#MEETTHEMEDIA Rashid Hassan

Rashid is the Senior Correspondent (Diplomatic Affairs) at Arab News. When Rashid is not covering the largest events in Riyadh, you can find him relaxing with his family in one of Riyadh’s wonderful parks.

What types of stories, trends or issues are on your radar now?

I’ve always enjoyed writing stories/pieces on strategic affairs, diplomatic and bilateral relations, as well as development stories, including sports, Cricket, and changing lifestyles and culture, especially in youth, in line with ongoing transformation under Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia. Apart from that, I regularly cover major events in Riyadh, including G20 2020, the annual FII, also known as Davos in the Desert, Global Misk Forum, Global Cybersecurity Forum, Energy Conferences, LEAP Forum, OIC, GCC, Arab League and key bilateral and multilateral Summits.

Describe one of the wackiest proposals/ideas you’ve been sent.

I love writing about strategic relations, and sports to be specific Cricket, but to write about purely business development, especially with numbers is what irritates me, although I have extensively covered Saudi annual Budget and Riyadh Economic Forum, and have worked closely with the Federation of Saudi Chambers, purely business stories and interviewing business people is what I honestly don't enjoy. Appreciated widely in our newsroom as jack of all trades, trade story is what I just do, if and when required.  

What elements or characteristics do you look for in a story?

A good newspoint or better narrative with top sources is always a good choice. I also like stories that are informative, insightful, and leave you with an afterthought.

What story or stories are you most proud of?

It has to be stories that I wrote at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 covering all the major G20 events, ministerial as well as the Leaders Summit at the climax of the G20 Summit. Apart from that, I truly enjoyed working on major interviews I did, including Gavi Alliance, EU, WHO, WFP, Saudi Aid Top Officials, Yemeni Minister, Former Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram, another top official, Sam Pitroda, and the first FII Forum in Riyadh that made historic announcements.  

Tell us about your dream assignment.

The Hajj 2023 full coverage and first FII Forum in Riyadh that made historic announcements: NEOM, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman saying; We are going back to Moderate Islam. Also, to write a comprehensive feature about giga projects in Saudi Arabia: Neom, Amala, Line Project, Red Sea Projects, and Qiddiya, and The IV News Agencies World Congress (IV-NAWC) in Riyadh

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Darbhanga, north Bihar, India, and grew up pursuing higher secondary and Bachelor's degrees at AMU, Aligarh, and a Master's and PG Dip in journalism in the capital, New Delhi.

How did you get your start in the media? What is your story?

In the beginning, I was passionate about civil services, and later switched to journalism as I had a knack for storytelling (thanks to my elder brother who inspired this in childhood, subscribing to some monthly children's digests), and I eventually started writing stories. From stories to factual reports and finally, I had pieces in the University magazines.

Finish this sentence: If I am not reporting, I am…

I like reading opinion pieces online and social media and spending time with family.

Favorite local restaurants or other places to hang out?

I love going to Indian/Pakistani restaurants, and there are many in Riyadh. Also, Riyadh has an abundance of beautiful family parks: natural reserves, Wadi Hanifa, Wadi Namar, and Lake Park!

Tell us a little about yourself.

As a free-spirited writer at heart, I thrive on an innate desire to pen down thought provoking developments in Saudi Arabia, where Vision 2030 is spearheading reforms, bringing in refreshing transformation, and capturing the essence of the moment, diving deep into the story to get needful info. I'm fueled by a passion to explore the unconventional. From local heroes to influential thought leaders, I've interviewed a number of people.

You can catch up with Rashid:

Arab News

Rashid’s latest article in Arab News

X/Twitter

Linkedin

#MeetTheMedia Manju Ramanan

Meet Manju Ramanan. The TedX Speaker and a journalist with over 22 years of experience.

What types of stories, trends or issues are on your radar now?

I interview Bollywood, Arab, and Pakistani film stars, but human interest stories fascinate me.

Describe one of the wackiest proposals/ideas you’ve been sent.

For the Dubai Women’s Run in 2017, I got 55 women to run 5kms in red cotton handloom sarees.

What elements or characteristics do you look for in a story?

To explore people’s reservoirs of courage and how they handle crisis. They could be unscathed and proud, burnt but wise, damaged but kind.

What story or stories are you most proud of?

Shahrukh Khan, Raha Moharak, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravishankar , Hopemaker Ahmed al Falasi, Autistic musician Ahmed al Hashemi and my coffee table book on HH Sheikh Saqr al Qassimi, late ruler of Ras al Khaimah.

Tell us about your dream assignment.

To integrate my vast experience in 2 countries, India and UAE, to narrate stories (print, podcast, YouTube, website). To work where I am respected and valued and earn a good remuneration for my commitment.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Baroda, Gujarat, in India.

How did you get your start in the media? What is your story?

In 2000, the next day after my father’s death, The Times of India called me to Ahmedabad for an interview, and they didn’t show up. When the act was repeated, I wrote an angry letter to the editor. The team came to my city and offered me the job.

Finish this sentence: If I am not reporting, I am… writing books and interviewing people

Favorite local restaurants or other places to hang out?

Farzi, Mint Leaf of London and Tiptara.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a proud mom, Ted X speaker, passionate journalist and saree hoarder.

Connect with Manju here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manju-ramanan-56069b4/ or catch her on IG / FB @manjuramanan.

#MeetTheMedia Rob Chilton

Meet Rob Chilton.

I’m a journalist, copywriter and broadcaster with 25 years’ experience in London, New York and Dubai. I started in showbiz journalism which was relentlessly competitive, fun and very addictive. After taking a year-long career break in my mid 30s – which I spent backpacking around the world –  I moved to Dubai and accidentally ended up writing in the luxury sector, which I love. I’m very lucky in that my work never feels like work.

What types of stories, trends or issues are on your radar now?

I cover anything and everything in the lifestyle sector, which means watches, cars, food and drink, travel, fashion, hotels, grooming, plus some sport - all the fun stuff. When you’re writing about luxury, I think it’s important to uncover the story behind the expensive object. It’s very easy to be distracted by the shiny thing and forget the amazing skill, knowledge, history, and craftsmanship that has gone into making it.

Describe one of the wackiest proposals/ideas you’ve been sent.

“Come and try an ice bath with some sound healing.” Ice bath, no thanks. Sound healing, I was intrigued.

What elements or characteristics do you look for in a story?

Since I started in journalism in 1997 I was always taught one simple thing: what’s the story? Finding an angle has remained the starting point for any work I do. Basically, it all boils down to whether this a story you’d rush to tell your mates in the pub, or one that’d you tell at a dinner party. Is it interesting? Is it surprising? Is it thought-provoking? If it’s an interview, I have to like the person if it’s going to create a good article. The easiest – and quickest – stories to write are ones that come from the heart. I love it when stories just fall onto the page.

What story or stories are you most proud of?

I honestly still get a thrill to have anything published. I never cease to be amazed that people pay me money to write things in magazines and say things on TV and radio. Writing for the likes of GQ, Esquire and Harper’s Bazaar is an honour but my career highlight so far was having three stories published in Time magazine in 2022, something I plan to bore my grandchildren about when I’m an old man.

Tell us about your dream assignment.

The assignments that sent me abroad are the ones that stick in the mind. A classic car show in India with Cartier, driving an Aston Martin around Monte-Carlo, trying on Audemars Piguet watches in Tokyo, and a luxury detox cleanse in Bali were amazing. Interviewing Jessica Simpson in her hotel room in New York was pretty memorable, too. If any commissioning editors are reading this and they need someone to spend a month in California on a gastronomic road trip, I am available.

Where did you grow up?

Reading, England. Also the birthplace of Kate Winslet, Kate Middleton and Ricky Gervais (that’d be a good dinner party).

How did you get your start in the media? What is your story?

I did unpaid work experience at loads of magazines in London for about a year in 1997 - before mobile phones. Then somebody suggested I go see Ian Abbott on the news desk at TV Times magazine. We had a chat and got on well. I asked him if he wanted to see my CV, he laughed and said, ‘See you Monday morning.’ After a few months of work experience there, he gave me my first job and set me on my way.

Finish this sentence: If I am not reporting, I am…

Reading books, watching movies, listening to Led Zeppelin or Massive Attack depending on my mood, drinking tea and eating too many biscuits, swimming, getting a haircut, spending time with my daughters which usually involves swimming, doing jigsaws, reading books and making scrambled eggs (not all at the same time).

Favorite local restaurants or other places to hang out?

My wife and I love going to Mythos in JLT for a cosy dinner. Tashas on Al Wasl Road is also a family favourite, as is Señor Pico on Palm West Beach. For a special treat, I never get tired of going to LPM, Cipriani, Zuma, Mimi Kakushi and Il Borro. The most beautiful place in Dubai? Without doubt, The Arts Club.

Tell us a little about yourself.

The first thing people tend to notice about me is that I’m tall - six foot five. I’m English, an Arsenal fan, an optimist, I love talking to people and asking questions.

Find out more about Rob here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-chilton-3bb30531/.

#MeetTheMedia Mario Volpi

Meet Mario Volpi.

I’ve been writing about real estate for the last 15 years in the Emirates, mainly discussing stories from Dubai where I give my take on any breaking story or a real estate trend. My experience helps me to give my opinion, which often helps the reader make up their mind, especially if the story is about a specific project.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Southwest London, UK arriving from Italy after my father got a job in the aviation sector.

How did you get your start in the media?

In 2013, I was approached by The National newspaper to write a property column called Homefront where I would answer real estate related questions, especially about renting in Dubai. This I thought was a gig that would last 3 to 6 months at best, in fact 10 years later, the column is still going strong and I’m still busy informing residents of their rental rights both for tenants and landlords, in fact any real estate scenarios including sales information on future projects or technical questions regarding the sales process too. In addition to my column and other articles written over the years, you will find my dulcet tones on the Dubai property podcast which I appear in six times a month. This is an informative podcast that I have been contributing to since January 2023. I also regularly contribute to radio shows such as the Business Breakfast, Afternoons with Helen Farmer and The Agenda all on Dubai Eye 103.8 FM.

What do you do when you are not reporting?

If I’m not reporting, I’m advising on REAL ESTATE to my 100 strong team.

Favorite local restaurants or other places to hang out?

My favourite place to hang out is JBR. I call it the centre of the universe. Real Estate is all I know, I’m currently the Senior Director at AX Capital and work out of the Media city office in Concord Tower.

2024 will be a special year for me as this will be the 40th anniversary of me being in Real Estate!

Connect with Mario at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-volpi/.

#MeetTheMedia Heba Hashem

Meet Heba Hashem.

What types of stories are on your radar now?

At the moment, I’m covering the developments at COP28, the UN climate summit in Dubai. I’ve also just written about how universities in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar are addressing sustainability.

Describe one of the wackiest ideas you’ve been sent.

I was once asked by Aston Martin magazine to interview a Bedouin “horse whisperer” who lived in the UAE desert. So I drove out there and met the man. He was sophisticated, well-travelled, and chose to settle in the peace of the desert. And he had an extraordinary ability to quickly tame and train even the wildest of horses.

What elements do you look for in a story?

A great interview is at the heart of every great story. To do that, I try to have a candid conversation. I’m genuinely interested in where they come from, how they made it, and what keeps them up at night. Plus, lots of facts and figures to add credibility to the piece.

What stories are you most proud of?

I feel lucky to have interviewed many remarkable people over the years, including the UAE’s Minister of Energy Suhail Al Mazrouei; English actor Dev Patel, who shot to fame with Slumdog Millionaire; and Sheikha Alyazia Bint Nahyan, a member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family and a contemporary artist, at her palace. They were all down to earth and immensely inspiring.

Tell us about your dream assignment.

I’d be overjoyed to write about the Greenlandic Inuit, the indigenous people of Greenland. I’ve been there three times and have a special connection with this place.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up between Cairo, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Now I live in Canada.

How did you get your start in the media? What is your story?

Magazines have always fascinated me. The visuals, features, everything. I did my BA in media and communications at Middlesex University, obtained a freelance license from Dubai Media City, and started freelance writing. Of course, it wasn’t that simple. At first, I offered to write for free and before you know it, I was getting paid.  What I love most about freelancing is that I’m forever learning about all sorts of topics, from nuclear energy to cosmetics to hospitality. There’s no limit. I also get to meet incredible people.

Favorite places to hang out?

Anywhere with a stunning view and a vegan menu!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a third-culture kid, I lived in many different places that I feel at home almost anywhere on earth.

Connect with Heba at https://www.linkedin.com/in/hebahashem/ and read her articles on https://hebahashem.com/.