In this episode of Pulse of Dubai, host Margaret Hurd continues the Emirati Women’s Day special with artist Aysha Al Harmani, known widely by her creative identity Mnour. Aysha opens up about how her alter ego was born in the early days of social media and how it became a vehicle for self-expression, freedom, and cultural storytelling.

From sketching in her teenage years to collaborating with global brands like Adidas, Apple, and Deliveroo, Aysha shares the milestones that shaped her career, the philosophy behind making art accessible to the public, and the cultural responsibility she carries through her work. She also reflects on balancing tradition and modernity, her transition from government roles to cultural partnerships, and her dream of creating art that becomes part of the collective memory of the UAE.

🎧 A deep dive into identity, representation, and the evolving power of Emirati women in art and culture.

In this special Emirati Women’s Day episode of Pulse of Dubai, co-host Margaret Hurd sits down with artist and cultural voice Aysha Al Harmani, whose signature digital style blends nostalgia, identity, and pop culture to redefine what it means to be an Emirati woman today.

Aisha shares how her art reflects heritage, challenges stereotypes, and creates representation for a new generation. From blending tradition with modernity in fashion, to using creativity as a powerful form of storytelling, Aisha opens up about her journey, her inspirations, and the evolving role of Emirati women in shaping narratives at home and abroad.

This episode is a celebration of art, individuality, and the ever-growing voice of Emirati women in today’s world.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation on culture, identity, and creativity—straight from the heart of the UAE.

In Part 2 of our conversation with investor and thought leader Lucy Chow, we dive deeper into what it really takes to get noticed—and funded—as a founder in today’s fast-moving ecosystem.

Lucy shares practical advice on how women can land board seats, build their personal brand, and communicate their value with clarity. From gender equity in funding to why visibility is non-negotiable for emerging entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with valuable insights. We also explore the evolving traits investors look for in founders, the importance of media training, and how the UAE is becoming a global stage for innovation in space tech, fintech, climate, and health.

🎯 Whether you’re a startup founder, investor, or educator, this episode will inspire you to think bigger and show up louder.

Catch up on Part 1 to hear more about Lucy’s journey into angel investing and the intersection of gaming, education, and the future of work.

In this exciting new season of Pulse of Dubai, host Margaret Herde sits down with investor, advisor, and author Lucy Chow—a true powerhouse in the UAE’s innovation and investment space. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Lucy shares her remarkable journey into angel investing, her mission to empower female founders, and the motivation behind her book Changing the Game, which explores the powerful intersection of digital transformation, esports, and the future of work.

They also dive into the UAE’s role in global innovation, AI in education, and how Lucy is helping bring visionary academic models like USC's Iovine and Young Academy to the region.

A must-listen for founders, investors, educators, and anyone passionate about the future of innovation in the UAE.

🎧 Don’t miss Part 2: “Visibility Gets You Founded”, where Lucy dives deeper into female representation, her latest initiative Women of the Future UAE, and practical advice for founders seeking funding.

Introducing the latest episode of the "Pulse of Dubai" podcast, host Margaret Herde brings you a compelling conversation on innovation, investment, and inclusion. In this episode, Margaret is joined by renowned investor, advisor, and author Lucy Chow, a driving force in the UAE’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Lucy shares her journey from becoming one of the UAE’s early female angel investors to championing women in boardrooms and startup funding. The conversation touches on her groundbreaking book on esports and the future of work, her efforts to bring USC’s interdisciplinary innovation program to the UAE, and her mission to spotlight women leaders through the Women of the Future UAE initiative.

Together, Margaret and Lucy explore how education, technology, and inclusive investing are shaping the region’s future, offering valuable insights for founders, investors, and professionals navigating Dubai’s dynamic business ecosystem.

In episode 1, part 2 of the Pulse of Dubai podcast, fragrance industry expert Ghassan Hajjaj shares his insights on the power of scents and the growth of the fragrance industry in the Gulf region. Ghassan discusses his earliest scent memories and how fragrances are deeply connected to our emotions and memories. He highlights the historical significance of fragrances in the Arab culture and their importance in religious customs.

The podcast also explores the booming fragrance market in the Gulf region, with predictions of significant revenue growth. Ghassan emphasizes the increasing interest and knowledge among consumers, who are becoming more conscious of sustainability and the ingredients used in fragrances. He mentions the trend towards refillable bottles and brands' efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

Moreover, Ghassan touches on the role of fragrances in creating memorable experiences, such as in hotels and events. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and honesty when serving knowledgeable customers. Overall, he predicts a bright future for the fragrance industry, with a focus on sustainability and consumer awareness of product ingredients.

This episode offers valuable insights into the world of fragrances and their significance in the Gulf region's culture and economy.

Introducing the latest episode of the "Pulse of Dubai" podcast, host Margaret Herde brings you an insightful discussion on two intriguing topics. In Part 1, Margaret sits down with renowned protocol and etiquette consultant Ghassan Hajjaj to delve into the world of business protocol and its significance in Dubai's culturally diverse landscape.

Ghassan shares his remarkable journey, highlighting his training at the prestigious Protocol School of Washington and his unexpected foray into the fragrance industry. Drawing on his expertise in royal events and experience as a fragrance educator for luxury brands, Ghassan enlightens listeners on the importance of etiquette and protocol in today's global business environment.

The conversation between Margaret and Ghassan revolves around the need to establish common ground in a city where more than 200 nationalities intersect. They explore the nuances of business etiquette across different cultures, emphasizing the value of a universal approach to foster seamless interactions and fruitful collaborations.

In Episode 2, get an insight into the luxury industry of Dubai as our hosts, Åsa Ferreira and Margaret Herde, unravel the dos and don'ts of establishing a luxury brand in the city. Tune in to episode 2 of The Pulse of Dubai to find out more about how Dubai's geographical location enables various luxury brands to thrive, as well as learn the norms for establishing a network, creating brand awareness, how to do market research, and more.

Did you know, UAE ranked 11th among the world’s strongest nation brands with a $749bln brand value? Subscribe to the podcast and learn more intriguing facts about the city. 

In this Episode 2, 

• We introduce you to the professional journey of Margaret Herde
• Give you a glimpse at the challenges while establishing a luxury brand in Dubai
• Margaret shares her invaluable experience and tips on establishing a luxury brand in Dubai
• Margaret announces her Embarr Academy initiative 

In closing, we'd like to say thank you for tuning in to The Pulse of Dubai this week. We hope to see you for Episode 3. 

Episode highlight 

[00:02] Åsa welcomes Margaret and mentions the list of topics that they would discuss 

[00:54] Åsa gives a detailed introduction to Margaret’s professional career

[01:37] Åsa asks Margaret about some recent industry highlights in Dubai

[01:42] Margaret presents an overview of the weekly events, with a focus on the future innovation summit

[02:47] Asa asks Margaret what made you think Dubai is the right place for business

[03:58] Åsa asks Margaret about the challenges of building a luxury brand in Dubai

[03:59] Margaret gives her opinion on different solutions for establishing a business in Dubai

[04:21] Asa asks Margaret how she established a network in Dubai

[05:04] Åsa asks Margaret her views on how Dubai was established as a brand

[05:14] Margaret explains how Dubai brand was built over the years

[06:05] Asa asks Margaret how important is Dubai as the geographic location for the luxury brands

[06:53] Åsa asks Margaret her opinion on luxury brands and their Marketing & PR approach

[07:00] Margaret gives an insight into dos and don’ts for marketing and PR approach in Dubai

[07:48] Åsa asks Margaret how does the location of Dubai overall influence the luxury    brands 

[07:55] Margaret gives her opinion on how Dubai’s location enables Luxury brands to thrive

[09:24] Åsa asks Margaret to give her advice for those who plan to set up luxury brand in Dubai 

[09:31] Margaret gives a valuable advice for every entrepreneur

[10:50] Åsa asks Margaret if education in luxury industry is provided in Dubai

[11:02] Margaret announces that her company Embarr, is soon launching Embarr Academy with  short courses with market experts as tutors.            

[11:43] Asa asks Margaret to share a little information about Embarr academy

[12:32] Margaret explains about Embarr academy and its course format