Conversations with people who live between cultures and make things — founders, designers, chefs, artists, the occasional novelist. Mostly from the Middle East. Recorded at The Lighthouse. Hosted by Hashem Montasser. No sponsors.
“If you tell me we're not going to build, then probably replace me. There is no need for having me.”
“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.”
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 going up
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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’
