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Chapter 3 is finally here, and with it the deep personal conversations with thought leaders of the creative community in the Middle East continue to share lived experiences and life hacks to move forward.

In this episode host Raja Haddad sits with architect Anthony Maalouf—the mind behind iconic Lebanese spaces like Dar Zefta and Salon Beyrouth—for a heartfelt conversation about design, heritage, and the stories that architecture carries.

 Anthony reflects on his early influences, the responsibility of building in a country of many histories, and why tact, curiosity, and humility lie at the heart of timeless design. From Lebanon’s layered architectural identity to the role of mentorship and adaptation, this episode is a compelling look into how spaces can honor the past while shaping the future.

What’s inside this episode:

How the Dabkeh dance was created.(can you insert a dancing emoji here)
🖼️ The many design influences on Lebanese architecture
🏛️Challenges facing architecture and particularly Lebanese architecture 
⚖️ Striking a balance between innovation and heritage to forge an identity .

🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify,Amazon, Anghami, and Apple Podcasts.

🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share!

#Forward_Moves #AntoineMaaloufArchitects #LebaneseArchitecture #Architecture#HeritageDesign #CulturalPreservation #DarZefta #SalonBeyrouth #ArchitectureStories #MiddleEastCreatives #DesignWithSoul

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The journey toward the 3rd chapter of Forward_Moves has been a thoughtful one, in true fashion of any movement… forward.

In this transition episode, Raja Haddad distills the key themes from the past 25 episodes, sharing his insights on:

• Identity as action, transmission, and habitat
• Creativity as storytelling, and balancing the flow with the chase
• The common misunderstandings of resilience

Tune in, reflect, and join Raja as he paves the way for what’s next. Don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite platform, and as always, keep moving forward.

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What role does art and creativity play in advocacy and forging an identity? How to valance passion and entrepreneurship , and how important are communities in transmitting stories within cultures? 🙌🏽

🎙️ The season 2 final episode wraps up the diverse themes shared by the 12 wonderful guests over the past 3 months, with Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad picking up cards and reflecting on these different topics: 

• Identity & Cultural Reclamation 

• Creativity as Advocacy

• Mentorship & Community 

• Spirituality & Sacred Practice

• Passion vs Profession 

• Legacy & the Future 

• Emotional Resilience and Inner Work 

🎧Whether you downloaded all episodes and want to revisit them, or simply catch up on episodes past and join the conversation, this season finale promises to connect all the dots and bring you up to date with what’s on the minds of the creative community though leaders. 📍

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What do chocolate, culture, and choosing your own path have in common? One Emirati chef. 

In this episode of Forward_Moves, host Raja Haddad sits down with Chef Bader Najeeb, pastry chef, chocolatier, and founder of Burnt Orange, for a deliciously honest conversation about baking, identity, and doing what truly moves you.

From making fondant in his childhood kitchen to opening one of Dubai’s most soulful cafés, Bader shares how desserts became his language for storytelling, for self-expression, and for staying true to his roots.

In this episode:
- From home baker to Swiss culinary school
- Chocolate as an emotional, cultural connector
- Managing pressure, perfectionism & online noise
- Building Burnt Orange with soul, not trends
- Embracing Emirati identity while thinking globally

📌 Whether you're a foodie, creative, or founder, this is your reminder that the best things come when you follow what actually matters to you.

🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

#Forward_Moves #ChefBaderNajeeb #BurntOrangeDXB #CulinaryCreativity #EmiratiVoices #Chocolatier #Foody #Chef #EmiratiChef #DubaiCafes #MiddleEastCreatives #dubai #abudhabi #mydubai #dubailife #inspiration #uaefood #followforfollow #chocolatechefb #burntorangechocolatier


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Follow Chef Bader: https://www.instagram.com/chef.b/?hl=en
Follow Burnt Orange: https://www.instagram.com/burntorangechocolatier/?hl=en 


Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:24 Meet Chef Bader
02:23 Early Inspirations and Family Influence
04:13 Challenges of Being a Self-Taught Chef
06:02 Discovering Fondant and the Path to Pastry
09:42 Balancing Passion and Practicality
14:10 Pursuing Culinary Dreams
15:03 From Accounting to Culinary Arts
17:46 The Scholarship Dilemma
21:55 Embracing Social Media and TV Experiences
24:16 Opening Burnt Orange Cafe
24:35 The Courage to Quit
25:18 Support from Friends and Family
27:23 Handling Feedback and Criticism
35:30 Innovations in the Culinary World
43:59 Future Aspirations and Advice
49:10 Final Thoughts

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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What does it mean to build beauty with purpose?
In this episode of Forward_Moves, host Raja Haddad is joined by Zain Masud, a London-trained art world professional turned landscape designer, who is reshaping how we experience space, memory, and nature in the Middle East.

🎙️ In this episode, we explore:
- Zain’s journey from the global art scene to land-based design in the Arab world
- Why she views nature as storytelling—and gardens as living archives
- How beauty, emotion, and identity are layered into space
- Designing spaces that heal, include, and speak to a deeper sense of belonging
- Letting go of perfection and trusting the process of reinvention

Zain’s gardens are not just visual—they’re emotional, ancestral, and bold in their quiet defiance.

🌱 This is an episode about starting over, looking inward, and designing spaces that feel like home.

👉 Watch the full episode now on YouTube, or tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. 


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Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/ 

Follow Zain: https://www.instagram.com/zainmasud/?hl=en 
Follow Zain’s Studio: https://www.instagram.com/studiozainmasud/ 


Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Song Choice
00:19 Personal Connection to The Beatles
01:17 Life Advice and Personal Growth
02:22 Welcome to the Show
02:40 Guest Introduction: Zain Maud
04:13 Early Influences and Love for Nature
08:52 Career Transition and New Beginnings
18:14 The Art of Garden Making
28:27 Exploring the Urgency of Climate Change
29:32 The Invitation to Learn and Discover
30:37 Earliest Memories of Gardens
33:10 Navigating Career Challenges
37:06 Creating Poetic Spaces
41:04 Sources of Inspiration
50:13 Imagining the Inner Garden
53:25 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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Can a room tell a story?

In this episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad sit down with Meshary Al Nassar—renowned Interior Architect & Cultural Storyteller—to explore how space, memory, and identity intertwine.

From rearranging furniture at age 12 to leading his own interior design studio, Meshary opens up about his career and personal journey.

📍 Highlights include:
 – Designing for emotion, not prestige
 – Reclaiming Arab identity through storytelling
 – Turning rejection into motivation
 – Why every object holds meaning
 – The beauty of grief, stillness, and slowing down

🎧 Now streaming on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
 🔔 Subscribe for more stories from the Middle East’s creative changemakers.

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Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/ 

Follow Meshary: https://www.instagram.com/studiomesharyalnassar/?hl=en 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction 

01:42 Meet the Guest: Meshary Al Nassar

03:58 Meshary's Early Inspirations and Family Influence

04:45 Discovering Interior Design

06:59 The Art of Spatial Design

09:46 Creating Inclusive and Welcoming Spaces

13:27 Passion Projects and Personal Identity

24:09 The Importance of Vulnerability and Authenticity

26:43 Exploring Emotional Intimacy

27:21 Tools for Decompression

29:12 Overcoming Personal Challenges

32:57 Facing Rejection and Finding Motivation

37:52 The Journey to Acceptance and Connection

39:47 Future Aspirations and Legacy

46:06 The Fantasy of Disappearing

48:02 Final Thoughts

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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Can a single dish carry the weight of heritage, memory, and identity?

In this episode of Forward_Moves, host Raja Haddad sits down with Chef Ahmad Halawa, the Palestinian culinary artist bringing people together—one plate at a time.

From childhood memories in his family kitchen to launching a supper club in Dubai, Ahmad shares how food became his way of preserving culture, connecting communities, and telling stories that words sometimes can’t.

Plus, a special scoop: Ahmad announces his upcoming restaurant in Dubai.

📌 This is more than a conversation about food—it’s about home, legacy, and why a good dish sometimes just needs to hug you.

🎧 Now on YouTube & all major podcast platforms.

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Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/ 

Follow Ahmad: https://www.instagram.com/chefhalawa 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction 

00:23 The Role of Music in Life

00:59 Meet Chef Ahmad Halawa

02:46 Early Culinary Influences

08:44 Cooking Journey Begins in Cairo

15:19 Starting a Supper Club

18:49 Meeting Interesting People

19:27 Memorable Dishes and Their Meanings

22:18 Impact of Fast-Paced Life on Food

24:05 Preserving Culinary Heritage

25:58 This or That: Fun Food Preferences

30:14 Connecting Through Food

34:51 Future of Palestinian Cuisine

35:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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🎙 How do you honour your purpose and find joy in the process?

 In this heartfelt episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad sit down with multidisciplinary musical artist Fadi Rifai to explore the power of creativity, community, and self-discovery.

From Sufi sound journeys and musical theatre to letting go of labels, Fadi shares how he moved from self-doubt to full-time artistry—turning personal healing into soulful expression. 

💡 If you're navigating your own creative leap or seeking meaning through expression, this one’s for you.

🎤 Topics include:
- Taking the leap into full-time artistry
- Sufi poetry, music, and spiritual process
- Creativity as healing, not performance
- Community as a mirror and safety net
- Self-love, vulnerability & emotional truth

📌 Watch now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 

#Forward_Moves #CreativeJourney #ArtAsHealing #MiddleEastCreatives #SufiPoetry #SpiritualArtistry #AuthenticExpression #arabartist #arabicart #arabiculture #tanweerfestival #arabicmusic #musical


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Follow Fadi:
https://www.instagram.com/fadirifaai/?hl=en 

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction to the Song's Emotional Impact
02:12 Introduction 
04:11 Fadi's Artistic Journey and Background
07:26 Finding and Following Your Passion
14:45 Balancing Passion and Practicality
18:13 The Role of Sufi Poetry and Music
24:04 Navigating the Artistic Path
26:50 Integrating Sufi Journeys
27:37 Navigating Emotions and Purpose
28:14 The Power of Practice
28:35 Facing Disappointments
29:13 The Inner Work
31:40 Recognizing Musical Success
32:00 The Metamorphosis Event
33:02 Liberation Through Music
36:58 Spirituality in Music
44:24 Community and Collaboration
48:17 Emotional Reflections
51:04 Conclusion

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From rebranding Victoria Beckham to redefining Arab identity! 

Welcome back to Forward_moves! In this bold and thought-provoking episode, Nez Gebreel, Creative Luxury Strategist, joins Lina Nahhas and Raja Haddad to unpack what it means to reclaim Arab identity, challenge cultural stereotypes, and lead with curiosity and creativity.

🔍 You’ll hear about:

• Her journey from London to Dubai and beyond
• Why grassroots craftsmanship matters more than ever
• Personal stories of trauma, healing, and mentorship
  
  
  

🎧 Stream now on YouTube & all major podcast platforms.

Follow us:

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Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/ 

Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/ 

Follow Nez:

https://www.instagram.com/nezarella/?hl=en 

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction and Music Choices
03:13 Guest Introduction
03:49 Nas Giri's Career Highlights
05:27 Cultural Identity and Creative Expression
16:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Dubai's Creative Industry
22:38 Critique of Mentorship Expectations
23:32 Question from Sue Holt: Future of Creative Industry in the Middle East
24:18 Stability and Regional Collaboration
25:44 Challenges of Identity and Community
28:36 Defining Success and Personal Fulfillment
33:06 Marketing and Changing Perceptions
42:22 Advice to a Younger Self
45:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Silence, sound, and the soul of a region. 

In this powerful episode of Forward_Moves, hosts Raja Haddad and Lina Nahhas sit down with Shelley Frost—harpist, entrepreneur, and founder of The Fridge—to explore the art of listening, the magic of mentorship, and the evolution of the Middle East’s grassroots music scene.

🎧 In this episode:
- Building The Fridge and Dubai’s independent music ecosystem
- What Icelandic silence revealed about creativity
- Artistic self-worth vs. commercial rates
- Curating the Arab League’s historic ceremony at UNESCO
- Embracing failure, feedback, and reinvention
- The power of reimagining heritage for modern audiences

📌 A must-watch for creatives, cultural leaders, and anyone tuning into their next move.

🎙️ Now streaming on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

#forward_moves  #ShelleyFrost #TheFridgeDubai #SoundOfSilence #WomenInMusic #CreativeLeadership #MiddleEastCreatives #CulturalCuration #UAEArts #ArabicCulture #ArbicArtists 

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Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/ 
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Follow Shelley:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-frost-333b7a38/ 
Keep up with The Fridge: https://thefridge.me/

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction 
00:25 Discussing the Piece of Music
01:52 Meet Shelley Frost
03:14 Shelley's Musical Journey
07:28 The Love for Performing Arts
08:48 Creating Moments Through Music
11:30 Championing Local Talent
21:00 The Impact of Silence
22:13 The Sound of Silence
22:54 Common Mistakes Artists Make
24:32 Navigating the Art Scene in Different Regions
26:11 Embracing Failure as an Artist
27:32 The Role of Mentorship
29:05 Transitioning from Musician to Entrepreneur
31:00 The Importance of Self-Worth
38:05 Creating Meaningful Performances
38:27 A Memorable UNESCO Performance
44:27 Concluding Thoughts

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