We’re currently on a season break and will be back with new episodes in September. In the meantime, I wanted to share my conversation from last year with businessman, art collector, activist and academic Sultan Sooud Al Qaseemi.
Sultan’s story starts out as a proud son of Sharjah in the UAE before he came to the attention of a wide audience around the world ... Show More
Aug 25
Looking back, looking forward
This week, I'm sitting down with my producer Chirag Desai to reflect on a whirlwind first half of the year—from interviewing iconic figures and taking the show international to the importance of reclaiming our narrative. We talk about what drives the show, the magic of the MENA r ... Show More
19m 59s
Aug 18
Karim Mekhtigian & Mohamed Fares on building a brand that became a movement
This week, we're continuing the conversation with Karim Mekhtigian and Mohamed Fares, where they tell me about their design philosophy, and their new destination in Downtown Cairo, Tamara Haus, which is where we recorded the episode.Karim & Fares, alongside Emy Hussein, are the v ... Show More
28m 52s
Aug 11
Karim Mekhtigian & Mohamed Fares
This week, I’m sitting down with Karim Mekhtigian and Mohamed Fares, two of the visionary architects behind Cairo’s premier design firm, Alchemy alongside Emy Hussein. Together, they have spent years shaping the architectural landscape in Egypt, setting new standards of quality, ... Show More
32m 36s
Aug 2020
Sultan Al-Qassemi | Bridging Cultures Through Arab Art and Architecture
<p>Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi is a UAE-based columnist, researcher, and the founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation. His articles have been featured in major publications globally, including The Financial Times and The Guardian. Through the Barjeel Art Foundation, Sultan has significa ... Show More
50m 51s
Jan 2025
“The region is going through a renaissance within the creative industry that we very much want to be part of.” Sultan Al Darmaki on bridging silos in the creative ecosystem, and finding that right balance to keep being inspired.
Hashem Montasser sits down with Sultan Al Darmaki, founder of 1833, an exclusive members’ club redefining community spaces and activations. Sultan shares his journey so far—from his unorthodox approach to fashion, how he felt working in London to the creation of 1833, a space tha ... Show More
46m 37s
Jul 2024
Confluence with Sultan Al Darmaki
In this episode, Deena is joined by her friend and groundbreaking designer, Sultan Al Darmaki. He is the first contemporary Middle Eastern designer to have his work displayed at the V&A Museum in London. In this episode, Sultan and Deena begin by discussing how Sultan paved h ... Show More
39m 13s
Aug 2021
E202: Smile You Are In Sharjah. (With Nawar Al Qassimi)
Today we speak with Nawar Al Qassimi, book lover and art advocate from Sharjah Art Foundation. We reminiscence back to stories of growing up in Sharjah, celebrating its contemporary art and culture scene, and exploring new places. #WeCauseCultureHosted by OT, Reem, and Akkaoui, t ... Show More
41m 58s
Dec 2024
“The Middle East is the best market for all luxury brands worldwide” Rami Al Ali on bridging cultural divides, redefining Arab luxury, and the evolution of modern identity through couture.
Hashem is back this month with the ever-inspiring Rami Al Ali. Together, they explore the evolution of Arab couture, from breaking stereotypes to redefining luxury on a global stage. Listen in as they swap stories about navigating tradition and modernity, and that unforgettable m ... Show More
1 h