Hatem Al Akeel – a contributing editor for Esquire Saudi Arabia – has launched a new audio-visual podcast ‘Gems of Arabia’ on his Instagram @hatemalakeel today May 26. The podcast – which is spoken entirely in Arabic – will kick off with 6 beta episodes that will be posted every Wednesday.
With a special focus on Saudi Arabia, Gems of Arabia will give audiences an in-depth overview of the minds shaping the future of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Exploring topics from fashion and entrepreneurship to arts and culture, Hatem aims to not only spotlight local talent but to empower them on a global platform:
“I am hoping that – through Gems of Arabia – local talent will be able to connect with like-minded people in their industry and with international experts. Local talent – especially in Saudi – is often overlooked. I really want to use my network to create a bridge between talent and brands – and to inspire the latter to go local”.
Moreover, Hatem partially credits the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic for helping push both brands and talent to embrace local culture:
“People are unaware of all the amazing artisans in Saudi. The pandemic has opened our eyes to show that you can still hold onto your own culture and have a strong sense of identity. Tradition can be progressive, and it absolutely is. People are valuing and are moving towards the authentic. It’s this local talent which has previously flown under the radar that is highlighting the level of creativity and talent that exists in the Kingdom, which until now was often overlooked”.
Hatem’s lineup of speakers for Gems of Arabia will certainly not disappoint. The podcast will feature guests such as: Princess Nourah Al-Faisal – the founder of Saudi Fashion Week, Mishaal Ashemimry – a Saudi-American Aerospace Engineer, Ghalia Ghanem – the first Saudi plus-sized model, Nada Baeshan – a female Saudi fashion entrepreneur, and Rawkan Binbella – an Actor and the star of Born a King, the first international movie shot in Saudi Arabia.
Hatem’s focus on local Saudi talent extends far beyond the launch of his new Podcast series. A self-identified Saudi activist, Hatem launched Authenticite – a creative consulting agency focused on bringing Saudi local culture and talent to a global level – in 2020. His fashion label Toby also captures a similar Saudi ethos, mixing local Saudi designs with an international flair.
Moreover, Hatem’s prestigious resume will certainly deliver on his promise to create networking opportunities for emerging Saudi talent: not only has Hatem dressed the likes of Snoop Dogg, Christian Louboutin, and the Duke of Cambridge Prince William, but he also regularly features and contributes to leading luxury fashion titles such as GQ Middle East, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, Grazia Middle East, Esquire Middle East, Vogue Arabia, and Marie Claire Middle East.
If you want an inside look into the talent shaping Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, make sure to tune into Episode 1 of the Gems of Arabia podcast below: