

“We feel a trend before it becomes mainstream.” The Bokja founders on why storytelling is central to their brand image.

“You should prepare for the right type of luck to find you.” Silicon Valley Bank’s Ashraf Hebela on the value of a long-term mindset in startup investing.

“There was instinct and learning-as-you-go, no playbook.” Aramex founder Fadi Ghandour on the limitations, risks and rewards of building a heritage company.

“Success is not only measured by financial results but also by cultural relevance.” Ahmad Al Marri on launching Canvas Gelato against the odds and why community support was crucial to his success.

“Everyone has written off Dubai at one point.” Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim on how Dubai bounced back post-pandemic and what lies ahead for its culinary scene.

“I’ve always been a strong believer in offering financial services to the unbanked.” Mounir Nakhla on turbo-charging growth at Egypt’s leading FinTech startup Halan

“The issue with progress is that it’s seldom linear.” Nadia Wassef on narrative structure, trafficking in nostalgia and life after publishing a debut memoir.

“I can figure out your personality by walking around your space.” Anoud Alzaben on the process of creating and immortalizing ephemeral tablescapes.

“I’m half woman, half to-do list!” Stasha Toncev on her improbable journey from Belgrade to Dubai and what it took to launch Balkan bistro 21 Grams

“The Michelin Guides are consistent; one star in Dubai equals one star in Paris” Michelin Guides’ Gwendal Poullennec debunks urban legends surrounding the iconic restaurant guide which just announced its Dubai chapter

MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants Behind the Scenes with Claudia de Brito and Samantha Wood “The fact that we have this list is a vote of confidence for the MENA region.”

“If you want to employ more women, design your workplace around it.” Rania Masri El Khatib’s call to arms for female employees is loud and clear.

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