< Previous18 Play Hadia’s fame has also tested her friendships. “I have one or two close friends, but a lot of people showed their true colours when the show started. You lose a lot on the personal side when you gain success and fame.” Reality TV is still a relatively new concept in the Arab world, but Hadia is set on changing perceptions. “This show is going to be different from anything else on the market,” she says con dently. “It’s not going to be about fake drama or ‘coffee-throwing.’ We will be tackling real societal issues—like how a successful woman struggles to nd love, or how an Egyptian woman lives in cosmopolitan Dubai.” Her desire to keep the show authentic is part of her larger goal to make reality TV more meaningful in the Arab world. “Reality can be interesting without being extravagant,” she explains. “People will see what I’m really going through—things they can relate to.” Hadia’s journey is one of navigating the complexities of identity— balancing modern life with tradition. “The way I speak, dress, and behave is very modern, but the way I practice religion and interact with my family is deeply traditional,” she says. This is the essence of her show. “I’m not your typical Egyptian girl living at home, waiting for marriage, but I’m also not someone who has abandoned my cultural roots. I’m stuck in between, like so many women.” Despite her success, Hadia isn’t immune to criticism. “What hurts me the most is when people assume I had everything handed to me on a silver platter because of my parents,” she shares. “It breaks my heart because when I started at 19, it was because my family wasn’t nancially comfortable. I didn’t take a penny from them.” For Hadia, addressing these misconceptions is crucial, as she wants others to see the importance of hard work. “Success doesn’t come without perseverance. People often call it luck, but I believe when God gives you an opportunity and you’re ready, you’ll succeed.” Creativity is a constant in Hadia’s life. “To stay relevant, you have to be creative,” she says. “When I started my in uencer marketing agency in Egypt at 19, the term ‘in uencer’ didn’t even exist. I’ve had to reinvent myself many times—whether it’s in fashion, retail, or now with the show.” As she continues to reinvent herself, Hadia, who’s also releasing a sunglasses range, plans to address real-life issues faced by Arab women. “The show will cover topics like dating in Dubai, cultural differences, and the struggle to nd balance between career success and personal life,” she reveals. “It’s the rst time such conversations will be shown on Arab TV.” Hadia Ghaleb’s journey is far from over. As she continues to break barriers, challenge norms, and rede ne success, one thing is clear—El Ghaleb Ghaleb will be more than a reality show. It’s a re ection of a modern Arab woman, navigating the complex world of fame, family, and identity, while staying true to herself and her roots. “I’m not your typical Egyptian girl living at home, waiting for marriage, but I’m also not someone who has abandoned my cultural roots. I’m stuck in between, like so many women.” COS_118_014to019_Hadia Ghaleb_13394120.indd 1827/09/2024 17:50Play OPPOSITE PAGE: Dress: Staud THIS PAGE: Sunglasses: Hadia Ghaleb COS_118_014to019_Hadia Ghaleb_13394120.indd 1927/09/2024 17:5020 Play 20 How will Love Is Blind: Habibi *actually* work? An Arab relationship coach shares her knowledge on how things could go down on the Middle East’s first-ever dating show WO R D S B Y D A N A S H A R AW N E H COS_118_020to022_PLAY_HabibiPlaylist V2_13389511.indd 2027/09/2024 13:28The rst-ever reality dating show in the Middle East, Love Is Blind: Habibi, is coming to the UAE. The Net ix reality show, hosted by Saudi actress and TV personality Elham Ali and husband Khaled Saqer, is going to be this region’s version of its highly popular Western counterpart, Love is Blind, which has aired in North America, South America, and Europe. In the Western version of Love is Blind – which we all know and love – the participating cast members date each other from behind a wall, and see if they can fall in love without ever laying eyes on each other. Based on connection alone, the couple will then get engaged, where they can nally see each other for the rst time. If all goes well, the couples head off to a blissful honeymoon vacation on a secluded island (with a full camera crew in tow, of course), before returning to cohabitate in their home country and back in the “real world”. The nal episodes then see the wedding days, where each couple stand at the atler and either say “I do” or “hell no” - yes, this has literally happened. But with the Middle East considered uncharted territory when it comes to dating shows, it’s safe to say we want all the details on how it will work, so Cosmo ME has chatted with Mawada Alwazir, a Life Coach and Relationship Expert based in the UAE for over 17 years - to understand more about the show. Cosmo ME: How would a reality TV datinge series like Love is Blind: Habibi differ from its Western counterparts? Mawada: In many cases, especially in the Gulf, it is normal for a person to get married without seeing their partner. The family agrees to a marriage, then the couple might see each other once. If the girl likes the guy, they could get married this way. Or, another way, is that they meet each other and get to know each other under parental supervision until the whole family eventually meets, too. It is absolutely possible for them to build a life together in this way. That being said, even if they don’t see each other, the couple will absolutely not head off to an island together without getting married. They have to of cially tie the knot. Depending on the family, and on religion as well. Both Christian and Muslim families do arranged marriages. Cosmo ME: What advice would you give to the cast of Love is Blind: Habibi? Mawada: Finding love in the Arab world requires a completely different mindset than that of Europeans, Americans, or the Western world at large. If you’re talking about people in the Middle East, the values are completely different than in the West. For us, in this region, I think it’s important for the groom, or the person who’s going to be proposing (it is usually the man, as this is the norm here) to propose to the family - and, more importantly, the father. It’s not just the bride and the groom by themselves. Love in the Middle East is a family affair. Another piece of advice is to keep an open mind. Things are de nitely different than in the West, but that does not mean that love cannot or will not be successful. Cosmo ME: How do you see Love Is Blind: Habibi implementing traditional Arab marriage values? Mawada: I think traditional Arab values are already implemented, based on the way that the show is already portrayed. I just think it needs to adapt to the values of Middle Eastern culture, which requires being more sensitivite to the conservative religions that we follow. Cosmo ME: Do you see this show having a positive impact on young Arab men and women who want to get married? Mawada: The way I see it, this brings us to a certain method of proposing in the Middle East: Sometimes, the groom’s mother sees the bride and chooses her for her son. It works; I don’t see anything wrong with that. But it has to take place with the consent of the bride. The lady has to accept the match, and so does the man. I like how the show will allow the man and the woman to choose each other without any external in uences. There’s going to be a meeting point: either you’re going to meet in the living room within the home or elsewhere, whether it be in a family context, a mall, a club or whatever. I don’t think people should look at arranged marriages in a negative way, because no matter how a couple gets married, all methods take place at a meeting point. The difference is if you’re meeting the person on your own, you’re meeting 21 Play 21 COS_118_020to022_PLAY_HabibiPlaylist V2_13389511.indd 2127/09/2024 20:42them without any supervision or familial and cultural restrictions. But having an arranged marriage is positive, as there’s more readiness to commit from the groom’s end, especially for men. I often see that there’s a lot of issues regarding men’s commitment – and I don’t wanna judge men, but they tend to worry. For men, marriage sort of feels like they’re being bound to one thing. I don’t see that there’s anything wrong with a man wanting to get married, and him nding his mate or his wife without the in uence of the mother. This is something people should think about. Cosmo ME: How do you see the show transforming Western dating culture to something that aligns with Arab and conservative values? Mawada: Like I said, it already seems quite aligned with our values, but they just need to be culturally sensitive. In other words, maybe instead of going to an island, the couple could go out to dinner or perhaps meet for lunch with both their families. Another factor is deciding on the wedding venue and the importance of communication between the parents. Again, in the Middle East, you have to have the family be a bit more involved. The Middle East is very culturally diverse. The culture in Lebanon, Syria and Palestine is different than that in Egypt, Morocco and Libya, for instance. Also, the Gulf region has a completely different culture altogether. There are similarities, but there are differences as well. So, the way in which these cultural differences will manifest on Love is Blind: Habibi will be very interesting to see. I think family involvement is very important in the show, which I also think will be exciting for the audience. I think that the show will be an excellent opportunity to portray arranged marriages in a positive light, as I believe arranged marriages can work. I personally got married in an arranged way and it is a great marriage, based on values. However, each family is different. Some families don’t even allow you to see the groom, but others can be less strict. The parents also need to understand that the girl needs to be able to meet this person that she’s going to be living with for the rest of her life. The idea of the mother choosing the bride for her son is the main issue for me. As for the bride, she needs to understand the marriage is not just about planning a wedding; both the bride and the groom need to understand and honour each other’s values and goals. The man has goals and dreams, and so does the woman. It’s not like you’re going to take a girl and change her the way you want. So, this is something that men and families need to keep in mind as well. Love is Blind: Habibi is due to land on Net ix October 10th. “The culture in Lebanon, Syria and Palestine is di erent than that in Egypt, Morocco and Libya for instance.” Elham’s husband, Khaled Saqer, will co-host. Saudi actress Elham Ali will present the show. 22 Play IMA GE S : SUPPLIED & UNSPLA SH COS_118_020to022_PLAY_HabibiPlaylist V2_13389511.indd 2227/09/2024 20:22IMA GE S :JORD AN S TERANKA /UNSPLA SH ARIES You’re deep in work mode at the start of Virgo season and, yeah, it’s exhausting. But good news: Now October is here it will all be taken care of. Even better, Libra season sets the mood for love—and new lovers. Purr. LEO Get ready to focus on... work, work, and more work during the rest of Virgo season. But! Life lightens up a lot when September ends, and by Scorpio season you’ll be all about resting and recharging. SAGITTARIUS That major work project taking up all your time is this close to being done, and Virgo season sees you nally adding the nishing touches. Now it’s time for some re ection: Do you feel proud of it and your career so far? If not, Libra season could be perfect for you to start exploring new career paths. GEMINI Hey, so how’s your living situation? Your relationships with your friends, family, partner? If there’s room for improvement, get to it right away so you can enjoy Libra season’s lovey- dovey vibes, And also because on October 22, Scorpio season is sending you back to work. LIBRA There are so many new things and people you want in your life, but there’s just no room. Good thing Virgo season is here to help you move on from all the baggage weighing you down so that when October begins you’re ready to enjoy a spectacular time. AQUARIUS It’s true that life feels heavy right now, and some of this has to do with the relationships in your life that are just not working out. Make the decision to give them the chop this Virgo season so you can fully enjoy the adventurous vibes Libra season is bringing. TAURUS Friendly PSA: If you like somebody, tell them. If you love somebody, shout it from the rooftops (or at least on your IG Stories). The end-of-summer astro weather has you meeting new friends and romantic interests (lucky you). VIRGO Hey Virgos, your mission is to think over all your relationships and proactively get rid of the ones that aren’t working this Autumn. Once done, you’ll Now have free space for better people and stronger relationships. CAPRICORN If you haven’t yet, try booking a much- needed vacay (or, ne, even a short day trip somewhere) this Virgo season. Then when Libra season begins, it’s time to DTR or upgrade your relationship so that you and boo are rested and ready for Scorpio season good times. CANCER The universe is asking you to come out of your crab shell. As in, this is the time to make new friends and irt ationships and, most of all, have fun. Hold on to these good vibes for the major glow-up that is written in the stars for you. SCORPIO Virgo season with its super-social mood is making you realise you have a bit too much going on. Libra season will help you curate, editing your relationships and commitments so that by the time the Sun slides into Scorpio, you’re feeling steady with only the best of the best around you. PISCES Welcome to your own personal cuf ng season. You’re all about linking up with new people in late summer and early fall (enjoy!) but it’s time to think about what you bring to the table (be honest). Putting in this work now means your relationships will thrive all autumn. Play 23 Your Autumn Horoscope BY J A K E R E G I S T E R COS_118_023_PLAY_Horoscope_13382222.indd 2327/09/2024 13:28Play How to do MONI HASBINI like MONI HASBINI does MONI HASBINI 24 W O R D S B Y M E G A N T O M O S A N D A L E E N A N D E R I AS If you haven’t heard her name, you’ve probably seen her jewellery. Daughter of the woman behind Hiba Hasbini jewellery, Moni Hasbini recently stepped into the limelight as full-time SHE-EO of the business, ushering it into the social media spotlight. Moni obtained a degree in business administration from the American University of Beirut, and is well on her way towards establishing Hiba Hasbini as the ‘it’ girl brand in the region. Moni Hasbini COS_118_024to025_PLAY How To Do Moni_13380961.indd 2427/09/2024 13:30IMA GE S : SUPPLIED ; UNSPLA SH ; INS TA GRAM @ MONIHA SBINI , @ LAMAISONANIB YCHEFIZ U , @ EMSHERIFRE ST A URANT , @ AMINAMU ADDI , @ R A SHED T V ARTISTS I’M LISTENING TO ON REPEAT… This is going to be so random, but I love Abdelmajeed Abdullah and Rashed Al-Majed. MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN DUBAI… I have around three restaurants I hyper- xate on every week, but I will always love La Maison Ani. MY DREAM TRAVEL DESTINATION… I went to South Korea last year and plan on going to Japan next year. A PLACE IN LEBANON THAT EVERYONE SHOULD VISIT… Em Sherif, for sure. AN ITEM OF CLOTHING I OWN THAT MAKES ME FEEL CONFIDENT… The yellow dress that my mum’s friend Hazar Taha and I customised and designed. BAGS IN MY WARDROBE THAT I LOVE… I’m obsessed with My Bottega Venetta Mini Wallace because it’s navy blue and denim. But I also love my Loro Piana L19, I feel like a princess whenever I wear it. Play 25 MAKEUP PRODUCTS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT… I have a couple that are always with me on the go, like The Laneige Lip Glowy in Balm Gummy Bear and Berry avors and Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water Jelly Tint. A CELEBRITY THAT I’D LOVE TO SEE WEARING MY JEWELRY… OMG, I would die if I saw Amina Muaddi wearing my brand. MY SECRET WEAPON FOR CREATING GOOD CONTENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA… I always prioritise being organic, honest, and authentic with my audience. I love to use a small LED lming light in my lm setup, and I plastered a sticky grip on the back of my phone. COS_118_024to025_PLAY How To Do Moni_13380961.indd 2527/09/2024 13:30BEAUTY TREATS YOUTH CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COLLAGEN COOKIES, DHS79, BEAUTYTREATS.CO; RITE SKIN GUMMIES,DHS149, MYRITE.CO; CMOSS EDIBLE JELLY, DHS100, DM @CMOSSUAE OR WHATSAPP +971522171142; HEALTH NAG CEREMONIAL GRADE MATCHA, DHS95, POWDERBEAUTY.COM; HUMANTRA, DHS105, GETHUMANTRA.COM; EQUI LONDON BEAUTY POWDER FORMULA, DHS450, EQUILONDON.ME 26 BEA UTY COS_118_026to027_Beauty_EdibleBeautyShot V3_13387971.indd 2627/09/2024 13:30Nuts and Seeds Nibble on almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds whenever you can. Packed with plant-based proteins and antioxidants, these give your insided the TLC needed to boost your raidance from within. Berries Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are antioxidant powerhouses with anti-in ammatory magic. They combat free radicals, reduce signs of ageing, and leave your skin looking fab and awless. Hey, gorgeous! We’ve got the ultimate guide to the yummiest treats in the GCC that’ll totally crush those cravings and boost your natural beauty. Who doesn’t want to snack their way to a awless, ve-star glow? The power of food for your skin is no joke, bb. Vitamin C is your ride-or-die for keeping that skin rm and plump. Vitamin E? It’s like your personal bodyguard against all those annoying free radicals. And don’t forget collagen — it’s like the Dubai- style scaffolding that keeps everything looking fabulous. Ready to sparkle like never before? Dive into these skin-loving goodies and get glowing from head to toe faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Wanna glow like a goddess? Rebecca Treston, the ultimate Skin Expert and Laser and Beauty Specialist at Hortman Clinics, Dubai shared with us the skin-loving foods you need to add to your diet for It Girl skin. Fatty Fish Omega-3-rich sh such as salmon and mackeral keep your skin hydrated and in ammation-free. Think of them as the builders and repairers of your skin cells. You can totally feast your way to fabulous skin Edible beauty is the way to *that girl* skin W O RD S B Y L AU R EN O ’ C O NNEL L PHO T O G R APHY B Y E F R A I M EVI DO R S T Y L I N G B Y T W I N K L E S TA N LY A N D Q U I N N CATA B U I 27 BeautyBeauty COS_118_026to027_Beauty_EdibleBeautyShot V3_13387971.indd 2727/09/2024 13:30Next >