AboFlah reflects on pressure to speak about conflicts in the Middle East

YouTube star says he understands criticism and seeks balance

Hassan “AboFlah” Suleiman, the popular gaming and entertainment influencer, has spoken about the pressure he faces to discuss conflict in the Middle East, even for much-loved Arab content creators.

The Kuwaiti star believes it is difficult to satisfy such a diverse audience who want him to use his platform to address crises in Gaza and elsewhere.

“I understand the situation that all the content creators like me are facing in the Middle East,” he told The National at the 1Billion Followers Summit.

“You need balance, you need to understand why people are attacking you. You need to understand how to face this attack from people, and why are they doing that? Because they love you.”

AboFlah said influencers in his position, with a platform of tens of millions, are often asked why they don't discuss particular topics. “They love you – love you and want you to talk,” he said.

Last year, AboFlah arranged for a major shipment of aid – “a very big ship to help our brothers in Palestine”.

With more than 44 million YouTube subscribers, AboFlah is recognised as a powerful influencer in the Arab world and internationally. He featured on the Forbes 2022 “30 Under 30" list in the Middle East.

AboFlah believes the way he treats people reflects the values and upbringing of his culture. “I represent my community in the way I treat people, in the way that I'm doing my work,” he explained. “The way that I'm treating people is the way my religion taught me.”

Asked what inspired him to start creating content, AboFlah said his love for production was the driving force. “I felt like even if I didn't succeed, there was no problem with that because I was doing something I love,” he said.

AboFlah said the most challenging part of his journey was getting started, when he lacked support, money and equipment. However, as his success grew, he took the next step by launching his own talent management company, 8Flamez, with partners Eyad Siyam and Saad Sarwar.

“Over the last two years, 8Flamez made me understand that you can't do everything alone,” he said. “You need a team.”