This is What a Saudi Woman Can Do: Lubna AlKhamis

In an era where Saudi Women are accomplishing many things as they show the world what they can really do, Lubna Al Khamis, aged 26, has taken it upon herself to use Journalism as a tool to do so. Being a graduate of Journalism and Middle Eastern Studies from the American University of Dubai made her an excellent candidate that was appointed as Senior Executive in Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Executive Office. Lubna also writes a weekly column for Al Jazeera Newspaper and has been doing so for almost ten years.

Ever since she was a little girl, inspiration came from many people around her that have been a great influence. One of whom was her grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah bin Khamis. A Writer, Historian and Geographer who founded Al Jazeera Newspaper in 1960; making it one of the first newspapers in the Najd Region. This great man built the love of writing and journalism in his children, including Lubna’s father who she always enjoyed a nice conversation with about a political article, literary book or an articulate Abbassi poem. It is this enriching environment and these inspiring personalities that built her love and respect for Journalism and its ability to influence and unite cultures and nations. She wrote her first article at the young age of 14.

Lubna’s most challenging times came with the passing of her father, Esam Al Khamis, who she considered her mentor and much more. She thought she would never write again, but a breath of hope came through when she was offered a full scholarship to attend the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Media College. She graduated with honors and wished her father was there to see it. She shared: “Do not give up your pain. Cherish it and find a launching point from the depths of it. You will be faced with many pitfalls and challenges throughout life. From losing a loved one or an opportunity, to the failure of a project. The most important thing is to not disguise the humble starts but to take pride in them, as people trust those who accept themselves and their beginnings. Even if they make fun of them at first, they will find similar situations at some point in their lives.”

Her most recent accomplishment was launching a brilliant podcast titled ‘Abjora’. Her podcast was always a dream as she enjoys and is somewhat addicted to listening to podcasts on her way to work every morning, while she rides her bike or even as she enjoys sips of her morning coffee. She discovered that the Arabic content is weak on this platform and decided to become the change that she wanted to see in the world. She began passionately writing with her cherished colleague, Abdulrahman Al Zayani, who shared his experience and knowledge in production to produce the podcast in the most ideal form. “My goal is to enrich Arabic and Khaleeji content and compete with it internationally. Arab youth do not lack the talent, professionalism or good performance to offer an audio or visual product that we’ll be proud of worldwide.”

When asked what inspires her to do all that she does, she wrote: “A good book and an enriching conversation. Success stories and creative journeys. The streets of Paris and the lights of New York. Every new city that opens its arms to greet me as a mesmerised tourist, uncovering its secrets and decoding its symbols. My morning coffee and bike rides. A leader’s vision... And a doer’s passion. Inspiration is a faint sound that can’t be singled-out in the noise of the world. Stop... Breathe... Meditate... And you will be amazed by its signs.”

With Misk Foundation sponsoring her second season, Lubna is currently focused on launching new exciting episodes of “Abjora” and plans to publish her first book soon.

Follow her and make sure you let everyone know: This is What a Saudi Woman Can Do.

Twitter @lubnaAlkhamis

Snapchat lubna.alkhamis

Podcast https://soundcloud.com/lubna-90