Hani AlMalki on Dubai’s F&B reset, credibility over clout, and a restaurant career built without a restaurant.
“I observe. I document. And more recently, I speak my mind.”
Hashem Montasser
Founder, The Lighthouse and Host, The Lighthouse Conversations.
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Karim Awad on leading EFG Hermes mid-revolution, a decade of building, and why legacy is measured by what remains after you leave
“If you tell me we're not going to build, then probably replace me. There is no need for having me.”
Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte on the Soul of Space and Collectible Design
“I really wanted to slow things down… to create an experience where people take their time, build relationships, and connect with design in a more human way.”
“Going into a new market requires humility. You don’t know the market well, and you have to accept that.”
In this year-in-review episode, Hashem looks back on 2025 and what it actually took to open two restaurants in Riyadh in one year. It’s a conversation about
“The day I stopped being a ‘Googler in Dubai’ and started being ‘Lynn, who happens to work at Google,’ everything changed.”
Lynn Hazim, founder of Middle Child and creator of popular food blog @nosoupforyou, shares her journey from corporate life at Google to building her own restaurant in Dubai. The Lighthouse
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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.
“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