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The Psychology of a Fast-Paced World A Conversation withRim Ajjour By Cynthia Mansour In a world that spins faster every day, where new trends rise overnight and digital notifications never stop, our minds are constantly racing to keep pace. To explore how this relentless pace shapes our mental and emotional well-being, Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist Rim Ajjour, holding a BA in Psychology from the Lebanese American University and an MSc in Psychology of Child and Adolescent Development from York St. John University, offers her perspective on how modern life impacts our sense of balance. Through her work, Rim has witnessed how the rush of modern life shapes our attention, emotions, and sense of self, and how small shifts in awareness can help us breathe again. When Life Moves Too Fast “Living in our current world has definitely been leaving a vast impact on our well-being,” Rim begins. “Continuous exposure to fast and repetitive stimuli affects our ability to focus on prolonged tasks and weakens our capacity to multitask effectively. We are constantly interrupted and overstimulated.” This constant rush doesn’t just make it harder to concentrate, it takes an emotional toll. “These endless changes in trends and technology keep us in a state of alertness,” she explains. “We accumulate emotional tension and often end up feeling disappointed or burnt out. Our ability to regulate emotions and process experiences becomes limited.” Balancing Social Media and Mental Health Protecting our mental health in a hyperconnected world, Rim says, starts with setting limits. “The utmost advice we give in practice is to reduce screen time as much as possible, for both adults and children. Research shows that excessive screen time can directly affect well-being and even academic performance.” Still, she acknowledges how difficult it is to unplug. “People today are deeply invested in following trends. That’s why it’s essential to differentiate between what’s real and what’s not. We must set realistic expectations, separate our lives from others’, and remember that social media rarely reflects reality.” Information Overload For some, staying constantly informed feels empowering; for others, it’s overwhelming. Rim believes the answer lies in moderation. “Some people find comfort in knowing what’s happening around them, while others prefer less exposure. Any extreme, knowing too much or too little, can be draining. Balance is the key.” Digital Perfection and the Self When it comes to the pressure of appearing “Instagram perfect,” Rim’s response is clear: “This directly affects self-esteem. People compare themselves to unrealistic, edited images, and end up setting impossible standards. It leads to burnout, a sense of inadequacy, and lowered motivation because their efforts never seem enough.” She offers an alternative mindset: “Fashion can be a form of self-expression and healing. When we use it to reflect our mood and personality rather than to impress, it becomes empowering. Choosing what aligns with who we are, instead of what’s trending, strengthens our self-perception and frees us from constant self-critique.” The Paradox of Connection Despite being more “connected” than ever, Rim believes technology has created a new kind of loneliness. “While digital platforms make it easier to reach others, they don’t replace the fulfillment that comes from genuine social contact. Being connected through screens can’t compensate for face-to-face relationships. Real communication, empathy, and emotional exchange are irreplaceable.” The Pressure to Have It All Together Productive. Fit. Stylish. Mentally well. The modern ideal seems to demand everything at once. “Social media often showcases people who appear to have it all together,” Rim explains. “But what’s missing are the struggles behind the scenes. When viewers try to replicate these lifestyles, they end up feeling unsatisfied and inadequate.” This relentless pursuit feeds into perfectionism. “People forget they’re entitled to take breaks,” she continues. “They remain trapped in the belief that rest equals failure, constantly chasing unrealistic outcomes influenced by what they see online.” Healthy Motivation vs. Perfectionism The way out, Rim suggests, is by shifting our focus inward. “We should compare ourselves only to who we were yesterday, not to others. Progress should be personal, not performative. When we compete with ourselves instead of external standards, we build a healthier relationship with growth.” A Reminder for the Overwhelmed As our conversation drew to a close, Rim left a message that resonates deeply in a world that rarely slows down: “We are in competition only with ourselves. Everyone’s experiences and circumstances are different. We are allowed to take breaks, make mistakes, fail, and recover. Living in a fast-paced world doesn’t mean we must move at its speed. Slowing down isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom.” Thanking Rim Ajjour for this thoughtful discussion, I leave our readers with a simple reminder: balance and moderation are the quiet anchors of a healthy mind. Breathe. Pause. And love yourself enough to trust that your journey unfolds at its own rhythm. Each of us walks a different path, with our own stories, achievements, and timelines. What comes easily to one may take longer for another, and that’s the beauty of individuality. Competing only with yourself brings a sense of peace that comparison never will. And please, when you feel you need help, seek it. Mental health matters. Therapy is not a sign of weakness but a journey of healing, growth, and rediscovery. 

The Weaver of IdentityAfraa Al NoaimiOn Fashion, Cultural Diplomacy, and the Art of Authentic Presence By James Wood In a world where connection and identity are the new currencies, a visionary is building bridges between East and West, between heritage and the future, one creation at a time. Afraa Al Noaimi is not just an entrepreneur, she is a Cultural Diplomat in action, a creative force whose diverse portfolio, spanning from a luxury fashion house to business incubators and women’s empowerment initiatives, is unified by a single, powerful thread. The commitment to crafting an authentic, identity-driven presence.  A Qatari powerhouse with a background in Literature and an MBA, now pursuing her DBA in Cultural Diplomacy at Bocconi University, Afraa embodies the confluence of intellectual rigour and artistic soul. Her journey is a testament to the belief that true power lies in understanding and communicating one’s unique narrative. Everything begins with identity; it’s the core philosophy that informs her creative advice and her business ventures. She sees a modern world often struggling with a diluted sense of self, and her work is a deliberate pushback against that. “It’s a conviction, really. In an age of endless digital mirroring and global homogeneity, the most valuable thing you possess is your authenticity,” Afraa explains. “For an individual, it’s about aligning your internal values with your external expression, be it through what you wear, how you lead, or how you communicate. For a brand or a nation, it’s about defining your soul and communicating it without compromise. People crave truth. They don’t just buy a product; they invest in a story, a set of values. My work is about helping people and entities articulate that genuine story. It’s about creating a presence that is so inherently ‘them’ that it cuts through the noise and resonates instantly. It’s about authority, authenticity, and grace, communicated non-verbally.” The most visible expression of this philosophy is her luxury prêt-à-porter brand, AFRAA, founded in Doha in 2019. The brand recently made a significant international statement with its ‘Desert Rose’ capsule collection, a collaboration that beautifully exemplifies cultural diplomacy in fabric. “Fashion is one of the most powerful, immediate forms of non-verbal communication and cultural exchange,” she notes. “With ‘Desert Rose,’ the idea was to create a true dialogue. We took the soul of the Qatari landscape, the soft hues of sand, ivory, and sky blue, the sense of flowing movement, and merged it with the unparalleled, generational artisanal mastery of Italian ateliers. It was an act of collaboration and mutual respect. The collection is proof that tradition and innovation, East and West, can not only coexist but also enrich each other beautifully. Each piece is a statement of empowerment, showing that a Qatari aesthetic can speak a global language of luxury.” The brand also aims to boost women’s confidence. “Clothing is the most immediate armour we wear. The AFRAA brand uses rich, high-quality materials and structured yet flowing silhouettes. It’s designed to give the wearer a sense of unshakeable gravitas, the feeling that they are fully present and in control. I want her to feel her imagination is cultivated and her original taste is nurtured.” Beyond the runway, Afraa is a serial entrepreneur building infrastructure to support the next generation of creative and business leaders in the Gulf. Her ventures, Incubate, Brain Trust, and ArtistiQ, form a cohesive ecosystem that accelerates regional development. “I realized early on that development, whether economic or cultural, requires an ecosystem, not just a single solution,” she states. Incubate addresses the foundational business needs, Brain Trust fills the knowledge gap by connecting aspiring leaders with community experts for coaching, and ArtistiQ focuses on the creative sector, offering an e-commerce platform and a community for regional artists. A significant focus is also on women’s leadership, particularly through her social media initiative, In The Hands of Venus. “The Middle East is going through a profound economic and social transformation, and women are at the forefront. In The Hands of Venus is about showing women of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities in Qatar that they have a powerful network for storytelling, mentorship, and mutual upliftment.” Afraa’s pursuit of a DBA in Cultural Diplomacy is a natural extension of her life’s work. “My DBA at Bocconi is the formal framework for the work I’ve been doing intuitively. Cultural Diplomacy is the use of culture, art, fashion, education, and sports to foster mutual understanding and influence perceptions between nations. My academic work helps me understand how to strategically build the ‘cultural bridge.’ It’s about shifting the narrative, moving beyond stereotypes, and positioning Qatar and the MENA region not just as markets, but as global collaborators and creators of culture.” Afraa Al Noaimi is a visionary who sees the private sector as the frontier of timeless growth, provided it is guided by a timeless vision. Her leadership style is characterized by proactive pursuit, critical observation, and a relentless focus on aligning her team with a grand, unified purpose. “The single most important piece of advice I’d give to an aspiring entrepreneur today is Vision, consistency, and an embrace of duality,” she concludes. “You must have a clear, unshakeable vision for the future you want to create, and the determination to work towards that. Finally, be an artist and an analyst, a local voice and a global player, traditional and innovative. T he ability to hold those two seemingly opposing forces in tension is where true creative and entrepreneurial breakthroughs happen. Your success will be found in the rich, authentic intersection of all your passions and identities.” Afraa Al Noaimi continues to define the intersection of creativity, commerce, and culture. Her work provides a powerful blueprint for leaders around the world who seek to build a presence that is not only successful but deeply meaningful.

Leila Hadioui A Modern Moroccan Icon, The Evolution of a Multi-Hyphenate Star By Afef Yousf Leila Hadioui stands as one of Morocco’s most recognizable and successful figures, a true multi-hyphenate whose career has spanned and mastered the worlds of modeling, acting, television presenting, and fashion design. Born in Casablanca in 1985, her journey is a compelling narrative of ambition, cultural pride, and exceptional versatility, cementing her status as an enduring icon and a respected businesswoman. Her success is a reflection of hard work and an innate ability to connect with the Moroccan public, creating a personal brand that is both aspirational and deeply rooted in local culture. Early Life and The Modeling Launch Hadioui’s upbringing in Casablanca fostered an early interest in fashion, often fueled by watching international fashion programs on television, an early sign of the glamour that would eventually define her career. This passion quickly translated into a professional opportunity, launching her career at the remarkably young age of seventeen. Her modeling debut was followed by a pivotal collaboration with the country’s top designers, culminating in her participation in the prestigious Caftan 2007 show. This event proved to be a major springboard, establishing her as the premier face of modern Moroccan fashion, a role she would maintain for years to come. She quickly became synonymous with the Moroccan caftan, a symbol of national heritage and haute couture, proudly representing it on international runways, including a key appearance in Paris in 2007. Her dedication to showcasing the traditional garment while embodying a contemporary, confident image earned her the unofficial title of an ambassador for the caftan. This early success was built on determination, rigor, and an impressive work ethic, qualities she attributes to her ability to balance a demanding career with her primary role as a mother to her daughter, Ines, born in 2005. The Television Anchor, A Household Name on 2M While modeling provided the foundation, television cemented Leila Hadioui’s place as a national celebrity. She became a constant presence in Moroccan homes as a television presenter for the popular program Sabahiyat on the second national channel, 2M. This role was crucial, transforming her from a high-fashion model, an often distant figure, into a relatable, charming, and trusted personality. On Sabahiyat, a program dedicated to fashion and lifestyle, she successfully leveraged her modeling expertise, often showcasing traditional attire like the Takchita and hosting prominent stylists. Her presenting style was known for its warmth and accessibility, providing fashion advice and engaging with her audience on a personal level. She developed a profound connection with Moroccan viewers, many of whom saw her as a stylish, successful woman who remained grounded and committed to family, famously expressing her priorities as waking up early to care for her daughter before heading to work. This extensive run on 2M established her as a genuine household name, making her one of the most recognized television figures in the country. Transition to Acting, Versatility on Screen Leila Hadioui’s ambition extended beyond the runway and the presenter’s desk, leading her to successfully venture into acting. Her screen debut came with the TV film Les Enfants Terribles de Casablanca in 2010, directed by Abdelkarim Derkaoui. This initial step opened the door to a promising filmography that highlighted her versatility as a performer. She has since appeared in a range of compelling Moroccan films and television productions, demonstrating her capacity for both dramatic and comedic roles. Key projects include the 2014 film Sara, directed by Said Naciri, and numerous TV series and sitcoms like L’khawa and Hay L’Behja. Her acting choices often reflect a deep commitment to Moroccan cinema and television, rooted in her frequently stated preference to work within Morocco. She has publicly expressed that she gets intensely homesick, the longest vacation she has taken outside the country being a mere two weeks, a sentiment that further endears her to her local audience and underscores her strong patriotic connection. She is not an actress seeking purely international fame, but one dedicated to enriching her national cultural landscape. Fashion Entrepreneurship, The Leila Hadioui Collection Building on her expertise in fashion and her strong personal brand, Leila Hadioui launched her own women’s clothing line, Leila Hadioui Collection. This move solidified her transition from fashion icon to fashion entrepreneur, demonstrating a sharp business acumen that complemented her creative talent. Her collection focuses on creating accessible yet elegant pieces, often featuring traditional capes and unique items that can be worn for various occasions. Her fashion business is marked by grand, ambitious events, notably the annual Leila Hadioui Fashion Show, which has consistently raised the bar for fashion events in Morocco. The 11th edition, themed “Born to Stand Out”, was a major spectacle, celebrating diversity, audacity, and self-expression. By breaking the codes of traditional runway shows, her events often blend the spirit of haute couture with urban and casual elements, paying homage to various influences while maintaining a distinct, glamorous aesthetic. Her role as a designer allows her to directly shape the country’s fashion trends, ensuring her influence remains dominant in the style conversations of the Moroccan market. Enduring Success and Public Life Leila Hadioui’s enduring success lies in her ability to maintain a powerful, multi-faceted public identity without compromising her perceived authenticity. She has successfully navigated the complexities of being a high-profile figure in the digital age, with millions of social media followers who engage with her lifestyle, work, and fashion content. She manages to share her joys and sorrows with her fans, creating a community based on shared experiences and aspirations, famously declaring that the important thing is to be loved for who you are, a humble perspective that grounds her stardom. Despite facing public scrutiny, which comes with her level of fame, including the need to publicly denounce fake social media accounts and manage reactions to personal life moments, she has consistently handled her public relations with grace and directness. Her response to the tragic loss of her father, Noureddine Hadioui, the muezzin of the Hassan II Mosque, in 2015, was marked by dignity, further cementing the public’s respect for her deep

Oumaima Taleb The Tunisian Voice Bridging Culture, Modernity & Global Music Success By Peter Davis Oumaima Taleb has emerged as a compelling voice in the dynamic world of Arabic music and pop culture, blending roots, cultural identity, and modern media to carve out her niche. Though still relatively young in the international spotlight, her journey from early talent shows to social media prominence reveals how cultural heritage, ambition, and entrepreneurial instincts can intersect in today’s globalized music market. Oumaima Taleb was born on 21 February 1991 in Tunisia. Her early forays into entertainment included appearances on major Arab talent shows. She competed in X-Factor at age 14, followed by Super Star at 16, and later participated in Star Academy season eight in 2011. These early platforms gave her exposure and experience in a region where music is deeply intertwined with cultural identity, tradition, and local dialects. Growing up in Tunisia means absorbing a unique blend of North African Arab, Berber, Mediterranean, and African influences, a rich tapestry for any artist. Taleb’s connection to her Tunisian roots and her ability to straddle the local and the pan-Arab allows her to reflect both tradition and modernity in her work. One of the most interesting aspects of Taleb’s career is how she navigates culture. On one hand, she draws from traditional Arabic and Tunisian folk motifs, melody, vocal style, and instrumentation. On the other hand, Taleb uses modern social media, streaming, and pop production elements to remain relevant and accessible. Her Instagram account shows her engaging with a broad international audience and connecting personally with fans. This dual posture of maintaining cultural authenticity while embracing global media channels allows her to speak to domestic Tunisian and Arab audiences while also reaching the Gulf region and beyond. While comprehensive discographic details for Taleb are still emerging, several important markers of her success stand out. Her social media footprint is significant, with millions of followers on Instagram, showing strong brand presence and audience engagement, which is critically important in contemporary music. On streaming platforms, Taleb is recognized as a rising star in Arabic folk and Middle Eastern music. Her sound offers a distinctive and thrilling listening experience that combines folk roots with contemporary elements. Her presence on YouTube and Spotify confirms she has penetrated digital music markets. She also has a presence on Apple Music and other global platforms, signaling her growing popularity among online listeners. In addition to music, Taleb has explored acting and television work, appearing in productions such as Harun Al-Rashid in 2018 and Muealaqatuna Imtidad Amjad in 2023. These ventures reveal a multi-faceted talent who is comfortable moving between artistic forms and audiences. Taleb’s music stands out because it manages to keep a connection to traditional Arabic folk forms while sounding accessible in the streaming era. Her instrumentation, cadence, and vocal flourishes often reflect heritage, but her production and distribution embrace global reach. In the Arabic music landscape, where many artists choose either purely pop-modern or purely heritage-folk directions, Taleb’s hybrid path gives her a wide appeal. She connects with listeners who want authenticity and also with younger audiences who consume music via Instagram, YouTube, and streaming services. Her large Instagram following indicates that her appeal is not solely about audio tracks but also about personality, image, and connection. She uses her platform to promote her music, engage with fans, share behind-the-scenes moments, and express her lifestyle. This digital storytelling has become essential in today’s entertainment world, where engagement matters as much as the songs themselves. Every rising artist faces challenges, and Taleb’s career is no exception. She has room to expand her discography with more high-profile albums, collaborations, and projects that could amplify her visibility beyond the Arab world. Global crossover remains a hurdle for many Arabic artists, and she can build further by collaborating with Western or international musicians, incorporating multilingual lyrics, or organizing international tours. As she grows, maintaining a balance between staying true to her cultural roots and pursuing commercial success will be essential. Fans of her folk-inspired music expect authenticity, while new audiences may favor mainstream sounds. Additionally, although her Instagram following is impressive, converting followers into loyal listeners, concertgoers, and streaming supporters remains an important challenge. Expanding live performances, merchandise, and international marketing will help her sustain momentum. Taleb’s success carries deep cultural significance. She represents Tunisian heritage in a broader Arab context, bringing her country’s distinctive musical flavor to the regional stage. Tunisia’s musical tradition is rich, yet its artists often receive less exposure compared to those from Egypt, Lebanon, or the Gulf. Taleb helps bridge this gap, introducing Tunisian artistry to a wider audience. Her achievements also highlight the growing influence of women in Arab music. As a female artist from North Africa working across the region, Taleb symbolizes progress in the evolving role of women in entertainment. Her visibility and popularity reflect shifting cultural attitudes about women’s public presence in the arts. Moreover, Taleb bridges tradition and modernity in an era of rapid cultural change across the Arab world. She proves that heritage can evolve without disappearing, showing how traditional music can coexist with new technologies and styles. Her career also exemplifies the potential of digital-first success for Arabic-language artists who build strong fanbases through social media and streaming rather than traditional record labels. This demonstrates a sustainable model for regional music industries in the digital age. There are key takeaways from her career so far. Starting young and building experience through talent shows gave her credibility and exposure. Cultivating her cultural identity has set her apart from more generic pop acts. Engaging digital audiences has kept her connected to fans around the world. Diversifying her career into acting and media has expanded her reach and influence. The next step in her journey likely involves higher-profile collaborations, international concerts, and deeper creative experimentation. Oumaima Taleb is a fascinating example of how contemporary Arab music talent can thrive by remaining rooted in culture while embracing modern platforms. Her journey from Tunisian talent

Asmaa Ibraheem The Driven Host, A Nexus of Media Success and Luxury Lifestyle By Hana Chase Asmaa Ibraheem embodies the archetype of the modern Egyptian public figure, seamlessly blending a high-impact media career with a powerful, aspirational personal brand centered on luxury, fashion, and beauty. Her career is a testament to the belief she champions, “Dream it, Wish it, Do it,” a philosophy that has guided her path from aspiring talent to a widely recognized television host and influential lifestyle personality across the Middle East. She has successfully cultivated a space where professional journalistic rigor meets the sophisticated world of digital influence, a balance that defines her unique appeal. The Anchor of Hebr Sery, A Deep Dive into Celebrity The cornerstone of Asmaa Ibraheem’s professional success is her role as the host of the popular television program, Hebr Sery, which translates roughly to Secret Ink or Confidential Ink. The show is known for its intimate, often revealing interviews with the Arab world’s biggest celebrities, artists, and public figures. In this capacity, Asmaa has demonstrated a sharp interviewing style, a blend of polite curiosity and journalistic tenacity that encourages her guests to open up about their careers, challenges, and personal lives. Her work on Hebr Sery showcases a professionalism that is highly respected in the media industry. She navigates complex conversations with grace and intelligence, establishing herself as a credible and engaging host on Egyptian television, airing on prominent channels like Al Kahera Wal Nas. This platform provides her with massive visibility, allowing her to connect with a broad, diverse audience who tune in to hear the candid confessions and deep insights she draws from her celebrity guests. Her success in this role highlights her dedication to quality media production and her innate ability to command attention in a crowded media landscape. The Persona of Luxury, Fashion, and Beauty Influence Beyond the television studio, Asmaa Ibraheem has meticulously crafted a formidable online presence, defining herself as a key voice in the realms of “Fashion, Beauty & everything luxury.” Her personal brand is characterized by a polished, high-end aesthetic, appealing directly to an audience that values sophistication and aspiration. This digital success is more than just sharing beautiful imagery, it is about curating a lifestyle that her millions of followers look to for inspiration, guidance, and trend-setting. As an influencer, she successfully leverages her high-profile media career to bolster her fashion and beauty authority. She is known for showcasing exquisite style, often featuring glamorous high-fashion looks, sophisticated jewelry, and meticulous beauty routines. This convergence of her media status and her luxury focus makes her an ideal partner for global and regional high-end brands seeking to connect with a powerful consumer base in the Middle East. Her content is a visual representation of her mantra, a celebration of success achieved through ambition and hard work. An Egyptian Success Story, Dedication to Career Asmaa Ibraheem’s journey reflects a broader narrative of driven young women in the region who are building careers across multiple platforms. Born in Egypt, her commitment to her profession is evident in her sustained presence in the competitive fields of television hosting and digital influencing. Her ability to operate successfully in both demanding arenas demonstrates remarkable discipline, strategic thinking, and a clear vision for her personal brand trajectory. Her interviews and public statements often reveal her focus on personal growth and empowerment, urging her audience to pursue their ambitions relentlessly. This motivational aspect of her public life adds depth to her glamorous image, making her a figure of both style and substance. While the luxury aesthetic defines her brand, the foundation of her success remains her journalistic and hosting skill, demonstrating that influence in the modern age must be built on a tangible, successful professional career. In a rapidly evolving media ecosystem, Asmaa Ibraheem stands out as a personality who has mastered the art of the interview and the business of the digital age. She is a powerful, elegant figure who not only reports on the lives of others but also lives a highly visible, successful life of her own making, proving that dreaming it, wishing it, and doing it are indeed the necessary steps for reaching the summit of celebrity and entrepreneurial achievement. She continues to shape cultural conversations, one exclusive interview and one stunning fashion post at a time.