The final chapter of my graduate trainee journey
When I first stepped into The National in August, I had no idea what to expect. A part of me imagined something straight out of Spider-Man — a chaotic newsroom buzzing with reporters, ringing phones, and breaking news flashing on screens. Instead, I was met with something much quieter, much more real: Hala Nasar, my fellow graduate trainee, standing tall and effortlessly chic, introduced to me as the person I’d be spending the next seven months with.
What followed was a whirlwind. Together, we searched for the perfect burrito (still searching), gave each other pep talks before nerve-wracking moments, and I watched her shine as she interviewed some of the biggest names, including Jason Miller and Tucker Carlson. More than that, we became each other’s anchors in this unpredictable world of journalism—proof that no matter how overwhelming things got, we weren’t in it alone.
From intimidation to belonging
In those first few months, doubt followed me like a shadow. Was I doing enough? Learning enough? Proving myself enough? But then came Laura and Mina, who made me feel like I belonged — even when I wasn’t sure I did.
Laura showed me that journalism isn’t just black and white — it’s full of color, creativity, and the boldness to ask the questions that matter. She reminded me that the only bad question is the one you don’t ask.
And then there’s Mina, our editor-in-chief, whose presence is both grounding and inspiring. She has this effortless way of making people feel heard, offering guidance without overshadowing, and pushing us to do better simply by believing that we can. Watching her lead showed me that real influence isn’t about speaking the loudest—it’s about knowing when to listen, when to encourage, and when to step in with just the right words at just the right time.
The lessons that shaped me
Seven months in a newsroom means lessons at every turn.
Rory sharpened my writing and taught me what it means to truly think like a journalist.
Nic Ridley patiently corrected me when I mixed up American and British English, and by now, I think I finally understand the difference (hopefully).
Enas made it clear that our Wednesday planning meetings are sacred, and I quickly learned why.
Nick March reminded me that no matter how fast-paced things get, ethics (and mental health) should always come first—a lesson I’ll carry with me forever.
When it came to social media, Kat, Thuraya, Fethi, and Fatima were my backbone—answering my endless questions and proving that kindness, creativity, and confidence go hand in hand.
Fatma was also my mentor for my first weekend shift, making sure I wasn’t completely lost.
Fadah taught me how to make charts that actually pop (and how to dress impeccably while doing it). Dona drilled the importance of deadlines and always reminded me to submit this blog. Stephen made Arc less of a mystery, while Tom Herbert revealed that SEO is the secret weapon to a viral story.
I learned the hidden rules of the newsroom—Nasri and Sarah Maisey introduced me to the dazzling world of fashion journalism, where balancing glamour and chaos is an art form.
Chris Tait left me with a lesson I’ll never forget: never underestimate who understands Arabic, and always fact-check twice before publishing.
Scott taught me that horizontal photos are a must, and Greg showed me that being yourself on camera is the key to great storytelling.
Behind the scenes, Ahmed Al Mansoori was always there, helping me understand how to upload photos, plan stories, and navigate newsroom logistics.
Beyond reporting, I picked up lessons I never expected. Hameed proved that no laptop issue is truly unsolvable. Ismail introduced me to coffee that actually tastes good, and now I’m an unapologetic coffee snob.
The people who made it unforgettable
And then, of course, there was Hala and Mezna—the two people who made these seven months what they were. They weren’t just colleagues; they were my safe space, my reality check, my constant source of laughter.
Seven months later
Seven months ago, I walked into this newsroom as a graduate trainee, unsure of what I was stepping into. Today, I walk forward with more than just bylines—I leave with friendships, lessons, and memories that will stay with me far beyond this programme.
This isn’t just the end of something—it’s the start of something even greater.
'The end is where we start from'
You know what they say, all good things must come to an end. And today is one of these things. Today marks the end of The National’s graduate program for me, and frankly, it changed my life.
To reflect on the last 7 months in summary:
I hauled my life from Dubai to Abu Dhabi; did a two-week journalism bootcamp and media law training; worked on the local news desk and foreign desk; attended multiple events including large-scale ones such as 1B Followers Summit and World Government Summit; attended the theatre show Disney: The Magic Box; interviewed people from many places including the UAE, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, US, Australia, Columbia, Philippines, France, Iraq, UK, Germany and more; attended a shoot for our Luxury Magazine; interviewed big personalities such as Tucker Carlson, Jason Miller, Anas Bukhash, Doctor Mike, and Yousef Khandakji; Elon Musk shared my interview with Jason Miller, which received millions of views; and finally, I got a full-time job at The National News as a Social Media Journalist.
After 7 months of personal and professional growth while trying to understand all the foreign emotions I was feeling, learning new things every day, and meeting exceptional people with great stories, I am beyond proud and delighted to end this chapter as a graduate trainee and begin a new one as a Social Media Journalist.
I would not have done it without our Editor in-Chief Mina Al Oraibi and our Managing Editor and my first mentor at The National, Laura Koot. I feel very lucky to have them guiding me through my professional career and giving me all the resources possible to become a well-rounded journalist.
I thought it had been my dream to become a journalist for The National News since my second year of university, which was the time I began learning how to produce quality journalism, but that thought quickly vanished and was replaced by a nostalgic reality when my childhood friend of 15 years sent me a photo of her and I in the children’s amusement center, Kidzania, which had stations of different careers for children to pretend-play. In the photo, we couldn’t have been over 10 or 11-years-old, standing in the newspaper booth, wearing khaki vests with the word “journalist” on them, and a huge sign of “The National” behind us.
I didn’t notice it at first, too busy looking at our blurred youthful faces, but then I saw it. A hard-hitting realization that 10-year-old Hala was the same person more than a decade later. My dream went far beyond my memory could serve me; I had been a little journalist all along. But today, I am a little journalist trying to make it big in a world where good journalism is needed more than ever, and that equally terrifies and excites every part of me. I sincerely hope it always will.
Six months in: A roller coaster ride at The National
Oooh, what a roller coaster it has been! Six months have passed by in the blink of an eye, filled with ups and downs, challenges, and moments of uncertainty. I won’t sugarcoat it—this journey hasn’t been a piece of cake because, let’s be honest, nothing truly worthwhile ever is. But what I can say with confidence is that it has been an incredible learning experience, filled with growth, excitement, and some unforgettable memories.
From working on features that challenged my storytelling skills to conducting interviews with people who shared their inspiring stories, every step of the way has been a lesson. The best part? The people. Whether it was my colleagues at The National or the individuals I met through my reporting, each interaction added something valuable to my experience.When I started this blog, I described myself as indecisive — dramatically so, if I’m being honest. But looking back, maybe I just didn’t know what I was searching for. Now, with my placement in the social media team, I feel like I’ve found my spark. This is where I can grow, experiment, and bring creative ideas to life. The transition into the team felt seamless, and every question I had was met with patience and support. From day one, I felt welcomed and, most importantly, like I truly belong here.
I can’t wait to see where the rest of this journey takes me. If these six months have taught me anything, it’s that the best experiences often come from embracing uncertainty and staying open to change.
Why going to the 1 Billion Followers Summit was a great career move
Last weekend, I was chosen to be one of the reporters covering the 1B Followers Summit. The three-day event in Dubai saw thousands of attendees including social media personalities and content creators who came to network, hold panels, and engage in meaningful conversation around content creation.
During the assignment I met and spoke to people I never thought I would be able to interview as a graduate trainee.
On my first day, I interviewed famous American journalist and broadcaster Tucker Carlson. In fact, I was the only person who had the chance to interview him during the event and that was awesome. He spoke to me about Trump, Elon Musk and mainstream media. Although I was nervous, it was a great learning opportunity and one I will not forget.
I also interviewed Anas Bukhash, the Emirati entrepreneur and podcast host of AB Talks - a show where celebrities and regular people alike get invited to talk about things personal to them. Spoiler alert: it can get emotional.
Talking to Anas gave me perspective into why being authentic and consistent with work is key to achieving results and that I should continue doing what I love while growing on a personal and professional level.
As for the second day, I had the pleasure of interviewing Doctor Mike, a family doctor with a social media presence whose content I have been watching for the last few years. His commitment to work and his audience was nothing short of admirable and he spoke about how health and social media could co-exist.
The third day was as eventful as it got as I jumped from one panel discussion to another. The first one was with Plestia Alaqad, a Palestinian journalist who covered the Gaza war. I had the pleasure of interviewing after the panel about her experiences. I also attended a panel discussion featuring Simon Squibb, a British entrepreneur and content creator, who won the $1m prize at the end of the event. I chatted to him later about how he felt after winning the prize.
And finally, I attended a panel with Maye Musk, Elon Musk’s mother, where she talked about being a mother, and about her son and Donald Trump!
The event was a great experience that taught me how to multitask, refine my interview skills, write faster with accuracy, and build my network. It was a great start to 2025!
How I managed two placements at the same time
One of the most exciting aspects of the graduate program is the chance to explore different departments. For someone like me, who loves trying everything, choosing just one placement felt impossible. Thankfully, our managing editor, Laura, allowed me to split my time between two areas: data visualisation and features.
My week was allocated to data on Mondays and Tuesdays, and features on Wednesdays and Thursdays, while Fridays were for catching up and planning. Data visualisation appealed to me because of its ability to enhance stories — one chart can portray so much. I even attended a training with Bill Shander, which gave me valuable insights into creating compelling visuals. At the same time, features allowed me to indulge my love for storytelling, from writing restaurant reviews and event coverage to travel pieces. Over four weeks, I produced three 'Chart of the Week' articles and produced ten features, including interviews with Michelin-starred chefs and stories on upcoming changes in travel attractions.
Juggling both placements taught me to multitask, stay organised, and embrace variety. Now, as I begin my month-long placement with social media, I’m excited to dive into content creation — something I’ve been passionate about since day one. But I’ll share more about that in my next blog post. For now, I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore and grow in two different worlds.
From graduate trainee to top author
When I joined The National's Graduate Program earlier this year, I never imagined that one of my stories would become the top post and earn me the title of top author of the day.
The Dubai rent series
During my first week on the UAE news desk, I confidently told my mentor, "Don’t worry about it, I’m a UAE kid. I’ll handle it." This marked the beginning of my journey working on the Dubai Rent series, which now includes five stories I’ve written. Each piece explores the lived experiences of individuals and families navigating Dubai’s rental market.
The story that earned this recognition was about Maria Federko, a Ukrainian model and influencer, and her Dh120,000-a-year one-bedroom rental in Creek Harbour. Published on December 15, 2024, this piece was the most-read story on The National's website that day. Maria’s vibrant lifestyle, love for the community, and the stunning views of her home resonated deeply with readers, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of living in one of Dubai’s most picturesque neighborhoods.
A graduate’s perspective: learning and growing
Being part of The National’s Graduate Program has been transformative. The support I’ve received — from mentors guiding my writing process to editors encouraging impactful storytelling — has been pivotal in shaping my journey. This program isn’t just about developing skills; it’s about finding your voice as a journalist and connecting with readers in meaningful ways.
Top post and top author: What it means to me
Earning the title of top author of the day and seeing my story leading the most popular stories of the day validates the power of storytelling. It’s a reminder that journalism amplifies voices, creates dialogue, and sheds light on issues that matter.
This recognition reflects the incredible impact of The National as a platform. Stories like mine are possible because of the publication’s commitment to high-quality, community-centered journalism.
While I’m proud of this milestone, it’s just the beginning. There are so many untold stories waiting to be discovered, and I’m more inspired than ever to keep digging deeper - whether it’s continuing the Dubai Rent series or exploring new topics.
To my mentors, editors, and colleagues at The National, thank you for believing in me. To my readers, thank you for engaging with my work and reminding me why storytelling matters. And to my fellow graduates, let’s keep pushing boundaries and making an impact together.
Don’t give up — your story matters!
When I first started my placement on the UAE news desk as part of The National News’s graduate program, I had an idea about food waste. It all began after visiting a coffee shop offering a 50 per cent discount on bakery items after 9pm. This sparked my curiosity - how are businesses tackling food waste, and could similar strategies be applied on a larger scale?
What followed were hours of researching, collecting data, reaching out to hotels across the UAE, and interviewing countless people. Two months later, this story was fully rounded and got published as a feature on how UAE hotels are tackling food waste with smarter planning and AI tracking.
What I learned is that persistence and patience are key. Even when a story feels like it’s stalled, if your instincts tell you there’s potential, it’s worth pursuing.
Staying committed and trusting the process can turn an idea into something impactful.
Developing my 'spidey sense' for news
One of the most important things to have as a journalist is a sense for news or a compelling story. What that means could be subjective, but as a rule of thumb, what is new and interesting to hear about could be a good story. This week I visited Abu Dhabi Art before its opening night to find stories worth telling. My editor initially sent me to cover the story of a 2600-year-old intact mummified falcon in its original wooden sarcophagus. The idea that I was in the same room as that bird was special, an integral overlap of history right in front of my eyes.
After I collected the information I needed and made my way back, I ran into a perfume stand situated near the exit. Memo Paris is a French brand that makes its fragrances inspired by cities that their creative director has visited and loved. I took my time smelling each perfume, and fell in love with how Marfa, Texas smelled like. However, the main reason this was interesting was because of their new upcoming launch, the 'Abu Dhabi' perfume. I was intrigued, yet I left shortly after to focus on writing up my falcon story.
Though as each day passed, I couldn’t get the scent of that perfume out of my head. There was a story there and I knew I needed to go back and get it. I went back the following day and met with the creative director, who told me the story of the perfumes, including their newest launch - 'Abu Dhabi'. Soon, I filed my review of the new scent along with the creative inspiration driving the perfume notes.
Sometimes, as a journalist, you just have to trust your instinct and go back for more than you planned for.
Finding my niche in lifestyle journalism
When I started my journey in journalism, I knew I wanted to share unique Emirati stories with the world, but I wasn’t entirely sure which path to take. Writing this recent piece made me realise that lifestyle stories are my true niche.
Why lifestyle? Because these stories allow me to connect with the heart of culture and identity. They bring people closer to the traditions we cherish, while also showcasing the innovative ways they evolve.
This week, I had the privilege of writing about twin Emirati chefs, Maitha and Abdulrahman Al Hashmi, whose creativity and passion have transformed the traditional dishes I grew up eating into international creations that could raise the UAE flag and honour our heritage.
Writing this story reminded me of the beauty of storytelling in lifestyle journalism — how it captures the past, the present, and the potential of our culture. It’s a privilege to highlight the UAE’s talent and traditions while showing how they can shine on a global stage.
Did breaking news break me, or did I break It?
This was my inside joke during my six-day placement with the foreign desk’s breaking news team. It was intense, fast-paced, and unlike anything I had experienced before in the newsroom. My shift was from 10 am to 5 pm, and I’m not going to lie—I was terrified on my first day. I didn’t know what was expected of me or what I was supposed to do.
Breaking news was much harder and more delicate than I had imagined. During my Day 1 orientation, I was told that from the moment a notification or alert of a breaking event comes in, I had less than four minutes to write the first draft. That might sound manageable, but when you’re actually in the middle of it, it’s a whole other story.
I had to keep an eye on news outlets all around the world, covering Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, and more, and ensure the information I provided was accurate. The pressure was immense, but it taught me how to stay on top of things and move quickly from one task to another.
What I found most rewarding was learning how to prioritize, focus, and trust my instincts under pressure.
The breaking news team was incredibly supportive, and watching them work was a masterclass in precision and speed. They didn’t just teach me technical skills; they showed me how to keep calm under pressure and handle delicate situations with care.
By the end of the placement, I realized that breaking news didn’t break me—I learned how to rise to the challenge. It was an experience that left me with sharper skills, greater confidence, and a deep respect for the work that goes into reporting breaking news.
The boy who sleeps on his mother's grave
This week, I wrote about something I didn’t expect to in a million years.
Growing up as a Palestinian in the diaspora meant mourning people you didn’t know and yearning for a land you haven’t seen before. This aspect of my identity has in many ways influenced my career path, and here I am years later, writing the story of a Gazan boy who sleeps on his mother’s grave every night.
One night, before going to sleep, I saw a video on social media of an on-ground journalist in Gaza who filmed a boy sleeping on the ground in the cemetery.
Curious, I looked for a way to reach the boy and eventually found his father. At 11 pm, I contacted him, unsure if he will ever see my message or respond, but to both my relief and anguish, he responded and was willing to talk to me.
The very next day I spoke to Youssef Mhanna, the father of Zain. That phone call was brutal, to say the least. I listened the best I could as my phone recorded his despair and hopelessness.
The more he told me, the more difficult it was to keep my emotions at bay, and I tried to be as compassionate as possible while remembering everything I wanted to ask him.
How do you neutrally ask a father why his son sleeps on a grave amid an ongoing war surrounded by the dead, and circled by wild rabid dogs?
Youssef Mhanna’s testimony was heart-breaking, and as I asked him my questions, my tears ebbed and flowed as he spoke. Yet, writing this story was harder than listening to him talk about it.
All I could think about was how to deliver this in the best possible way for people to read, share and talk about.
And when I was finished, I took a breath of relief. I was glad that people would know about this.
Writing this story truly taught me more than I could ask for.
Journalism requires adaptability
One of the most remarkable aspects of this journey has been the exposure to diverse stories. This time it was about covering local businesses in a historic place. Qaser Al Muwaiji houses a local cafe called Bayn, which means within. I got a chance to connect with the owner and get in-depth information about the inspiration behind it.
Each assignment is a reminder of the power of journalism to inform, engage, and preserve history.
The role demands precision, adaptability, and curiosity. Whether it’s conducting interviews, crafting narratives, or collaborating with an exceptional team of professionals, every task offers a lesson. I’ve also come to appreciate the behind-the-scenes hustle that brings each story to life — something I might never have fully understood as a viewer.
While it’s not without its pressures — tight deadlines and the responsibility of getting the facts right—the fulfillment of delivering impactful stories makes it all worthwhile. Those three months have been transformative, solidifying my passion for storytelling and my commitment to excellence in journalism.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the stories yet to be told and the personal growth this role will continue to bring.
My experience reviewing a restaurant
Recently, I had the chance to do something a little different — taste my way through the menu at Ryba, an Emirati restaurant in Zayed Port, led by none other than Michelin-awarded chef Faisal Al Harmoodi.
As someone who usually writes features with a broader focus, diving into food writing felt like a new challenge. But as I started, I realised it wasn’t so different from my usual work.
At its core, writing about Ryba wasn’t about describing dishes, it was storytelling. Each plate brought back memories of sitting at the dining table with my family, savoring the spices and flavors that have been part of our lives for generations.
I’ve always loved sharing Emirati stories with the world. Whether it’s through food, culture, or traditions, I find joy in explaining the nuances that make our heritage special.
Writing about Ryba reminded me why. It’s about highlighting the little things - the spices in a stew, the way we welcome guests, or the role of seafood in our history - so others can love and appreciate them as much as we do.
The skills I never expected to learn as a graduate trainee
When I joined The National as a graduate trainee, I anticipated honing my writing and reporting skills. But I quickly discovered that modern journalism demands so much more.
Along the way, I’ve picked up unexpected yet essential skills that are now part of my daily routine.
Mastering multimedia
Stories today aren’t just about words on a page. From creating visuals for web to producing TikTok content, I have learned how multimedia can transform a story. Adding videos, images, or interactive elements help bring stories to life and reaches audiences who connect with visuals in a digital-first world.
Social media strategy
Social media is a driving force in today’s journalism, bringing stories directly to the readers. I have learned how to tailor content for platforms like Instagram and Twitter, crafting headlines and visuals that encourage engagement.
Watching how audiences interact with stories on social media has shown me just how powerful these platforms are in expanding the reach of an article.
Data-driven decisions
One of the more unexpected skills I have picked up is understanding how data and analytics inform our story choices. Analysing what readers engage with most helps me pitch stories more effectively, track trends, and identify what resonates with audiences. Data is a strategic tool I never expected to use in a newsroom, but it has transformed how I approach storytelling.
These skills have not only broadened my abilities but have also given me a deeper appreciation for the dynamic nature of journalism.
How I stay organised
Staying organised as a graduate trainee juggling multiple stories, events, and deadlines can be challenging, especially with my daily commute from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Recently, I’ve been using a tool to map out my day with specific time slots for each task and upcoming deadlines, which has made a huge difference in keeping me on track.
A big part of being a journalist is time management and understanding the value of time, so having a structured plan helps me manage my workload effectively. Even though leaving my house at 6am and returning around 7pm can be a lot due to traffic, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. It’s all part of the journey, and I’m grateful for the experience.
My first luxury magazine shoot
I was thrilled to experience my first fashion shoot for the October issue of The National’s Luxury Magazine.
As a former theatre minor at university, I was excited to relive that part of my life again. I missed the undeniable glamour of being involved in a world of costumes, hair and makeup. At AUS, I was a costume design student along with journalism, and I occasionally got into acting as part of my course.
During that time the costume shop was my safe space, where I learned how to cut patterns and sew garments from scratch. I spent countless hours doing and re-doing a costume, researching about fabrics, and helping my former professor, mentor and friend Isabela Tavares prepare for theatrical shows.
Similarly, the makeup room was where I learned how to create proper looks for the stage, and experimented with SFX makeup, styled wigs, and prepped actors for shows.
So, getting a glimpse of that world again filled me with nostalgia for something I deeply loved doing. What I didn’t anticipate was how much fun I would have helping out on set for a photoshoot of luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, Givenchy, Loewe, Chanel, Bottega, and more.
At the shoot, I channelled my experience in theatre by organizing all the items we received, hanging and steaming garments, helping dress the model and styling her, and assisting the fashion director.
My colleague and I also filmed BTS footage of the shoot, which will be very memorable to look back on.
The photoshoot ran from 9am to 5pm, which taught me the importance of teamwork and organization on a whole new level. Working with the luxury team also gave me invaluable perspective on how to bring creative visions to life.
Being immersed into the fast-paced world of fashion and luxury was nothing short of exhilarating, and I look forward to being part of future shoots for the Luxury Magazine.
From interview to front page: My conversation with an Emirati doctor
Seeing my story on the front page of The National was a moment I’ll never forget. This wasn’t just any story — it was my attempt to touch people’s hearts, to share a narrative that wasn’t about statistics or headlines, but about a real, personal impact. Covering an Emirati doctor’s mission to provide medical aid in Gaza was my way of contributing, even in a small way, to raising awareness about the lives affected by the ongoing conflict.
My journey started with a single interview, but it quickly became clear this was more than a routine profile. This doctor’s experiences and challenges he faced made up a story that deserved to be told with depth and sensitivity. I wanted to go beyond words on a page, allowing readers to feel the weight of his journey and his dedication to making a difference. Listening to him describe the people he treated and the emotional toll it took reminded me of the power of storytelling to create empathy and understanding.
Working on the piece meant long hours and careful crafting. I spent time honing every detail, mindful of the impact each choice could have on readers. My editors and mentors provided invaluable guidance, pushing me to think deeply about the narrative and helping me shape the story so that it could truly resonate. Their insights reminded me that journalism isn’t a solo endeavor; it’s a collaborative process that relies on each person’s efforts to bring stories to life.
When the story appeared on the front page, it wasn’t just a personal milestone. It reinforced why I chose journalism in the first place: to make a difference, to give a voice to those who deserve to be heard, and to connect with readers on an emotional level.
As I continue my career, I’m driven by the desire to tell stories that go beyond the surface, sharing the resilience and spirit of the UAE and its people with the world.
Two months in, I am finding my confidence
As I wrap up my second month with The National's program, I’m starting to feel more at home in this fast-paced environment. The steep learning curve I encountered in my first month has started to level out, and I’ve grown more confident in navigating the demands of daily news production.
One of the biggest lessons from this month has been understanding the art of storytelling under pressure. Working in news, there are always deadlines, and often, stories can evolve or break unexpectedly. I’ve learned how crucial it is to maintain composure and clarity when working in high-stakes situations. This has helped me sharpen my time management skills and taught me how to prioritise tasks without compromising the quality of my work.
What excites me most about the experience so far is the diversity of stories I’ve been able to contribute to, ranging from business articles to human-interest pieces. Each story presents a new challenge, helping me broaden my skill set and deepen my passion for journalism.
Month two has truly reinforced my belief that journalism is as much about learning as it is about reporting. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter of this journey holds!
Behind the scenes of the Luxury Magazine shoot
As part of The National’s graduate program, I recently had the opportunity to attend and assist in a photoshoot for our luxury magazine. The shoot took place at Luma Studio in Park Height Square 2, starting at 9 am and ending by 4:30 pm.
It was a fast-paced, thrilling experience that reminded me of The Devil Wears Prada.
The creative team was nothing short of inspiring. Editor-in-chief Nasri Atallah kept everything running smoothly, while Fashion Director Sarah Maisey’s attention to detail was impeccable. Photographer Ricardo Abrahoa expertly captured each shot, making the luxury aesthetic come to life. Make-up artist Isabelle’s work on model Vika L. was flawless, and together, they created a stunning visual story.
My role wasn’t just to observe. I was tasked with capturing behind-the-scenes video coverage — filming the team’s dynamic interactions, the styling decisions, and the overall atmosphere. Documenting the shoot gave me a unique perspective on how each element, from lighting to wardrobe, comes together to create the perfect shot.
Throughout the day, I also helped with tasks like steaming clothes and adjusting the studio setup. It was eye-opening to see how much effort goes into every small detail to ensure the shoot runs smoothly.The energy in the studio was electric, with constant outfit changes, lighting adjustments, and creative brainstorming.
By the end of the day, I was in awe of the hard work that goes into creating those polished images we see in magazines.
This experience deepened my appreciation for the fashion industry and media. It was a whirlwind, but one I’d gladly dive into again.
I left the studio excited about the future and eager to see where this journey will take me next!
My first story in the newspaper
This week, my story was published in the newspaper for the very first time.
To start with, I did not realize that it was published until I accidentally came across it several days later as I was scanning a newspaper left on a desk. I paused when I saw that the story that my colleague Nour and I created, along with the help of our editor, materialised on paper.
I ran my fingers across the cold paper with my name printed on it. I always knew that my dream of being a journalist would be a reality at some point because of my sheer commitment to the profession. But what I didn’t anticipate is that I would feel like a true journalist on a random Tuesday morning in October.
The story was about an Emirati job search conference we had attended the week prior. I interviewed and spoke to at least 30 people that day, introducing myself and asking them various questions, trying to understand what they were hoping to gain from being there. At the end of the day, I did not really feel a great sense of satisfaction, simply because I wasn’t as confident as I had hoped about finding a solid angle.
Thankfully, with the guidance and help from my editor, we were able to produce something to be proud of. Something worthy of a newspaper. Something someone could read on page five as they sip their morning coffee.
It felt good to produce work as part of The National, and moreover it felt great having my name out there. It made me even more excited for a future of telling stories for a living.
I was proud of myself. And so were my parents – at least that’s what the paper on their living room’s coffee table says.
