Hashem Montasser

“It’s not enough to just have good taste.” Rajat Malhotra on building the last major independent festival in the GCC

Raj Malhotra, co-founder of Sole DXB, shares the story behind building one of the GCC’s last major independent festivals — a cultural platform born from minimal capital yet lots of

Sep 11, 2025

“I’m competing with white space”: Heba El Gabaly on designing the future

Heba El Gabaly, Founder and CEO of Efreshli, discusses her journey from corporate to entrepreneurship, scaling a tech-driven design-led business, and the importance of blending online and offline experiences. The

Jun 12, 2025

“I saw a massive gap in institutionalizing the real estate process. And I wanted to take a crack at it.“ Abdullah Alajaji on identifying market gaps in real estate and playing the long game

This week on The Lighthouse Conversations, Hashem sits down with Abdullah Alajaji, Founder of Driven Properties, to discuss his meteoric journey in real estate. Tune in as they discuss taking

Apr 21, 2025

“People walk in as strangers and leave as family. That is what Bait Maryam is all about.” Chef Salam Dakkak on honoring her mother’s legacy through every single dish.

Hashem is back this month with Chef Salam, the Chef-Operator of one of the UAE’s most popular restaurants, Bait Maryam. Listen to the audio version here: The Lighthouse Conversations:

Mar 11, 2025

“The region is going through a renaissance within the creative industry that I 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

Feb 3, 2025

“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

Dec 24, 2024

“Luxury isn’t just about products that are crazy expensive.” Samir Aghera on navigating heritage abroad, celebrating the spirit of nomadism, and redefining the essence of luxury experiences

Hashem and the ever-stylish Samir Aghera delve into the dynamic world of luxury retail, discussing Hashem’s aesthetic vision for The Lighthouse and Samir’s keen eye for detail at

Nov 24, 2024

“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

Sep 16, 2024

“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.

Aug 12, 2024

“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

Jul 10, 2024

“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’

Jun 11, 2024

“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

May 1, 2024

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