Abtal is a new podcast series from The National News, hosted by sports journalist Reem Abulleil, that is dedicated to Arab athletes and their respective journeys towards the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Jan 2024
Tennis stars Ons Jabeur and Mayar Sherif open up about their journeys
In the first episode of Abtal, host Reem Abulleil is joined by two iconic Arab tennis players, Tunisian Ons Jabeur and Egyptian Mayar Sherif, for their first interview together. Ons is the highest-ranked African woman and Arab player in tennis history and Mayar is the second-high ... Show More
47m 41s
Feb 2024
Teen prodigy Hana Goda on pressure, Olympic dream and fear of failure
In the second episode of the Abtal podcast, host Reem Abulleil is joined by Egyptian table tennis prodigy Hana Goda. Goda, 16, has been making waves in table tennis internationally since she was 11. She was ranked No 1 in the world in the under-15 cadets category when she was onl ... Show More
45m 33s
Feb 2024
UAE showjumper Abdullah Al Marri on historic Olympics qualification and finding his hunger
In the third episode of the Abtal podcast, host Reem Abulleil is joined by Emirati showjumper Abdullah Al Marri, a popular figure on the equestrian scene in the region and beyond, and a recent individual bronze medallist and team silver medallist at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. A ... Show More
40m 53s
Nov 2025
101. “Work Hard and Luck Will Chase You” - Nourelhoda Arafa, Egyptian national rower and The Mettleset’s very own on the road to LA28
Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟This week, we’re turning the mic inward to one of our own, Nourelhoda Arafa, Egyptian national rower and record holder, and Olympic hopeful.At 13, she picked up rowing for the first time. By 15, she was c ... Show More
55m 54s
Nov 2022
Exploring Hidden Depth With A Lebanese Freediving Champ
On this episode of the Beirut Buzz podcast, our host Lynn meets one of Lebanon’s deepest women! A freediving champion with two national records, Pamela Saghbini tells you all about what differentiates freediving from other water sports, the life skills it equips you with, and the ... Show More
20m 18s