Lubna AlKhamis: A Visionary Storyteller Bridging East and West

Lubna AlKhamis is a storyteller, writer, and cultural visionary whose journey has elevated her voice across the Arab world and beyond. Born into a lineage deeply rooted in journalism—her grandfather founded Al-Jazirah Newspaper, one of Saudi Arabia’s earliest newspapers—Lubna was inspired by the power of words from an early age. This passion led her to pursue journalism at the American University in Dubai, where she also specialized in Middle Eastern studies. She later honed her craft at the prestigious Columbia University in New York, earning a master’s degree in Culture and Arts from the School of Journalism. Her educational path reflects a blend of heritage and innovation, equipping her to navigate and narrate the unique intersection of Arab culture and global perspectives.

Breaking New Ground: From the Gulf to Global Media

Lubna’s career began with bold moves that challenged boundaries. As a writer for Al-Jazirah Newspaper, she gained firsthand experience in shaping narratives for Saudi and Arab audiences. She then achieved a significant milestone as the first Saudi woman to work in the Prime Minister’s Office of the Emirate of Dubai—a position that placed her at the heart of Dubai’s ambitious initiatives. Here, she contributed her media expertise to the Executive Office, known as the “Creative Ideas Factory” of the Dubai government. In this role, Lubna was instrumental in managing high-impact communications and strategic storytelling for major government programs. Her work extended to supporting the UAE’s “Happiness Agenda” initiative, where she crafted media strategies and campaigns to engage the public with messages of well-being and positivity.

The Birth of Abajora: Enlightening the Arab World

Lubna’s experiences in journalism and government communications sparked a deeper realization: the scarcity of high-quality Arabic content online. In a digital world where Arabic representation was lacking, Lubna saw an opportunity to enrich her culture’s presence. This vision led her to launch Abajora, a podcast dedicated to creating meaningful, thought-provoking Arabic content. The podcast’s name, which translates to “sidelamp,” signifies enlightenment—a guiding light for those seeking deeper understanding and connection.

Through Abajora, Lubna brings listeners into stories that blend history, philosophy, and personal insights. She creates an immersive experience, employing soundscapes, music, and even archival recordings to deepen the narrative. Her episodes draw on rigorous research, including books, articles, and documentaries, each one crafted to challenge conventional perspectives. In a short time, Abajora became one of the Arab world’s most acclaimed podcasts, amassing over a million listeners and winning the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s New Media Award.

Pioneering Arabic Content on a Global Stage

Lubna’s mission to elevate Arabic storytelling reached a new milestone when Emirates Airlines added Abajora to its in-flight entertainment system, making it the first Arabic-language podcast featured on the airline’s platform. This achievement brought Abajora to millions of travelers worldwide, positioning it as a leading voice in Arabic media on a global scale. For Lubna, this was not only a personal accomplishment but a testament to the growing demand for high-quality Arabic content and a victory for cultural representation.

Building a Legacy of Impact

Despite Abajora’s popularity, Lubna’s focus remains on quality and cultural impact rather than profit. Operating largely as a one-woman show, with support from a dedicated audio engineer, she handles nearly every aspect of the production herself. Her aim is to create a legacy of thoughtful, lasting content that empowers Arabic speakers to explore their heritage and encourages cross-cultural understanding. Looking to the future, she envisions partnerships with sponsors who align with her mission, further expanding Abajora as a movement for intellectual and cultural engagement.

A Guiding Light for Aspiring Storytellers

Lubna’s journey from Saudi Arabia to New York, from journalism to podcasting, is an inspiration to aspiring storytellers in the Arab world. Her path demonstrates the power of authenticity, resilience, and cultural pride in building meaningful media ventures. For Lubna, storytelling is a tool to illuminate truths, bridge cultural divides, and inspire future generations. Through Abajora, she has created more than a podcast; she has lit a sidelamp, guiding Arab voices toward greater visibility and resonance in the global narrative.

Lubna AlKhamis’s story is a powerful reminder that the language of storytelling transcends boundaries, carrying with it the potential to change lives, foster understanding, and leave a legacy that endures.