# A&T Media
> A&T Media generates English-language podcasts that are geared towards the Middle East. Join Malak Fouad on What I Did Next, as she connects the dots across the Middle East through storytelling.
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).

## Pages
- [About A&T Media](https://www.at-media-group.com/about.md) - A&T Media was founded in 2021 by Malak Fouad. The company specialises in the creation of audio content, in the form of podcasts. With an emphasis on high-quality production values, A&T Media is developing podcasts that are intellectually rigorous, attracting high calibre guests as well as a select…
- [Advertise with us](https://www.at-media-group.com/advertise.md) - At A&T Media, we believe in the power of podcasts. Podcasts allow you to communicate with your audience in an intimate way, and can help drive awareness for your brand. 13 million people listen to 7 hours of podcasts every week in MENA A unique bond exists between the creator and the consumer of a…
- [Archive](https://www.at-media-group.com/archive.md)
- [Categories](https://www.at-media-group.com/categories.md)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.at-media-group.com/privacy-policy.md) - This privacy statement outlines all the data that the A&T Media L.L.C. (“A&T Media” or the “Company”) touches & the ways in which this data is stored and may be used. A&T Media does not personally identify or track users who interact with its websites, and does not authorize the collection of perso…

## Posts
- [My conversation with Alchemy’s Karim Mekhtigian & Mohamed Fares](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/karim-mekhtigian-mohamed-fares-alchemy.md) - SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start Investing Today This week, I’m sitting down with Karim Mekhtigian and Mohamed Fares, two of the visionary architects behind Cairo’s premier design firm, Alchemy, along…
- [Encore: Ramy Adeeb](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/encore-ramy-adeeb.md) - Ramy Adeeb, founder & managing partner of 1984 Ventures, is back for an Encore episode to talk about what he’s been upto since 2023. He talks about why he’s excited about AI in legacy sectors but worried about unemployment. He also takes on our signature lightning round. This episode is part of Enc…
- [Dina H. Sherif on entrepreneurship as a national competitiveness strategy](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/dina-h-sherif-on-entrepreneurship-as-a-national-competitiveness-strategy.md) - SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start Investing Today We’re continuing my conversation with Dina H. Sherif, talking about the shift from aid to agency, AI and regulation, and entrepreneurship as a national…
- [My conversation with Dina H. Sherif](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/my-conversation-with-dina-h-sherif.md) - SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start Investing Today I’m joined by Dina H. Sherif about entrepreneurship and ecosystem building in growth markets. Dina has served as the Executive Director of the MIT Kuo…
- [‘What’s Next?’: my panel from The Shift 2026](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/whats-next-my-ai-panel-from-the-shift-2026.md) - I recently moderated a panel about how AI is affecting Egypt and the region across fintech, media, telecom, and venture capital. My panelists was made up of a number of the show's alumni including Ahmed Alfi (Chairman, Sawari Ventures), Amy Mowafi (Co-founder & CEO, MO4 Network), Mounir Nakhla (Fou…
- [My conversation with Karim Moussa, Co-CEO of EFG Hermes (Buy Side)](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/my-conversation-with-karim-moussa-co-ceo-of-efg-hermes-buy-side.md) - Today I’m bringing you a special episode with our sponsor EFG Holding. I recently interviewed Karim Moussa, Co-CEO of EFG Hermes Buy Side, Head of Private Equity & Asset Management & CEO of Vortex Energy. Karim tells me how he got started in private equity, and how the thesis of investing with purp…
- [Youssef Salem on AI and the future of the region](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/youssef-salem-on-ai-and-the-future-of-the-region.md) - Continuing my conversation with the CFO of ADNOC Drilling.
- [My conversation with ADNOC Drilling’s CFO Youssef Salem](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/my-conversation-with-adnoc-drillings-cfo-youssef-salem.md) - 🖥️We’re excited to share that you can now also watch video versions of our episodes on Apple Podcasts! I‘m delighted to be joined by Youssef Salem, CFO for ADNOC Drilling. ADNOC is the UAE’s primary oil company and 12th largest in the world in terms of production. SPONSOR This episode is brought t…
- [Nabila Abdel Nabi on the future of museums](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/nabila-abdel-nabi-on-the-future-of-museums.md) - SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start Investing Today We’re continuing my conversation with Nabila Abdel Nabi, Senior Curator of International Art at Tate Modern and Lead of the Hyundai Tate Research Centr…
- [My conversation with Tate Modern’s Nabila Abdel Nabi](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/nabila-abdel-nabi.md) - SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start Investing Today I’m joined today by Nabila Abdel Nabi, Senior Curator for International Art at Tate Modern and Lead of the Hyundai Tate Research Center: Transnational.…
- [Encore: Jalal Abu-Gazaleh & Dalia Sultan](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/encore-jalal-abu-gazaleh-dalia-sultan.md) - I’m re-connecting again with one of my first guests, Jalal Abu-Gazaleh & Dalia Sultan, co-founders of Gourmet Egypt. The headline news since we first spoke in 2021 is that the company went public earlier this year! Listen in for the inside story of their expansion and IPO. This episode is part of E…
- [Tim Marshall on the importance of geography](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/tim-marshall-on-the-importance-of-geography.md) - SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start Investing Today We're continuing my conversation with journalist & best-selling author of Prisoners of Geography, Tim Marshall. On this episode, Tim tells me how the j…
- [My conversation with Tim Marshall, veteran journalist and best-selling author](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/my-conversation-with-tim-marshall-veteran-journalist-and-best-selling-author.md) - SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start Investing Today Tim Marshall joins me on the show this week to talk about his journey from starting out with the British Royal Air Force to his three-decade career in…
- [Empowering the arab youth, with Thuraya Ismail](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/empowering-the-arab-youth-with-thuraya-ismail.md) - SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start Investing Today I’m continuing my conversation with Thuraya Ismail, CEO of @MentorArabia , an organisation dedicated to improving the well-being of the Arab youth. On…
- [My conversation with Thuraya Ismail](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/my-conversation-with-thuraya-ismail-mentor-arabia.md) - SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start Investing Today I’m delighted to welcome Thuraya Ismail. She's the CEO of Mentor Arabia, an organisation dedicated to improving the well-being of young Arabs in genera…
- [Double-Take: Art & Heritage with Nada Debs, Louis Barthelemy, Omniya Abdel Barr & Sarah Beydoun](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/double-take-art-heritage-with-nada-debs-louis-barthelemy-omniya-abdel-barr-sarah-beydoun.md) - SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by Azza Fahmy Jewellery. On this episode, you'll hear about the incredible message through art with designer Nada Debs and entrepreneur Sarah Beydoun, and the importance of preservation from Omniya Abdel Barr and artist Louis Barthelemy. This episode is part o…
- [Encore: Mo Hefzy](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/encore-mo-hefzy.md) - I'm re-connecting today with award-winning film producer Mo Hefzy. Since I first spoke to him in 2022, Mo has had a series of successful releases, including 'Flight 404', 'Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo', 'Darwish', and many more. This episode is part of Encore, where I check-in with some of your favo…
- [Abdel Wahed El Wakil on the evolution of architecture](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/abdel-wahed-el-wakil-on-the-evolution-of-architecture.md) - SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start Investing Today We’re continuing my conversation with legendary architecture Abdel Wahed El Wakil. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of architecture and material…
- [My conversation with legendary architect Abdel Wahed El Wakil](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/abdel-wahed-el-wakil.md) - SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start Investing Today I’m joined today by a legend of from the world of architecture, Abdel Wahed El Wakil. I sat down with him a couple of weeks ago in Doha, where he now l…
- [Encore: Chef Bobby Chinn](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/encore-with-chef-bobby-chinn.md) - I'm re-connecting today with celebrity chef & author Bobby Chinn. I first spoke to Bobby during the summer of 2021 in preparation for Season 2. That feels like such a long time ago, we were just 8 episodes in at the time, and we're now in our 6th year with more than a 100 episodes! This episode is…
- [Maria Shollenbarger on why destinations trend, and the future of travel](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/maria-shollenbarger-on-why-destinations-trend-and-the-future-of-travel.md) - SPONSORED by EFG HERMES ONE This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start Investing Today We’re continuing my conversation with luxury travel journalist and editor Maria Shollenbarger. Today, we’re delving into the travel…
- [My conversation with Maria Shollenbarger](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/my-conversation-with-maria-shollenbarger.md) - SPONSORED by EFG HERMES ONE This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets worldwide. Start Investing Today I’m excited to be kicking off the year with Maria Shollenbarger, travel editor at the Financial Times’ HTSI magazine. I got to know…
- [My conversation with EFG Holding’s Mohamed Abdel Khabir](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/mohamed-abdel-khabir-efg-holding.md) - We’re closing out the year with a special episode with EFG Holding, and I’m joined today by the Group’s Chief Finance & Operations Officer, Mohamed Abdel Khabir. Mohamed joined the investment bank in 2008 and took on the CFO role in 2016. Earlier this year, he took on the additional responsibility…
- [Bonus: Mounir Nakhla on MNT Halan’s high-RPM expansion into Turkey, the UAE & Pakistan](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-mounir-nakhla-on-mnt-halans-high-rpm-expansion-into-turkey-the-uae-pakistan.md) - Last week, Mounir Nakhla told me about his entrepreneurial journey with MNT Halan, and how the company has risen to become of the Africa’s fastest growing start-ups. On today's bonus episode, Mounir talks to me about the strategy behind their recent expansion into 3 new territories — Turkey, the UA…
- [My conversation with Mounir Nakhla](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/mounir-nakhla.md) - I'm joined today by entrepreneur Mounir Nakhla. Mounir is the co-founder & CEO of MNT-Halan, Egypt's fintech unicorn that has served more than 8 million customers and recently expanded into the UAE, Turkey & Pakistan. Mounir launched his first company in 2010, which showed him the true potential of…
- [Encore, with Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/encore-with-d.md) - I'm re-connecting today with Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram. Dr. Nadine is the founder & CEO of Proximie, and a practicing NHS surgeon with a specialty in plastic surgery. I first spoke to Dr. Nadine three years ago, when she told me how she wanted to help operating rooms function more effectively with P…
- [Diving into the VC world with Karima El Hakim](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/diving-into-the-vc-world-with-karima-el-hakim.md) - We’re continuing my conversation with Karima Hakim on this episode, talking about the evolution of the private sector in Egypt and Africa, and her work specifically with Plug & Play. SPONSORED by EFG HERMES ONE This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more tha…
- [My conversation with Karima El Hakim](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/karima-el-hakim.md) - I’m joined today by Karima El Hakim, Country Director at Plug & Play Egypt, and co-director for the company’s operations in the rest of Africa. Just as importantly, for me she’s one of the show’s biggest fans! Not only has she recommended multiple people who’ve become guests, she’s probably also th…
- [My conversation with EFG Holding’s Hanaa Helmy](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/hanaa-helmy-efg-holding.md) - Today’s episode is a deep-dive with our sponsor, EFG Holding. As a long-time sponsor of the show, EFG have been with us from our single digit episode count all the way through to 100! For this special episode, I’m joined by Hanaa Helmy, Chief Corporate Sustainability and Impact Officer at EFG Holdi…
- [Celebrating 100 episodes!](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/celebrating-100-episodes.md) - I’m super proud and excited to share that What I Did Next crossed the 100 episodes milestone! So this week, I’m sitting down with our producer Chirag Desai to unpack some of the learnings and highlights of the past five years. You can also listen here: You can also follow us on Instagram for more f…
- [Azzam Fakhreddin on getting started in hospitality & his love for football](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/azzam-fakhreddin-on-getting-started-in-hospitality-his-love-for-football.md) - This week, we’re continuing my conversation with Azzam Fakhreddin, where he tells me about shifting focus to economics under the mentorship of Dr. Galal Amin and getting starting in the family hospitality business. Azzam also tells me about his involvement with the Jordan football team, which just…
- [My conversation with Azzam Fakhreddin](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/azzam-fakhreddin.md) - I’m joined today by Azzam Fakhreddin, a name familiar to many across the Middle East for his work in the hospitality industry. On Part 1 of our conversation, Azzam tells me about his involvement in two significant projects, the book Palestine, Memories of 1948 and the feature film Palestine 36, whi…
- [The future AI world, with Mo Gawdat, Ramy Youssef, Tarek Nour & Omar Elsahy](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/the-future-ai-world-with-mo-gawdat-ramy-youssef-tarek-nour-omar-elsahy.md) - Last week, tech ethicist Dr. Mona Hamdy unpacked some of the philosophical and ethical elements of AI. This is a topic that has come up many times on What I Did Next, so on today’s episode, I’m connecting the dots from some of our previous episodes on the philosophical, ethical and practical implic…
- [Dr. Mona Hamdy on the role of AI in society & its ethical implications](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/dr-mona-hamdy-on-the-role-of-ai-in-society-its-ethical-implications.md) - This week, we’re continuing my conversation with Dr. Mona Hamdy to unpack the world of AI. We talk about the ethical implications of technology, and the need to close the gap between profit-driven AI development and our needs as a society. She also tells me about her work with Anomaly, the appropri…
- [Dr. Mona Hamdy](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/dr-mona-hamdy.md) - Artificial Intelligence gets bandied about by everyone in just about everything today, and I’ve been wanting to unpack the opportunities and challenges the future world holds for us. So today, I’m delighted to welcome technology ethicist Dr. Mona Hamdy to the show. SPONSORED by EFG HERMES ONE This…
- [Double-Take: Giving Back, with Sir Magdi Yacoub and META’s Fares Akkad](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/double-take-giving-back-with-sir-magdi-yacoub-and-metas-fares-akkad.md) - Welcome to the first episode of a new segment of the show that we’re calling Double-Take, where I take a deep-dive into a single topic and connect the dots between some of our best conversations. I’ve often shared that shedding a positive light on our region has become an important by-product of th…
- [How I prepare for interviews](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/how-i-prepare-for-interviews.md) - Today I’m sharing the answer to another question I’m asked quite often: “how do you prepare for your interviews?” Watch on YouTube:
- [Omar El Akkad](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/omar-el-akkad.md) - I’m joined on the show by today by author and commentator Omar El Akkad. Omar’s first two books were novels—American War (2017) and What Strange Paradise (2021). But it is his latest book, One day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, that put him on my radar. This book is perhaps the most…
- [Encore, with media powerhouse Amy Mowafi](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/encore-with-media-powerhouse-amy-mowafi.md) - Today I’m re-connecting with Amy Mowafi as part of WIDN Encore, where I check-in with your favourite alumni guests. Since we last spoke, Amy has been leading and participating in various must-attend events across Egypt. She’s also been returning to her first love, writing, with her ⁠Substack⁠. Watc…
- [How I choose my guests](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/how-i-choose-guests.md) - Another question I get asked often is “how do you select your guests?” Join me for a look behind-the-scenes at how I select my guests and some of the criteria involved. Watch on YouTube:
- [Farrah El Dibany on her transformative journey playing Carmen](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/farrah-el-dibany-on-her-transformative-journey-playing-carmen.md) - We’re continuing my conversation with the talented mezzo-soprano Farrah Al Dibany, exploring the world of opera. Farrah tells me about her experiences and challenges of her work, including her transformative journey playing Carmen, and her commitment to introducing classical music to broader audien…
- [My conversation with mezzo-soprano Farrah El Dibany](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/farrah-el-dibany.md) - I’m excited to welcome mezzo-soprano Farrah El Dibany to the show! I had the opportunity to see Farrah perform in-person a couple of years ago, at the Manial Palace for Prince Abbas Hilmi’s museum festival. She has a powerful voice and an incredible presence on stage. We covered her journey from di…
- [2025 so far on ’What I Did Next’](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/2025-so-far-on-what-i-did-next.md) - We’re only halfway through the year and it’s already been an exciting one for What I Did Next so far. So this week, my producer, Chirag, and I decided to do a check-in and recap the last six months. We talk about the inspiring conversations, guests and events that have made up the year so far, as w…
- [How I started the ‘What I Did Next’ podcast](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/how-i-started-the-what-i-did-next-podcast.md) - I’m often asked how I got started with the podcast. On a special solo episode this week, I’m taking you behind the scenes to tell you how and why I started What I Did Next, and how it came together. Watch on YouTube:
- [Ayman Tamer](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/aym.md) - My guest today is Ayman Tamer, Chairman of the Tamer Group, a third-generation business with a 100-year history in Saudi Arabia. Ayman’s grandfather opened the first pharmacy in the Arab peninsula in 1922 and it has evolved into one of the largest healthcare companies in the region today, with over…
- [History and Culture: Perceptions of Egypt (The Narrative Summit 2025)](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/history-and-culture-perceptions-of-egypt-the-narrative-summit-2025.md) - A few weeks ago, What I Did Next partnered with the 2025 edition of The Narrative Summit which was held at the breathtaking Soma Bay. Today, I’m delighted to share my panel discussion where we explored perceptions of Egypt through a historical and cultural lens, a subject that is close to my heart.…
- [Encore: Ali Ali](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/encore-ali-ali.md) - Welcome again to What I Did Next Encore, where I check-in with some of your favourite alumni guests. For this episode, I’m re-connecting with one of the guests from our first-ever season, advertising director Ali Ali. He catches me up on what he’s been up to since we last spoke, his short film, Smo…
- [Bonus: Fatenn Mostafa Kanafani on navigating long-distance parenting](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-fatenn-mostafa-kanafani-on-navigating-long-distance-parenting.md)
- [“Reclaim our narrative,” Fatenn Mostafa Kanafani on her work to document modern Egyptian artists](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-fatenn-mostafa-kanafani-on-her-work-to-document-modern-egyptian-artists.md) - On this week’s bonus episode, Fatenn Mostafa Kanafani tells me about her work in documenting, codifying, and cataloging her research in art. She’s contributed a chapter in Daughters of the Nile, authored Modern Art in Egypt, and is now working on a third book. SPONSORED by EFG HERMES ONE This episo…
- [Fatenn Mostafa Kanafani](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/fatenn-mostafa-kanafani.md) - I’m joined on the show today by gallerist, author, and archivist, Fatenn Mostafa Kanafani. Fatenn has led a life full of twists and turns, and we bonded on this, comparing notes on our early years in Europe. Her career trajectory has seen her go from being a successful marketer with Procter & Gambl…
- [Encore: Nadine Kanso](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/encore-nadine-kanso.md) - Welcome back to What I Did Next Encore, where I check-in with some of your favourite alumni guests. On today’s episode, I’m reconnecting with pioneering Arab designer, Nadine Kanso, founder of jewellery brand BilArabi. Nadine tells me what’s been happening since our last conversation two years ago,…
- [”Catch the (aqua) mango!” Omar Hilal on his award-winning ads and his upcoming movie](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/catch-the-aqua-mango-omar-hilal-on-his-award-winning-ads-and-his-upcoming-movie.md) - We’re continuing my conversation with award-winning ad director and filmmaker Omar Hilal. This week, he tells me about three key projects: the hilarious Aqua Mangos ad, the ground-breaking Royal Jordanian Ad and a sneak-peek into his upcoming film. SPONSORED by EFG Holding This episode is brought t…
- [Omar Hilal](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/my-conversation-with-award-winning-ad-man-filmmaker-omar-hilal.md) - I’m delighted to be joined by award-winning ad director & filmmaker Omar Hilal as this month’s guest. Omar is one of those people who discovered that he wanted to become a director very early in life. He started out as a photo-journalist and went on to become an accomplished ad director, with stand…
- [The Narrative Summit 2025: My conversation with Rawya Mansour](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/the-narrative-summit-2025-my-conversation-with-rawya-mansour.md) - This week, I’m joined by Rawya Mansour, Chairwoman of RAMSCO Egypt and Oasis Technologies Monaco, for a special episode as part of our collaboration with The Narrative Summit 2025. Rawya is a pioneer of sustainable development and regenerative agriculture, including shifting away from chemical poly…
- [Encore: Ahmed Alfi](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/encore-ahmed-alfi.md) - Welcome back to What I Did Next Encore, our members’ segment where I check-in with some of your favourite alumni guests. I’m delighted to be joined for this episode by entrepreneur & investor Ahmed Alfi, who was also the show’s first-ever guest! Back then, in early 2021, he told me about his life’s…
- [My guest appearance on ‘Gems of Arabia’ about Arab Representation in Media with Becky Anderson, Faisal Abbas & host Hatem AlAkeel](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/my-guest-appearance-on-gems-of-arabia-about-arab-representation-in-media-with-becky-anderson-faisal-abbas-host-hatem-alakeel.md) - I’m excited to share a special episode from the podcast, Gems of Arabia about Arab Representation in Media. The episode, hosted by WIDN alum Hatem Al Akeel, was recorded a few weeks ago at the CNN Academy in Abu Dhabi in front of a live audience of the Academy’s latest cohort of budding journalists…
- [Nouf Al Moneef on the evolution of Noor Riyadh as a festival of light and art](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/nouf-al-moneef-on-the-evolution-of-noor-riyadh-as-a-festival-of-light-and-art.md) - We’re continuing my conversation with interior architect Nouf Al Moneef, Director of the Noor Riyadh festival. On today’s episode, Nouf tells me about the evolution of Noor Riyadh, why they chose light as a theme in addition to art, and about her own design aesthetic. 💡This episode is brought to y…
- [My conversation with Noor Riyadh’s Nouf Al Moneef](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/nouf-al-moneef.md) - I’m delighted to welcome Nouf Al Moneef, Director of Noor Riyadh, to the show this week. Noor Riyadh has now welcomed more than 3 million visitors and hosted artworks by hundreds of Saudi, regional and international artists. Nouf also continues to help grow the conversation about art and design on…
- [Encore: Nada Debs](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/encore-nada-debs.md) - We’re continuing our new segment, Encore—where I’m checking-in with some of your favourite WIDN alumni—with Nada Debs. I first spoke to Nada in 2021 about her journey growing up in Japan, living in the US, the UK and finally Lebanon. Since then, she’s moved to Dubai, where she continues to push the…
- [Khalid Abdalla on portraying Dodi Fayed](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/khalid-abdalla-on-portraying-dodi-fayed.md)
- [Khalid Abdalla on the four year journey that led to ‘Nowhere’](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/khalid-abdalla-on-the-four-year-journey-that-led-to-nowhere.md) - We’re continuing my conversation with actor Khalid Abdalla this week, going behind the curtain into his solo play, Nowhere. I saw the play when I was in the UK last October and was personally moved by his performance. On this episode, Khalid tells me about the journey that led to him writing Nowher…
- [My conversation with Khalid Abdalla](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/khalid-abdalla.md) - I’m excited to welcome actor Khalid Abdalla to What I Did Next this week! Khalid first became known to many of us with his incredible role in The Kiterunner. More recently, he was on our screens as Dodi Fayed on The Crown. But beyond all his subtle and challenging roles, I was personally moved by h…
- [Bonus: Farida Osman on how she prepares for races](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-farida-osman.md)
- [Farida Osman](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/farida-osman.md) - I’m excited to welcome Farida Osman as the first athlete on the show! She’s a 3-time Olympian, 3-time world bronze medalist and holds senior national records for butterfly, freestyle and backstroke events. These are all incredible achievements. 💡This episode is brought to you by EFG Holding, a lea…
- [WIDN Encore: Omar Samra](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/widn-encore-omar-samra.md) - I’m super excited to kick-off 2025 with one of our new segments called WIDN Encore, where I’ll be checking in with some of your favourite What I Did Next alumni. My first guest is adventurer, entrepreneur, and podcaster Omar Samra. I first spoke to Omar in 2021 about his company, Wild Guanabana, an…
- [Wrapping up 2024](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/wrapping-up-2024.md) - Thank you for joining me for another exciting year at What I Did Next. This week, I’m joined by the show’s producer, Chirag Desai, to look back at how quickly the year has gone by, and what is to come in 2025. 💡This episode is brought to you by EFG Holding. For 40 years, EFG Holding has been reali…
- [“You realize your role is serving the team more than directing them” Omar Elsahy on leadership, automation & AI](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-omar-elsahy.md)
- [Omar Elsahy](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/my-conversation-with-omar-elsahy.md) - I’m delighted to welcome Omar Elsahy to the show this week. Omar is General Manager for Amazon in Egypt, overseeing 2,500 employees in the country as well as after-market services across the region. He told me about his early years in the US and Egypt, starting a number of businesses with his broth…
- [”It’s very important to ask for advice and mentorship” Sarah Beydoun on her learnings from building Sarah’s Bag](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/i-had-a-complete-immersion-in-the-culture-and-experience-of-saudi-arabia-haitham-mattar-on-the-evolution-of-ksa-tourism-copy.md)
- [Sarah Beydoun](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/sarah-beydoun.md) - 💡We recorded this conversation before the conflict began in Lebanon earlier this year. Sarah Beydoun is the Founder and Creative Director of Sarah’s Bag, a social enterprise that produces bespoke luxury accessories and clothing. She tells me how her company was born out of a University thesis, how…
- [A little more with Louis Barthélemy](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-louis-barthelemy.md)
- [Louis Barthélemy](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/louis-barthelemy.md) - I’m delighted to welcome multidisciplinary artist and design Louis Barthélemy to the show this week. Louis designs beautiful works of art, from tapestry to rugs to stained glass and works on paper. He is a passionate exponent of craftsmanship and turns to ancient and trusted techniques to execute h…
- [My conversation with Yasmine & Farida Khamis](https://www.at-media-group.com/newsletter/my-conversation-with-yasmine-farida-khamis.md) - This week, I’m excited to sit down with two guests today and take a deep dive into their lives’ most pivotal moments. Yasmine and Farida Khamis are continuing the business legacy left by their father, Mohammed Farida Khamis. He launched Oriental Weavers in 1979, which has grown to become one of the…
- [Yasmine & Farida Khamis](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/yasmine-farida-khamis.md) - Yasmine and Farida Khamis are continuing the legacy left by their father, Mohammed Farid Khamis. He launched Oriental Weavers in 1979, which grew to become one of the world’s largest carpet manufacturers. Yasmine took over as Chair of its Board since his passing in 2020, while her two siblings join…
- [“I had a complete immersion in the culture and experience of Saudi Arabia” Haitham Mattar on the evolution of KSA Tourism](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-haitham-mattar-on-the-evolution-of-saudi-arabia-tourism.md)
- [My conversation with IHG’s Haitham Mattar](https://www.at-media-group.com/newsletter/my-conversation-with-ihgs-haitham-mattar.md) - I’m delighted to welcome Haitham Mattar, MD at the Intercontinental Hotel Group for India, Middle East & Africa to What I Did Next this week. In addition to working for global hotel giants such as the Marriott and Hilton along with the Intercontinental of course, Haitham has also led tourism for th…
- [Haitham Mattar](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/haitham-mattar.md) - Haitham Mattar is the Managing Director of the Intercontinental Hotel Group for India, Middle East & Africa. Haitham has had a distinguished career working for global hotel giants as well as leading tourism for the Governments of Ras Al Khaimah and Saudi Arabia. His story is one of individual will,…
- [“If you don’t have a level of self-doubt, you’re in trouble” HRH Nourah Al Faisal on building Nuun](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-hrh-nourah-al-faisal.md)
- [HRH Nourah Al Faisal](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/hrh-nourah-al-faisal.md) - I’m excited to kick off a new season of What I Did Next with Her Royal Highness Nourah Al Faisal. As someone who grew up in Saudi, I continue to be impressed by the transformation taking place across the country. I wanted to talk to Princess Nourah about her work with Vision 2030, and her recent ap…
- [Back to school](https://www.at-media-group.com/newsletter/back-to-school.md) - A new season of What I Did Next is out soon, plus my TV & podcast queue.
- [My summer reading list](https://www.at-media-group.com/newsletter/my-summer-reading-list.md) - Welcome to a special edition of our newsletter! With us on a season break—new episodes coming in September—I wanted to share what I’ve been up to this summer. I love the summer, with the promise of longer days and warmer nights, and not having any fixed plans. For me, it’s a time to catch-up with f…
- [Gulf Business: The SME Story](https://www.at-media-group.com/news/gulf-business-the-sme-story.md) - Gulf Business spoke to Malak Fouad as part of their SME series about companies making a lasting impact on communities: I’ve been very fortunate to speak to leaders across industries—from the worlds of art, culture, business, finance, sustainability, media, entertainment and more. These are people w…
- [Wrapping up Season 7](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/wrapping-up-season-7.md) - Thank you for joining me for an incredible Season 7 of What I Did Next. This week, I’m joined this week by the show’s producer, Chirag Desai, to look back at some of the highlights & themes from this season’s fantastic guests. 💡This episode is brought to you by: EFG Holding, a trailblazing financi…
- [Communicate: The Power of Audio in Driving Commerce](https://www.at-media-group.com/news/communicate-the-power-of-audio-in-driving-commerce.md) - Communicate spoke to Malak Fouad on podcast commerce & how brands can better leverage audio advertising: Audio is a very cost-effective way of reaching your audience, you can start small with a few episodes across multiple shows, and go big with collaborations and season or annual buys. It’s import…
- [Bonus: Ghada Amer on her artistic process](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-ghada-amer.md)
- [Ghada Amer](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/ghada-amer.md) - For the last episode of Season 7, I’m joined by internationally acclaimed artist Ghada Amer, who tells me about the creative fuel behind her work: Anger is a very big motivation for me. I made the decision not to use painting because this was a man’s world. So I need to to paint with, to use someth…
- [Bonus: Mohamed Al Fayed on his early years and the launch of Ounass](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-mohamed-al-fayed.md)
- [Mohamed Al Fayed](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/my-conversation-with-entrepreneur-mohamed-al-fayed.md) - Mohamed Al Fayed is former SVP at Al Tayer Group, and co-founder of food-tech startup, Grubtech.
- [Bonus: Becky Anderson on her role as Managing Editor at CNN](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-becky-anderson-cnn.md)
- [EntrepreneurME: Tuning Into Success](https://www.at-media-group.com/news/entrepreneur-me-tuning-into-podcasting-success.md) - Malak Fouad shares her entrepreneurship lessons from the frontlines of the podcasting scene in the Middle East: Monetizing content in a market still warming up to the digital revolution presents its challenges. My own journey, carving a niche in this evolving landscape, sheds light on some of these…
- [Becky Anderson](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/becky-anderson.md) - Becky Anderson is Managing Editor, CNN Abu Dhabi.
- [Bonus: Dr. Mounir Neamatalla on building EQI’s micro-finance and sustainability programs](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-mounir-neamatalla.md)
- [Dr. Mounir Neamatalla](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/dr-mounir-neamatalla.md) - Dr. Mounir Neamatalla is the founder of Environment Quality International (EQI).
- [Bonus: Malak El Baba on the transformation led by digital payments](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-malak-el-baba.md)
- [Malak El Baba](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/malak-el-baba.md) - Malak El Baba is the Egypt Country Manager for Visa.
- [Bonus: Hatem Alakeel on supporting the creative community in Saudi Arabia](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-hatem-alakeel-on-supporting-the-creative-community.md)
- [Hatem Alakeel](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/hatem-alakeel.md) - Hatem Alakeel is an award-winning Saudi designer, fashion entrepreneur & podcast host.
- [Bonus: Janan Shihadeh on honing her craft](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-janan-shihadeh.md)
- [Janan Shihadeh](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/janan-shihadeh.md) - Janan Shihadeh is a Palestinian-American bespoke artist and customiser.
- [Finance World: Diverse stories shaping the Middle East](https://www.at-media-group.com/news/finance-world-diverse-stories-shaping-the-middle-east.md) - Finance World spoke to Malak Fouad on navigating identity, failure, and impact through What I Did Next: ‘What I Did Next’ is a platform to bring positive narratives from our region to a global audience […] By celebrating diverse voices and highlighting the achievements of extraordinary role models,…
- [Bonus, with His Excellency Amr Moussa](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-his-excellency-amr-moussa.md)
- [His Excellency Amr Moussa](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/amr-moussa.md) - Amr Moussa is the former Foreign Minister of Egypt and former Secretary-General of the League of Arab States.
- [A new season begins March 5](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/a-new-season-begins-march-5.md) - I’m excited to be bringing you a fresh look, and a brand new season of What I Did Next! Starting next Tuesday, I’ll be welcoming a new guest every other week, and we’ll take a deep-dive into their lives’ pivotal moments. We’ll cross-cross the region and cut across a variety of industries to bring y…
- [‘What I Did Next’: The Leading English-Language Podcast in the Middle East Is Back for Another Deep Dive into the Pivotal Moments of the Region’s Most Visionary Leaders](https://www.at-media-group.com/news/what-i-did-next-is-back-for-another-deep-dive-into-the-pivotal-moments-of-the-regions-most-visionary-leaders-season-7.md) - Join storyteller Malak Fouad for the much-awaited Season 7 of ‘What I Did Next’, starting March 5th Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 26 February 2024 – A&T Media, founded by one of the Middle East's most trusted voices, Malak Fouad, is thrilled to announce the launch of Season 7 of the premier intervie…
- [A deep-dive with EFG Holding](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/efg-holding-special-episode.md) - I hope you enjoyed our season wrap-up last week. Today’s episode is a deep-dive with our partners, EFG Holding. As a long-time sponsor of the show, EFG Holding have been avant-garde and frontier-breaking, keeping with their own ethos of being a trailblazing financial institution with a Universal Ba…
- [Wrapping up Season 6](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/wrapping-up-season-6.md) - As we come to the end of our season, I’m joined by the show’s producer, Chirag Desai, to look back at some of the highlights from our episodes, and a few common threads among our guests. 💡This episode is brought to you by: EFG Holding, a trailblazing financial institution with a universal bank in…
- [Bonus: Youssra on the future of the regional film industry](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-youssra-on-the-future-of-the-regional-film-industry.md)
- [Youssra](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/youssra.md) - My final guest of this season is the one-and-only Youssra, who tells me about her life’s journey from key decisions that led to her breakout success to her ground-breaking acting career that took on societal taboos: In Karakoon Fi El Sharea, we changed the rule that we can build in the desert at th…
- [Bonus: Ramy Adeeb on volatility in the VC world, and why he didn’t invest in crypto and the metaverse](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-ramy-adeeb-on-volatility-in-the-vc-world-and-why-he-didnt-invest-in-crypto-and-the-metaverse.md)
- [Ramy Adeeb](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/ramy-adeeb.md) - I’m joined this week by Ramy Adeeb, founder and Managing Partner of 1984 Ventures, a firm that specialises in providing seed funding to start-ups. Ramy tells me how important risk taking has been in his career: I don't subscribe to regretting, but if there's one thing I regret is not taking enough…
- [Bonus: Amina Naguib on integrating exercise with happiness, perfecting the B-URN hoodie, and Dr. Seuss](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/amina-naguib-on-integrating-exercise-with-happiness-perfecting-the-b-urn-hoodie-and-dr-seuss.md)
- [Amina Naguib](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/amina-naguib.md) - I’m joined this week by Amina Naguib, fitness entrepreneur and founder of B-URN. Amina tells me how her life’s pivots have taught her the power of stepping back: The pauses are the moments where spirit comes in, where creativity comes in. And those pauses aren't accepted by a lot of people. Like I…
- [Bonus: Mohamed Hefzy on the writing process and supporting indie Arab filmmakers](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-mohamed-hefzy-on-the-writing-process-and-supporting-indie-arab-filmmakers.md)
- [Mohamed Hefzy](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/mohamed-hefzy.md) - I’m joined on the show this week by Mohammed Hefzy, the award-winning film producer behind mega hits such as Clash, Sheikh Jackson, Microphone, Paranormal, and Perfect Strangers, to name but a few of the films that make up his incredible catalogue of work. Hefzy began his career as a screen writer…
- [Bonus: Sir Magdy Yacoub on AI in healthcare & expanding Chain of Hope](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-sir-magdy-yacoub-on-ai-in-healthcare-expanding-chain-of-hope.md)
- [Sir Magdi Yacoub](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/sir-magdi-yacoub.md) - Sir Magdi Yacoub has almost single-handedly revolutionsed cardiology from his early days as a junior doctor in London in the 60’s, to retirement from his beloved NHS in 2001. “Pushing frontiers is never easy, because everybody is against you … once you go out beyond what is known, you are completel…
- [Our YouTube channel is live!](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-nadine-abdel-ghaffar-on-art-degyptes-evolution.md)
- [Nadine Abdel Ghaffar](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/nadine-abdel-ghaffar.md) - I’m joined this week by curator Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, founder of Art d’Egypte. From humble beginnings in 2017, their annual event has become a celebration of art, installations and global partnerships. Nadine is also an art curator with a passion for one of Egypt’s most celebrated artists, Mohamed…
- [Bonus, with Imran Amed](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-imran-amed-on-ai-metaverse-a-career-in-fashion.md)
- [Imran Amed](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/imran-amed.md) - Welcome to a new season of What I Did Next! I’m joined today by fashion entrepreneur Imran Amed, one of the leading voices in fashion and CEO of The Business of Fashion. What I Did Next was a media sponsor at the first edition of Egypt Fashion Week, where I met & interviewed Imran in front of a liv…
- [A new season begins September 4](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/season-6-begins-september-4.md) - I’m excited to be bringing you a new season of the show!
- [Wrapping-up Season 5](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/wrapping-up-season-5.md) - Thank you for joining me on an incredible season 5 of What I Did Next, and for your feedback and comments. This week, I’m joined by our producer Chirag Desai to talk about my own life’s pivots, a few highlights from our season and what’s in my cultural inbox. We’ll be back with new episodes in earl…
- [Bonus, with Chef Hussein Hadid](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-chef-hussein-hadid.md)
- [Chef Hussein Hadid](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/chef-hussein-hadid.md) - Chef Hussein Hadid is a food consultant and owner of The Kitchen Table Experience in Beirut.
- [Bonus, with Salma El-Wardany](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/a-little-more-with-salma-el-wardany.md)
- [Salma El-Wardany](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/salma-el-wardany.md) - I’m joined this week by poet, author and radio host, Salma El-Wardany. Salma is the author of These Impossible Things, a best-selling novel that that breaks down barriers by looking at how a group of muslim girlfriends navigate love, friendship & sex. She also currently hosts The Breakfast Show on…
- [Bonus, with Fares Akkad](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-fares-akkad.md)
- [Fares Akkad](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/fares-akkad.md) - Fares is currently Regional Director for Meta Middle East & North Africa.
- [Bonus, with Mounaz & Aya Abdel Raouf](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-mounaz-aya-abdel-roauf.md)
- [Mounaz & Aya Abdel Raouf](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/mounaz-aya-abdel-raouf-okhtein.md) - I’m joined on this new episode by Mounaz and Aya Abdel Raouf, better known as the sisters behind the global luxury brand, Okhtein. Mounaz and Aya have always had a love for fashion and accessories, and day-dreamed about working in the industry from when they were children. In 2014, they turned thei…
- [FastCompanyME: The Middle East wants to tell interesting stories. And podcasts seem to be the perfect platform](https://www.at-media-group.com/news/fastcompanyme-the-middle-east-wants-to-tell-interesting-stories-and-podcasts-seem-to-be-the-perfect-platform.md) - Fast Company ME spoke to Malak Fouad on podcast developments in the region: Sharing her observations as host of What I Did Next, named one of Apple Podcasts’ Best Shows of 2021 and 2022, Fouad reports a 1.5x audience growth year-on-year, most of which is driven by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE.…
- [Bonus, with Ramy Youssef](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-ramy-youssef.md)
- [Ramy Youssef](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/ramy-youssef.md) - I'm joined on this episode by comedian, actor and writer, Ramy Youssef. Ramy started out as a stand-up comedian, and is the star of the eponymous hit show, Ramy, which has won Golden Globes and Peabodies, as well as Emmy nominations. He's also the co-creator of Mo with Mo Amer, and can be seen late…
- [Bonus: Egypt Fashion Week 2023, with Paul Antaki & Susan Sabet](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-egypt-fashion-week-2023-with-paul-antaki-susan-sabet.md) - This season we've partnered with the Egypt Fashion & Design Council, which is launching the first edition of Egypt Fashion Week from May 12 to May 15. I’m joined on this bonus episode by two of the Council’s co-founders, Paul Antaki & Susan Sabet. We talk about the mission behind the EFDC and what…
- [Bonus, with Omniya Abdel Barr](https://www.at-media-group.com/all/bonus-with-omniya-abdel-barr.md)
- [Omniya Abdel Barr](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/omniya-abdel-barr.md) - Omniya is an architect and specialist in cultural heritage conservation, working with the Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
- [Bonus, with Ali Shihabi](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-ali-shihabi.md)
- [Ali Shihabi](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/ali-shihabi.md) - Ali Shihabi is the founder of Rasmala Investment Bank, and author of two books, Arabian War Games & The Saudi Kingdom.
- [Bonus: A little more from Hala Gorani](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/bonus-with-hala-gorani.md)
- [Hala Gorani](https://www.at-media-group.com/what-i-did-next/hala-gorani.md) - Hala Gorani is a broadcaster, journalist, and now author. She formerly hosted Hala Gorani Tonight on CNN.

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