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The art world thrives on connections – between artists and institutions, across cultures, and through the passionate individuals who dedicate their lives to fostering creative dialogue. Dr. Princess Alia Al Senussi stands as perhaps the quintessential example of this connective power, described by Hans Ulrich Obrist as "the ultimate junction maker" in the global contemporary art scene.
As we dive into this fascinating conversation, Dr. Al Senussi takes us through her journey from being a "third culture kid" of Libyan and American heritage to becoming one of the most influential figures in international art circles. Without any social media presence – a rarity in today's hyperconnected world – she has established herself as a crucial bridge between regions, institutions, and artistic communities through sheer persistence, genuine curiosity, and an unwavering belief in art's power to transcend boundaries.
Her professional evolution from Art Basel's UK and MENA representative to Senior Advisor International Outreach reveals the delicate balance between professional dedication and personal passion that drives meaningful cultural exchange.
Perhaps most revealing is Dr. Al Senussi's account of her involvement with Saudi Arabia's cultural renaissance. Despite encountering prejudice from colleagues who "absolutely didn't even want to hear that there were artists in this country," her persistence in highlighting the kingdom's vibrant creative community has helped transform global perceptions. Her co-authored book, "Arts in Saudi Arabia: A New Creative Economy," stands as a testament to this commitment.
For those aspiring to similar paths, her advice is refreshingly straightforward: "You need to engage, you need to be persistent, and you need to show up." In an industry built on relationships and in-person connections, there's simply no substitute for being physically present where art happens. Whether you're pursuing curatorial work, arts administration, or cultural diplomacy, follow Dr. Al Senussi's example – be "everything everywhere all at once" in your passionate pursuit of artistic connection.Support the show
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What happens when a fourth-generation Syrian American decides to revive and reimagine classical Arabic music traditions from New York City? Faraj Abyad takes us on a mesmerizing journey through the microtonal landscapes of Tarab and Maqam theory while breaking industry norms with his original compositions.
Raised in a household where the legendary recordings of Sabah Fakhri played alongside his formal studies in jazz and Western music, Abyad developed a unique musical identity that bridges cultural worlds. As he explains, "I found that microtones in this music kind of took me to a state of Tarab or took me to a state of ecstasy that we can't find in Western music." This fascination with the emotional power of Arabic music theory became the foundation for his compositional approach.
Unlike many contemporary Arabic musicians who primarily cover the works of icons like Um Kulthum or Fayrouz, Abyad is dedicated to creating new classical Arabic compositions. We wpeak about him recording at New York's legendary Power Station Studios and working with The Originals and Oswalds Mills Audio.
The conversation reveals fascinating details about his album cover featuring Jawad Salim's rare painting "In the Presence of the Caliph" (unseen in color for 70 years) and his upcoming performance at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Listen now to discover how Faraj Abyad is creating new pathways for classical Arabic music in the modern world—and why his work matters for the future of this rich tradition.Follow @thecurationpod and @hunaliving for more conversations exploring the intersection of art, culture, and innovation.
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Scent has a powerful ability to transport us through time and space, evoking memories with just one breath. In this riveting conversation with Yasmin Khalil, founder of KŌDO London, we unlock the secrets of luxury home fragrance that honors both indulgence and wellness simultaneously.
Yasmin reveals how her Lebanese heritage and interior design background converged to create something truly revolutionary: decadent, food-inspired home fragrances that are potent and non-toxic. After discovering that conventional fragrance products can contain up to 4,000 hidden chemicals (many linked to serious health concerns like hormone disruption and reproductive issues), she set out to create a clean alternative that sacrifices nothing in luxury or scent experience.
The magic of KŌDO lies in its gourmand inspirations—think dark chocolate espresso, matcha vanilla coconut, and caramelized citrus—all crafted to evoke those special moments throughout our day. Yasmin walks us through how scent can transform spaces and moods, sharing her personal rituals for morning energizing, workout preparation, and evening unwinding.Visit KŌDO London for more and to check out their mini sets available now!
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A powerful conversation unfolds at Art Dubai 2025 as three visionary women share their journeys through the evolving landscape of arts education in the UAE. Dean Janet Bellotto of Zayed University, artist-educator Afra Al Dhaheri, and artist-founder of Medaf Studio Alia Hussain Lootah reveal the transformative potential of creative learning while challenging traditional pedagogical approaches.
Their personal stories illustrate remarkable transitions—from financial accounting and PR studies to pioneering artistic practices—highlighting how educational interventions can dramatically alter life trajectories. The dialogue explores how community-building sits at the heart of effective arts education.
Most compelling is their vision for the future—arts education that embraces performance, climate resilience, and interdisciplinary approaches. Alia's work with children emphasizes creative freedom. As Janet concludes, growth comes from "working alongside different generations" within an ecosystem where everyone both teaches and learns.For more on each speaker visit @afra_aldhaheri, @aliahlootah_ and @Janet Bellotto.
This episode is in collaboration with @hunaliving. As part of A.R.M. Holding, HUNA redefines elevated living through lifestyle-focused communities that blend artistry, design, and sustainability.
This episode was filmed LIVE at @artdubai 2025.
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Nour Hassan dives into the universal struggle of imposter syndrome, sharing personal stories and actionable strategies to overcome self-doubt and fully own your worth.
• Understanding imposter syndrome as a sign of growth rather than inadequacy
• Normalizing these feelings by recognizing they affect even the most accomplished individuals
• Creating a "confidence file" to document achievements and positive feedback for moments of self-doubt
• Learning to separate feelings of inadequacy from the factual evidence of your capabilities
• Taking action without waiting to feel completely ready or prepared
• Embracing your unique perspective as something no one else can bring to the table
• Recognizing that your authentic voice is your greatest asset
If not now, when? And if not you, then who? Follow @thecurationpod and @NourHassan on Instagram to stay updated on all our content and future interviews.Support the show
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From construction engineer to environmental researcher to destination visionary — Ibrahim El Missiri's career path defies conventional trajectories while offering profound insights into what makes extraordinary destinations thrive. As the CEO of Soma Bay Red Sea, El Missiri worked on the transformation of a stunning Red Sea peninsula into one of Egypt's premier destinations through strategic vision, innovative placemaking, and a deep understanding of both social and financial capital.
The conversation reveals how El Missiri's diverse background shaped his approach to development. His early work on iconic projects like the Four Seasons Giza laid a foundation in construction, while his environmental studies funded by a hard-won British scholarship (after three years of rejection) instilled principles of sustainability. His master's degree in Built Environment from UCL introduced him to placemaking concepts that would later define Soma Bay's distinctive character.
What truly distinguishes this interview is El Missiri's fascinating perspective on "social capital" versus "financial capital" and how relationships form the true currency of success in Egyptian business. After years working internationally, he recognized that maintaining strong local networks was crucial, explaining his decision to return to Egypt despite promising opportunities abroad in companies such as Dubai World and Expo 2020.
Today, Soma Bay hosts music festivals and international events such as Narrative PR Summit, bring ing together indouals form across regions and disciplines to come together on the Egyptian Red Sea peninsula of Soma Bay.Support the show
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Meet Mai Galal, the visionary stylist who has revolutionized Egypt's fashion landscape through her extraordinary career spanning decades. Far from an overnight success, Mai's journey began with a needle and thread at age eight, crafting homemade outfits for her Barbie dolls and transforming orange peels into artistic expressions. That same creative spirit would eventually lead her to style Egypt's most prestigious event in recent history – the globally televised Pharaohs Parade.
In our conversation, Mai opens up about navigating her "double life" – balancing the glamour of high-profile styling with the grounded reality of motherhood. She shares intimate details of her morning routine, which transformed after a health scare forced her to become more present and mindful in her daily life. Rather than following trendy 10-step skincare routines, Mai swears by what she calls "ancient Egyptian remedies" – olive oil, black seed oil, and simple traditional approaches that have stood the test of time.Mai has styled everyone from iconic Egyptian stars Mona Zaki, Youssra, and Angham, to Amina Khalil, Nelly Karim, Yasmin Sabri and more.
Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
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In this episode we speak to Anne Mehany, co-founder of Maison Mehany a multidisciplinary creative house. We explore Anne's extraordinary journey from a young girl captivated by fashion to a leader in the Egyptian luxury design scene. Driven by passion, her inspiring story unfolds through layers of personal loss, including the death of her father at age 21, and the journey she endured while discovering her path in the challenging world of fashion production.
Anne invites us into her world of aesthetic storytelling, where each project is approached with a fresh vision and dedication to excellence. With upcoming projects that include a skincare line and a personal photography book, along with her love for Pilates, Anne is continually pushing boundaries while remaining rooted in her core values. Maison Mehany has worked with major international clients such as EMAAR and Jean Paul Gautlier, as well as numerous features in notable media such as Numèro, Harper's Bazaar Arabia, Vogue Arabia and more.Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
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This episode emphasizes essential steps for successfully starting a podcast, especially in the MENA region. We explore niche identification, the importance of storytelling, production practices, localization marketing, and monetization strategies.
• Define your niche with a regional angle
• Emphasize storytelling to build audience connections
• Start production without perfection
• Market your podcast tailored to the MENA audience
• Understand monetization and develop your unique selling proposition
Make sure to subscribe, like, and comment. If you have any questions, feel free to DM me!Support the show
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Join me as I take you through my updated morning routine! From mindful habits to productivity hacks, this routine helps me start my day with energy and focus. I include wellness tips, skincare, fitness, and how I set the tone for a successful day. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content like this and let me know what you'd like to see next as part of my Monday Monologues [MM] where I pick a topic and speak about it solo!
Reminder: Make sure to click the CC button on YouTube to enable the subtitles for this episode, which can be translated into most languages 🤎
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As always thank you for listening.
With love,
Nour x
#thecurationpod #curatedbynour #podcast #curation #nourhassanSupport the show
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Join me, Nour Hassan, for a conversation with the incredibly talented Aya Abdelhamid, an Egyptian renowned makeup artist and beauty influencer who shares her inspiring journey in the beauty industry. From her unique upbringing in Cairo, where she was surrounded by actors and celebrities, to her rise as a respected figure in the makeup and winner of Charlotte Tilbury Arabia MUA of the Year Award, Abdelhamid opens up about her aspirations to create a lasting legacy for her family name. Her story is built on a foundation of family inspiration and a deep passion for exploration and growth. Discover the intricate balance between simplicity and ambition that defines her personality as she forges her own path in the industry.
• Discusses contrasting morning routines for shoot days and relaxed days
• Reflects on growing up as the daughter of make up legend Mohamed Abdelhamid
• Explores the impact of social media on the makeup industry
• Shares experiences working with celebrities and fashion events
• Discusses challenges of mental health and social anxiety
• Provides advice for aspiring makeup artists and the importance of practice
• Hints at exciting upcoming projects and goals for the future
Check out Aya's instagram where she shares all of her work and behind the scenes glamming talents at some of the world's top shows and events @ayaabdelhamid.Support the show
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In this Solo episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks about the idea of building character outside of social media, the importance of figuring out who who are, the dangers of becoming a social clone and finally she gives three tangible takeaways as to how you can navigate social media and ultimately use it to your advantage.
Enjoy xxSupport the show
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PR virtuoso Lamia Kamel graces our latest episode with our founder Nour Hassan, sharing her wisdom on brand building and cultural curation. Listen as she unpacks the essence of creating a reputable brand image and the importance of stepping outside comfort zones for personal and professional growth. Lamia’s insights, drawn from her extensive experience with influential figures and initiatives like CC+ and the Narrative Summit, highlight the vital role of storytelling and collaboration in shaping Egypt’s narrative and the broader Arab world.
Join us as we celebrate the power of mentorship and community engagement. Lamia and I discuss the evolution of public relations in Egypt, the challenges of bridging government and private sectors, and the triumphs of women in the industry. From fashion and personal branding to sustainability and global recognition, perfect for anyone eager to learn from a pioneer in PR.
• Importance of lifelong learning in personal growth
• Misconceptions about PR and its true purpose
• CC+ as a pioneer in the Egyptian PR landscape
• Narrative Summit's role in shaping Egypt's story
• Collaboration between public and private sectors in tourism
• Balancing professional commitments and family life
• Advice for young people on finding their passions
• Significance of personal branding and authenticity
For more PR insights follow @loomykamel and for more information on the Narrative Summit follow @narrativesummit.Support the show
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Are you ready to become the girl of your dreams? Break free from societal norms and trends as we embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal style. Our founder Nour Hassan guides you through cultivating a unique aesthetic that speaks to your individuality. Forget TikTok trends; let's focus on building a wardrobe and lifestyle that align with your genuine self. Whether you're drawn to patterns, block colors, or minimalism, we’ll emphasize living authentically and independently in a world that's constantly connected.
• Importance of detachment for individuality
• Curating a personal style that reflects your true self
• The Artist's Way: nurturing creativity through self-dates
• Journaling with morning pages for clarity
• Waking up early to set the tone for your week
• Power of silence and listening
• Curating life by surrounding yourself with inspirational people
• The necessity of being your authentic self over societal expectations
For more curated content follow @the.curation.pod.Support the show
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What if you could transition from managing a leading coffee brand in Dubai to introducing a groundbreaking matcha concept in Cairo? Join our founder Nour Hassan as we uncover the inspiring journey of Reem Hassan, a fearless entrepreneur who has done just that. Reem opens up about her exhilarating leap from being the country manager of Seven Fortunes to launching Matter, a postmodern matcha venture that brings high-quality matcha to the Egyptian market. She candidly shares how the pandemic reshaped her career path and reinforced her commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance amidst the chaos of entrepreneurship.
• We discuss the transition from pharmacy to coffee
• Highlighting the evolution of her morning routine
• Reem describes the creation and concept of Matter
• Emphasizing the importance of staff management and communication
• We talk about blending culture with innovative offerings
• Sharing life hacks focused on risk-taking and friendship and of course "What's in your bag?"
For more matcha and coffee discoveries check out @matterbrews.Support the show
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Dara Ghosheh took the ice cream scene by storm, at the very first shop opening the line was endless and the Egyptian sweet industry was transformed by the brand’s infectious and creative concoctions! This week our founder Nour Hassan speaks Dara Ghosheh herself on the podcast, a mother, creative, entrepreneur, ice cream specialist and so much more.
Dara shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as a Palestinian family, to becoming an entrepreneur in Cairo and becoming a mother. Throughout the episode, she discusses the challenges of maintaining quality, the power of branding, and the importance of balancing personal and professional life while navigating the magical world of ice cream and treats.
• Discusses early life and cultural influences in Jeddah
• Shares her transformative experience at AUC and in Cairo
• Explores the entrepreneurial leap that led to creating Dara's Ice Cream
• Highlights the importance of quality ingredients and branding
• Reflects on expansion, success, and returning to her roots with the opening of the Riyadh store a full-cirlce moment
• Addresses the impact of mental health and seeking support in entrepreneurship
• Emphasizes the balance between professional ambition and family life
The perfect episode for the Holidays, to watch with the family and to get inspired for the new year 🍨🍦✨🤎🍪🎙️🎧🤍 #thecurationpodSupport the show
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Heba Shunbo is an entrepreneur, interior designer, author, podcast host and so much more. Heba along with her sisters founded The Four Fat Ladies, and exited the company after 10 years, in parallel Heba navigated becoming a mother at 40, writing her tell all book “Mommy’ Happy Hour”, and her soaring interior design career. Heba with her sister Nira Shunbo host the "Who Said What Podcast" a hilariously unfiltered show on the realities of dating, family, sisterhood and everything else in between.
This episode is packed with funny anecdotes, wise words of wisdom and unapologetic truths from someone who’s lived all over the world but still calls the cozy Cairienne island of Zamalek home. Subscribe on YouTube for the full video episode and listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧🤎☕️🎙️
- Discussing the personal journey from investment banking to entrepreneurship
- Examining the importance of morning routines and self-care practices
- Exploring the founding story of Four Fat Ladies and the challenges of family businesses
- Unpacking Heba's approach to interior design and home aesthetics
- Sharing insights on mental well-being and managing motherhood alongside careers
- Navigating the creative process behind podcasting and the power of authentic conversations
- Reflecting on the importance of surrounding oneself with positive energy and art
Check out Heba's latest project and her podcast 'Who Said What' with her sister Nira which will feature our founder Nour Hassan next season for more inspiring and funny conversations!Support the show
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Prepare to be captivated by the insights of Maya Allison, the Executive Director and Chief Curator at NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, as she reveals the fascinating journey that led her from the RISD Museum to the vibrant art scene of the UAE. Discover her unique perspective on the evolving role of curators, who not only educate but also engage as public intellectuals and creative practitioners. This engaging conversation uncovers the layers of curatorial work, from managing ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, and highlights the joy of connecting art with audiences in meaningful ways.
Finally, explore the dynamic evolution of the UAE’s arts and culture scene, from its participation in the Venice Biennial to the influence of South Asian art. We navigate through pivotal moments that shaped this region's rich art history, underscoring the importance of cross-cultural exchanges. Listen as Maya outlines the future developments at NYU Abu Dhabi Art Galleries, spotlighting their commitment to supporting emerging and mid-career artists. Through substantial exhibitions and publications, these efforts not only elevate individual careers but also contribute to a broader global art discourse.
Ishara Art Foundation
Ishara Art Foundation was founded in 2019 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to presenting contemporary art of South Asia. Located in Dubai, the Foundation supports emerging and established practices that advance critical dialogue and explore global interconnections.
Ishara signifies a gesture, a signal or a hint, and is a word common to several languages including Arabic, Persian, Hindi, Bengali, Swahili and Urdu.
Ishara Art Foundation is presented in partnership with Alserkal.
For more information visit www.ishara.org.Support the show
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Ever felt the morning rush sets the wrong tone for your day? I get it. I used to jolt out of bed straight into a whirlwind of caffeine and chaos until I discovered the magic of slowing down. My unscripted solo session takes you through my journey of transforming mornings from manic to meaningful. Picture this: setting your alarm just 15 minutes earlier. That gentle nudge into wakefulness can pivot your entire day. We'll chat about the power of "vision board points" as an alternative to daunting resolutions, aligning your morning routine with the dreams you truly cherish for the New Year.
Curious about what happens when you swap your morning coffee for something different? I’ve dabbled in alternatives inspired by Dr. Andrew Huberman's wisdom, and wow, what a difference it makes! From warm water with lemon to the occasional cold-pressed juice, these simple shifts have revolutionized my mornings. In this episode, you’ll hear about my trial and error process of crafting a routine that resonates with balance and well-being. Join me on this journey of intentional mornings, where small changes set the stage for a harmonious and fulfilling year ahead.
Make sure to follow @the.curation.pod for more.Support the show
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In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to Zaina Deesi, Marketing at the Dubai Future Foundation, about the mesmerizing experience "Our Future(s)." Get ready to be intrigued by how this installation intertwines light, sound, and scent to pose thought-provoking questions inspired by the DFF Global 50 Report. Imagine contemplating a future where learning while you sleep becomes a reality? Our conversation delves into how this extraordinary project, showcased at Alserkal Avenue during Alserkal Art Week, challenges visitors to reflect on tomorrow's uncertainties, offering a sensorial journey that truly engages all five senses.
Zaina shares insights into the bold vision of the Dubai Future Foundation, a government entity not afraid to step outside conventional boundaries. Discover how the installation employs the signature scent from the Museum of the Future to evoke memories and deepen the immersive experience.
For more information visit Dubai Future Foundation.Support the show
- Visa fler
