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“We feel a trend before it becomes mainstream.” The Bokja founders on why storytelling is central to their brand image.
Founded in 2000, Bokja had its first big break in New York City’s ABC Carpet & Home with an...
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“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.
We caught up with Ashraf Hebela in a multi-faceted episode discussing cultural hybridity, market declines, serial founders and more....
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“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.
Fadi Ghandour co-founded Aramex in 1982 fresh out of studying Political Science in college, an education to which he...
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“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.
This week, Hashem invited Ahmad Al Marri, Founder of Dubai-based ice cream brand Canvas Gelato to the hot seat....
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“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.
This week Hashem and guest host Samantha Wood aka FooDiva catch up with Issam Kazim, CEO of DTCM. “Not...
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“Energy and lots of seasoning…that’s nafas.” Mohamad Orfali and his sensational culinary pivot from TV chef to award winning restaurateur…and what makes a really good mulukhiya!
Hashem catches up with Mohamad Orfali, TV celebrity chef extraordinaire, restaurateur and co-founder of the award winning Orfali Bros...
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“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
In this week’s episode we connect with Mounir Nakhla, CEO and Co-Founder of Egypt’s leading FinTech start-up ‘Halan’ which...
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“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.
This week, we reunite with a previous guest; author and friend of The Lighthouse, Nadia Wassef. Since our first...
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“I can figure out your personality by walking around your space.” Anoud Alzaben on the process of creating and immortalizing ephemeral tablescapes.
We are joined this week by multidisciplinary Jordanian designer Anoud Alzaben who we first met at The Lighthouse when...
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“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
This week we sit with Stasha Toncev, founder of Dubai’s award-winning Balkan bistro, 21 Grams. Hailed in the media,...
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“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
Hashem and his co-host Samantha Wood aka FooDiva sit down with Gwendal Poullennec, the Guides’ International Director. Over coffee...
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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.”
To mark the occasion of the Middle East's recent inclusion in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, we catch up with...
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“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 sat with Rania Masri El Khatib, Founder of the RMK Collective, a transformation and experience design advisory. Rania...
