Hashem Montasser - Amaeya Media

“I have a vision of leaving a legacy with this brand” Faiza Bouguessa on her journey through the world of fashion, being true to her vision, and leaving a legacy for the Middle-East

Hashem is joined this week by accomplished fashion designer Faiza Bouguessa. The two consider the trials and tribulations of founding a successful business, and the importance of finding an authentic design aesthetic for one’s brand. Influenced by vintage elegance, Faiza discusses how ‘Bouguessa’ is a display of her own...

The Lighthouse Conversations

“I’m very comfortable around people who are homesick but not sure where home is.” Avni Doshi on the impact of culture, motherhood and identity on her creative writing process, and the UAE’s nascent literary ecosystem

Hashem catches up with Avni Doshi, author of ‘Burnt Sugar’, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize. In her book, Avni explores the themes of identity, culture and motherhood. The heartfelt discussion captures the poignant moments of personal growth that permeate her narrative, now seen through the lens of...

The Lighthouse Conversations

“If somebody calls hummus a dip again, I'm going to scream!” Fadi Kattan on why food is so central to his celebrating his Palestinian heritage and on the magical powers of oral history.

Hashem catches up with Chef, hotelier, and author Fadi Kattan in Bethlehem. Chef Fadi talks about his newly published cookbook, Bethlehem, which is essentially a celebration of Palestinian Food. It is a beautiful homage to Palestine’s food culture conveyed via Fadi’s memories. Snippets of oral history are prominently...

The Lighthouse Conversations

“I’m an art pragmatist. You need a balance.” Hashem Montasser talks to Caroline Louca about growing up around art, themes in his current collection, and how The Lighthouse fits in with his mission to support Arab artists.

This week, we’re flipping the script. Art consultant Caroline Louca gets behind the host’s mic to chat with Hashem the art collector! As a long-time friend of Hashem’s, an art advisor, and former Managing Director of Christie’s Dubai, Caroline digs deep into Hashem’s passion for...

The Lighthouse Conversations

“When I see a few characters in a painting, I create my own stories.” Elie Khouri on his multiple career pivots, the joy of collecting art & having fun on ‘Shark Tank’

Hashem catches up with the renowned art collector and CEO of Vivium Holding, his newly established family office. Elie, a self-made man who grew up during Beirut's civil war has had a fascinating career journey, pivoting to advertising early in his career and then building & leading Omnicom...

The Lighthouse Conversations

“When I see everybody walking in a certain direction, I like to choose the other path” Hamad Al Awar on juggling founding burger brand ‘High Joint’, being a police officer, a visual animator and a father

Hashem catches up with Hamad Al Awar, the founder of the home-grown burger brand, High Joint, a police officer and a creative artist. Having met at a shawarma place in a very interesting coincidence, Hashem decided to bring their conversation to The Lighthouse Podcast room and explore the man with...