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Heba Hashem is a seasoned freelance journalist with over 15 years of experience in the media industry, fluent in both Arabic and English. Based between Dubai, UAE, and Niagara Falls, Canada, she has honed her skills in a variety of sectors, including lifestyle, retail, Islamic finance, and renewable energy. Hashem's work has been featured in prominent publications such as Gulf News, Aston Martin Magazine, Global Citizen, and inflight magazines for Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways. She has also contributed to Twitter Business, Energy Tracker Asia, and Shawati'. Hashem's journalistic prowess is evident in her exclusive interviews and analysis pieces, where she has engaged with notable figures like Richard Branson, Suhail Al Mazroui, UAE Minister of Energy; Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Abdul Aziz, former Minister of Tourism & Culture in Malaysia; and Sheikha Alyazia bint Nahyan Al Nahyan, ambassador for culture for the Arab League's Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALESCO). Her articles often explore the intersection of tradition and modernity, particularly in the context of Ramadan in the UAE, and she has a keen interest in the plant-based food industry and cultural heritage preservation. Educated with a BA in Communications & Media Studies from Middlesex University and a BA in English-Arabic Translation from Cairo University, Hashem began her career working for a Cairo-based monthly city guide before moving into public relations, where she worked with prestigious clients like the Meydan hospitality group. Her expertise in culture, travel, and the arts, combined with her knowledge of editorial standards and the importance of clear communication and accurate translation, have made her a respected voice in journalism and media. To explore her extensive portfolio, visit www.hebahashem.com.
Portfolio
Why Muslim-centric video games are a mine of gold
The article discusses the underrepresentation of Muslims in the global video game industry, despite the significant number of Muslim gamers worldwide. It highlights the potential for Muslim-centric games to appeal to both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences, emphasizing the need for authentic representation and the involvement of Muslim developers. The piece critiques the industry's reliance on orientalist tropes and calls for more funding and trust in Muslim talent to create diverse and engaging narratives. Examples of games with varying degrees of Muslim representation are provided, illustrating both progress and ongoing challenges.
From farm to fork: How AI is transforming the food industry in the UAE
AI is revolutionizing the UAE's food industry by enhancing agricultural productivity, reducing food waste, and personalizing consumer experiences. Companies like Egrobots and Pure Food Technology are leveraging AI to improve crop yields and water efficiency, while Jalebi is optimizing restaurant operations. AI's role extends to supply chain management, with potential for significant waste reduction through reverse demand planning. Personalized dietary plans and menus are expected to become more prevalent, driven by AI's ability to analyze consumer preferences.
Religious tourism: Why it may be prudent to reposition this space
Muslim-majority countries are investing in Islamic heritage tourism to capture a larger share of the global heritage tourism market. Experts suggest repositioning 'religious tourism' to avoid misinterpretations and promote Islamic culture and heritage to a broader audience. The article highlights the importance of distinguishing between religious travel, such as Umrah and Hajj, and Islamic heritage tourism, which can be appreciated by all. Stakeholders are encouraged to reimagine the positioning of Islamic heritage to reconnect younger Muslims with their history and tap into the market's potential.
Why Thailand is poised to become a halal food powerhouse
Thailand is positioning itself as a major player in the global halal food market, aiming to become ASEAN's halal hub by 2028. With over 160,000 halal-certified products, the country is leveraging its proximity to Muslim-majority countries in Southeast Asia and increasing exports to the Middle East. The Thai government, through the Ministry of Industry and the Department of International Trade Promotion, is implementing strategies to enhance the quality and standards of halal products, promote international trade, and develop a halal economic corridor. The private sector plays a significant role in this growth, supported by government initiatives. Thailand's halal exports have significantly increased, with plans to diversify markets beyond OIC countries. The Halal Science Center and the Central Islamic Council of Thailand are crucial in maintaining high standards and compliance, contributing to the country's growing reputation in the halal industry.
Meta is discontinuing Workplace to focus on AI and metaverse
Meta is set to discontinue its enterprise communications app, Workplace, by June 2026, redirecting its focus towards AI and metaverse technologies. Customers can use Workplace until August 2025, with an option to transition to Zoom's Workvivo, Meta's preferred migration partner. The decision aligns with Meta's significant investments in AI and the metaverse, despite concerns over potential cost increases affecting growth. Workplace's billing will remain unchanged until August, with a core plan priced at $4 per user monthly, plus optional add-ons.
Shariah-compliant crypto market makes headway amid growing acceptance
The article discusses the growing acceptance and development of Shariah-compliant cryptocurrencies, highlighting key players like Islamic Coin, Biokript, and Halogen Capital. It emphasizes the potential of blockchain technology to offer innovative financial products that align with Islamic finance principles. Despite challenges such as regulatory uncertainties and the need for education within the Muslim community, the sector shows promise, with increasing participation from Muslim-majority countries. The article underscores the importance of continued dialogue and education to integrate halal digital assets into mainstream finance.
Ramadan 2024: How regional corporate charity swung into action
During Ramadan 2024, numerous companies and organizations across the Middle East engaged in charitable activities, focusing on meal donations and community support. Notable efforts included collaborations between the Saudi Food Bank and companies like Kiri and Amazon Saudi Arabia, which distributed thousands of Iftar meals. In the UAE, Watania and Media One Hotel led initiatives to support local communities, while Orange Jordan and Pyramisa Hotel Cairo extended their generosity to humanitarian organizations and young patients, respectively. Digital platforms like Careem and Talabat encouraged donations, with Talabat contributing significantly to the World Food Programme's efforts in Gaza. These initiatives reflect a broader trend of corporate social responsibility during the holy month, fostering empathy and unity.
Low-Carbon Hydrogen Projects in the Middle East
The Middle East has seen significant activity in green and blue hydrogen projects, with national strategies, new projects, alliances, and investments announced. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the race to produce low-carbon hydrogen, with several projects underway targeting key export markets. The UAE's Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap aims to establish the country as a competitive hydrogen exporter, with projects like ADNOC's blue ammonia production facility and TAQA-Abu Dhabi Ports' green hydrogen-to-ammonia project. Saudi Arabia has set ambitious clean-hydrogen production targets, with NEOM's green hydrogen-based ammonia production project being a notable development. Oman is also investing in green hydrogen, with projects like Green Energy Oman and OPAZ-ACME's green hydrogen and ammonia project. These initiatives are part of the region's decarbonization drive, which is expected to accelerate with the hosting of COP27 in Egypt and COP28 in the UAE.
Car Rental Firms Hit Brakes on BEVs – for Now
U.S. car rental companies are reducing their battery-electric vehicle (BEV) fleets due to falling resale values, high maintenance costs, and weak customer demand. Sixt USA and Hertz Global Holdings have been particularly affected, with Sixt experiencing a $43.6 million earnings hit and Hertz expecting $245 million in depreciation expenses. The industry faces challenges with BEV infrastructure, such as range anxiety and limited public charging options. Hertz is expanding its charging network, while Avis Budget Group focuses on infrastructure over BEV purchases. High repair costs for BEVs are also a concern, with Hertz selling off 20,000 BEVs and pausing plans to buy 65,000 from Polestar. Future purchases may be driven by EPA's upcoming emissions standards, which suggest a significant increase in electric vehicle sales by 2032.
Islamic tech startups: An ecosystem in the making
Islamic tech startups are showing potential for growth, yet face challenges such as limited funding and investor interest. Serial entrepreneur Maruf Yusupov, co-founder of Salam Fund, highlights the need for more funding to support bright minds in the Muslim world. Salam Fund aids early-stage startups and connects them with investors. Success stories include Quran Era, an online Quran platform for kids, and the upcoming launch of Zabihah.com, likened to 'Uber for halal restaurants'. Bitsmedia and Lendo have also secured significant funding. Dr Sayd Farook of Falcon Network and DinarStandard notes the small number of Islamic tech startups and the importance of speaking the language of investors. The DinarStandard report indicates a growing Islamic fintech ecosystem with 375 fintechs serving an unbanked population. The sector's future looks promising despite current obstacles.
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Jul 2023
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