Meet the
RGN Creators
We are The Rising Giants
Our creative network of podcasters, VO artists, writers and illustrators are the core of building immersive podcast experiences. They are the true Rising Giants. Our creative network of podcasters, VO artists, writers and illustrators are the core of building immersive podcast experiences. They are the true Rising Giants.
We want our audience to truly immerse themselves in the topics that our storytellers choose to tell. Whether you’re a motorsports fan, a rock n roll follower or a curious value seeker, RGN has got you covered.
Maya Hojeij
Ahweh w’ Khabrieh
A legendary media personality & a coffee aficionado. Maya is the creator of the ‘Ahweh w’ Khabrieh ‘podcast which covers her passion for telling stories of women empowerment. With over two decades of media experience, Maya is also a TEDx speaker and a faculty member at the American University in Dubai.
Mohammad Awaad
Hayatna Kora
A Jordanian Presenter and Journalist. Occupied the Content Manager position in “Al Roya Newspaper” in the UAE and a Sports Analyst on “Koora” on Rotana Gulf Channel, in addition to his personal YouTube Channel; Selfie Sport, and digital activity since 2007. Started his journey in engineering and aviation, before going into journalism, in which he became the Executive Producer and Editor In Chief of Abu Dhabi Sport’s Sport 360’s Arabic rendition. Editor In Chief of Goal.com, Kooora.com, and a present guest on Goal. Author of 9 books, including the notable “Bigger Than You Think” Series about football.
Mais Mohammad
Pause With Mais
The Coach you need in your corner Being a TV presenter gave Mais the platform she needed to make the world a better place. With a firm belief in being the change she wanted to see in the world, she took it upon herself to turn lives around. As a certified Master Life Coach, Mais’ path crossed with many people to bring them what they call an aMAISing experience. Take your pause with Mais, it’s nothing short of aMAISing.
Faisal Al Mughaisib
Wrestling Ride
The first Arab WWE commentator.
Faisal’s never ending passion for WWE made him the first Arab WWE commentator in history, a young man with many achievments in the industry. He is also a radio host and a wrestling content creator.
Baraa Sabbagh
Sehtak Aham with Baraa
An instant dose of positive energy! Baraa is the host of the successful ‘B for Better Health’ podcast. She is also the host of the Arabic rendition of the same showan RGN exclusive. She’s one of Dubai’s most trusted Dietitian Sports Nutritionists and a personal trainer.
Ashleigh Stewart
Our Darkest Day
An experienced journalist with a demonstrated history of working in the multimedia, broadcast and print industry. Skilled in breaking news, investigative journalism and feature writing around the world. Currently writing for: The Telegraph, The Times, CNN, Wired and more.
Al Montaser
Abu Abdo Al Hakawati
Abu Abdo was born in Damascus, the capital of story narration and the center where the Hakawati concept was popularized. In his formative years, Damascus played a huge role in Abu Abdo’s career choice. He grew to love stories, whether listening to them or telling them. He found his calling in stories that hold a lesson and a meaning, and his life of moving around from country to another gave him an arsenal of educational and fun tales.
Linda Tamim
Beirut Blast
Linda Tamim is a journalist and radio broadcaster based in Beirut, Lebanon. She grew up in Mali, West Africa and moved to Beirut in 2003. Shortly after earning a BA in English language from the Lebanese American University, Linda worked as a language editor and taught English to a variety of students – young schoolchildren, young professionals, high ranking military officials, retired people and refugees. Her career in the media kicked off when she started working as a news presenter, producer and reporter for Future TV English. Today, Linda hosts the morning show on Virgin Radio Stars and works as a freelance journalist. She reported for several news stations including France 24, TRT World, SkyNews and 7NEWS (Sydney). Whenever she’s not working, Linda enjoys cooking/baking, working out, reading and spending time with her dogs.
Sabine Sassine
Saudi Grand Prix
Sabine is a Lebanese trilingual TV host, producer and Emcee with almost 15 years experience in live television. Hosted several entertainment and sports related shows on Rotana TV , MTV lebanon (MTV alive and Preview)and MBC Action (Action news, Maak khabar, desert force). Currently presenting the Formula 1 races on MBC action and reporting weekly from the pitlane. She is an experienced interviewer and corporate event presenter, hosted red carpet events and press conferences for culinary, automotive, luxury and sports brands and interviewed a long list of international celebrities.
Naif AlMutairi
Saudi Grand Prix
A seasoned sports journalist of 14 years, with an established portfolio working with major media platforms in the region. Between Saudi Sports Channels, Rotana Khalijia, MBC PRO, UFM, and KSA TV, he held multiple titles such as Producer, Host, and Editor, covering major events such as Cupa Del Rey 2019 and FIFA WorldCup 2018 in Russia.
Abdallah Al Nuaimi
Kursi Al Ithnain
When journalism is a passion, you don’t have to be a part of it to be good at it. Abdullah Al Nuaimi is a storytelling content creator of the highest calibre with a goal to create a sustainable platform for open conversation in the region. A Media guru by day, interviewer by night, this modern day talk-show host is the one you need.
Hessa Al Banafsaj
Ma Wara
One of the first creators to join the family, Hessa is the host of the paranormal-themed show, ‘Ma Wara’. She is an Emirati author who is a member of the Untitled Chapters Group. An Emirati women writing group
Firas Nimri
‘Amalikat Al Tareek
A veteran Motorsports host, Firas Nimri is familiar to millions of Middle Eastern Motorsports fans who may have heard his commentating the F1 series, or at premier motorsports events like the Red Bull Car Park Drift. He brings his expertise to his first-ever podcast: Amalikat Al Tareeq (Giants of the road).
Basel Anabtawi
Legendary Rock Stories
Bashar Najjar
Nabat
One of the co-founders of the Rising Giants Network, Bashar is a man of many talents. In addition to being the Chief Sound Engineer of the network, he is also the host of ‘Nabat’, where he explores his passion of gardening and agriculture.
Decision Points
PR specialist, Radio host, News commentator, Voice Actor & MC with government and private sectors in Saudi Arabia.
Dana Abu Laban
You can relate
Senior journalist and TV presenter/ producer with 10 years of experience in the media industry. Dana graduated with a B.A in Communication and Information Studies majoring in Journalism from the American University in Dubai. She was a segment presenter and reporter for MBC news (2013 – 2016), then she moved to Sabah El Kheir Ya Arab, MBC’s flagship morning show and produced a 30 episode series on Syrian refugees in Europe. Afterwards, she started producing and presenting a daily news bulletin and press review on the show. In 2019 Dana obtained her M.A in Media Leadership and Innovation from the American University in Dubai, and graduated top of her batch. During the past couple of years Dana produced Jeddah season show,
Islam ElDessouky
3 points عالصبح
Believer in the mantra of “Ball is Life”. The game of basketball isnt just a sport but a school of life. Passionately sharing the love of the game with every single hooper, dunker, or blocker outthere. I am Egyptian, i love hip-hop, and Corporate Marketeer by day and a hooper by night.
Mohammad Al Housani
MMA World
Al Housani iis heavily involved in promoting the sport within Abu Dhabi and the Middle East more broadly either as an analyst and commentator or through his numerous administrative roles in the sport. He was the official Jiu-Jitsu Commentator/Analyst for Abu Dhabi Sports TV from May 2009 until April 2010. In 2012, he became the first Arab commentator in the history of UFC when he was assigned Official Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Commentator/Analyst for the OrbitShowtime Network’s (OSN) live coverage of UFC 112. He also commentated briefly for Abu Dhabi Fighting Championship (ADFC) on Abu Dhabi Sports TV and Dubai Fighting Championship (DFC) on Dubai Sports TV before going on to commentate for the biggest MMA organization in the Arab world, Desert Force, for MBC Action (2012-2014). Outside the media world, Al Housani has also been instrumental in encouraging and promoting individual sports in general and martial arts in particular across the UAE as the Assistant Secretary General of the Executive Office of the Wrestling, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and Kickboxing Federation from May 2010 until May 2011. As an active promoter of Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts in the region, Al Housani has developed a number of websites aimed to promote awareness in the region, including the Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Twitter account and the YouTube channel, Emirates Jiu-Jitsu.
Have an amazing podcast idea? Become a Creator
Have an amazing podcast idea? If you think you got what it takes to become a Rising Giant, contact us on [email protected]