Radical Contemporary is a Digital Curator and Podcast based between Cairo, Dubai & Jeddah for the sharing, discovery and appreciation of artistic and personal expression in the MENA region & beyond.
Radicals are people who notice things. We are observers. Artists. Writers. Designers. Musicians. Filmmakers. Intellectuals. Cultural Producers. Dreamers. Thought-leaders. We’re a community of Creators - who know that your biggest asset is your ability to ask questions, to critique & to converse with like-minded people. On Radical the conversation is always open … so hop on whenever you need a dose of creative genius & make sure to bring some coffee, tea, a snack? Whatever it is - the brain food is on us.

Radical Contemporary is a Digital Curator and Podcast based between Cairo, Dubai & Jeddah for the sharing, discovery and appreciation of artistic and personal expression in the MENA region & beyond.<br />
Radicals are people who notice things. We are observers. Artists. Writers. Designers. Musicians. Filmmakers. Intellectuals. Cultural Producers. Dreamers. Thought-leaders. We’re a community of Creators - who know that your biggest asset is your ability to ask questions, to critique & to converse with like-minded people. On Radical the conversation is always open … so hop on whenever you need a dose of creative genius & make sure to bring some coffee, tea, a snack? Whatever it is - the brain food is on us.

More

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan visits the incredible women of the Mothers Matter Program at one of the Kindergartens of the Nahdet El Mansuria for Development Program in the El Mansuria district of Cairo, Egypt.  The program strives to educate mothers within the short time period of 3 months on everything from the dangers of FMG, Breast Cancer Awareness, proper nutrition plans and balanced diets, raising children from infancy to adolescence, healthy family dynamics and the importance of playtime, promoting lack of violence, tools to combat harassment, and most importantly empowering the women to take care of themselves first so that they can better care for others. This episode will introduce you to the program as we speak to one of  the co-founders and Board Members Nihal Mahmoud Sheta on the immense positive ripple effect the Mothers Matter educational program has had on underprivileged women, their children, their families and the communities at large. We also interview the women from these communities who were brave enough to launch as the first cohort of teachers to spread this knowledge with the guidance of Dr Lilian Hanna, Development Specialist and Psychologist, as well as the Director of the Mothers Matter Program. If you would like to contribute to the Mothers Matter Program please find the donation information below: Nahdet El Mansouria CHARITY Bank Account
Ahly Bank of Kuwait
Smart village branch
Acct name. Nahdet El Mansouria for Development
Acct no. 12766426
Swift ECBAEGCAXXX
Instapay: +20 109 376 7895
This episode is powered by Egypt&apos;s leading skincare brand SESH for more information visit @simplysesh or www.simplysesh.com.Support the show

Mothers Matter: Nahdet El Mansuria For Development

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan records a solo from Abu Dhabi. This is a fun and introspective look at the nuances of routine, perfectionism, balancing work and life, if there is such a thing? And what the tangible tools are that Nour uses to get into a state of FLOW.
If you&apos;re interested in learning how to embrace imperfection, cyclicality and flow especially in Ramadan, this is the perfect episode for you.
For more episodes and to keep up with the RC community follow @radicalcontemporary. Support the show

Nour Solo: Imperfect And Working On It

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to the Director at 421 Arts Campus Faisal Al Hassan on the cultural strides that 421 has taken over the past several years in Abu Dhbai, the UAE and beyond, since its inception. Our second guest on the episode is Mays Al Beik, Palestinian Artist, Practitioner and Programs and Community Initiatives Manager at 421. We discuss the 421 ethos on program diversity and how the Arts Campus Program is continuously evolving. 421 Arts Campus, Abu Dhabi’s independent platform dedicated to supporting emerging creative practices, presents its Winter 2024: Entanglements. Running from January 12 to March 20, this season features two major exhibitions and new workshops and special events that focus on community and connection. Opening on February 11 are Network Culture, a group exhibition resulting from the Homebound Residency Program and Counting Fingers, a solo exhibition by artist Hana El-Sagini who is part of this year’s 421 Artistic Development Program. 421 Arts Campus is an independent platform dedicated to emerging artists and creative practitioners in the UAE and across the region. A site for research, learning and experimentation, 421 provides a nurturing environment for emergent creative practices and those who want to harness the arts as an agent for social inquiry and transformation.
Located in Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed, 421 presents a year-round program of exhibitions, talks, workshops, special events and educational initiatives that offer accessible learning opportunities to the wider community and the general public.  Special thank you to the team at Rouya Consultancy. For more information visit @421.online or www.421.online.Support the show

421 Arts Campus Abu Dhabi

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to various stakeholders across Art Dubai 2024 including Simone Gibertoni Swiss CEO Clinique La Prairie, Sara Naim London-based Syrian artist, Alia Zaal Looteh Emirati Artist and Curator of the Dubai Collection show "Encounters", Hala Khayat Special Advisor for Art & Culture Art Dubai, Emirati Artist Mohamed Kazem, and Dr Christianna Bonin Curator of Art Dubai Modern and Professor at AUS.
The episode also features excerpts from various talks at Art Dubai&apos;s 17th Edition of the Global Art Forum and the Art Business Conference Chaired by Aimee Dawson including a talk on the importance of Art Publications in telling the stories of Modern Arab artists with writer Mona Khazindar, MISK Institute, and Saudi Arabian Artist Lulwah AlHomoud. As well as the talk on Myrna Ayad&apos;s book ALCOVE, featuring a forward by Dr Nada Shabout and Sultan Al Qassemi of Barjeel Foundation on the panel.
Art Dubai, the leading international art fair for the Middle East and Global South
today opened its 2024 edition. The 17th edition, which runs from 1 – 3 March at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai welcomed over 120 contemporary, Modern and Digital gallery presentations – over 65% of which are drawn from the Global South.
Since its founding in 2007, Art Dubai has sought to rethink the institutional role that an art fair can play in supporting the region’s evolving cultural ecosystem. Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s rapid growth, the breadth of Art Dubai’s programming includes significantly expanded partnerships, a wide-ranging education, talks and thought-leadership programme that reflects an increasingly mature local and regional
creative scene.
Art Dubai&apos;s partners this year included Piaget, BMW, A.R.M Holding, HUNA Living, and Madinat Jumeirah. For more information visit @artdubai.Support the show

Art Dubai 2024: A Moment for Community & Healing

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to Adib Dada, the founder of  theOtherDada, regenerative Beirut-Based consultancy and architecture practice. The episode dives into Tarabot: Weaving a Living Forum a pavilion designed by  theOtherDada and commissioned by Art Jameel, showcasing innovative materials developed locally and inaugurated at COP28 Duabi, UAE.
Tarabot is commissioned by Art Jameel and supported by Abdul Latif Jameel Saudi Arabia. The pavilion tells the story of the UAE’s landscapes through material and design, Tarabot is a pioneering, sustainable and immersive structure hosting talks, presentations and community programmes during COP28 and through April 2024.
Jameel Arts Centre serves as a home during COP28 and beyond for multidisciplinary members of the local and the international community working across culture and climate change.
Adib Dada, architect and founder of theOtherDada, said: “Tarabot is our first project that meaningfully bridges our work of building habitats for humans with building habitats for other organisms. By re-integrating our place within nature, we are able to offer a shared forum for humans and other organisms to thrive in the city. Tarabot – which means ‘to weave together’, offers a shared space for humans and other organisms to come together as interdependent equals, sharing food, water and habitat.” For more information visit @art_jameel and @theotherdada. Support the show

Adib Dada: theOtherDada x Art Jameel for COP28

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to Antonia Carver, Director of Art Jameel. The episode dives into Tarabot: Weaving a Living Forum a pavilion designed by regenerative Beirut-Based consultancy and architecture practice theOtherDada founded by Adib Dada, showcasing innovative materials developed locally and inaugurated at COP28 Duabi, UAE. Tarabot is commissioned by Art Jameel and supported by Abdul Latif Jameel Saudi Arabia. The pavilion tells the story of the UAE’s landscapes through material and design, Tarabot is a pioneering, sustainable and immersive structure hosting talks, presentations and community programmes during COP28 and through April 2024.
Jameel Arts Centre serves as a home during COP28 and beyond for multidisciplinary members of the local and the international community working across culture and climate change.
Antonia Carver commented, “Tarabot is a radical space that pioneers exciting new research and architectural materials and also actively engages the community in thinking-in-public about a shared sustainable future. It illustrates in such a dynamic way Art Jameel’s long-term approach to foregrounding the role of the arts in addressing the climate crisis – from international collaborations such as the World Weather Network, to major grants programmes that fund artists to produce thematic work and institutions to decarbonise, such as the current regional Anhar: Culture and Climate Platform, in collaboration with the British Council, and UAE-based Research and Practice Platform, with Dubai Culture, through to our role convening a regional network of arts leaders and ecologists, with whom we are collectively publishing a bilingual sustainability charters and toolkits for the Middle East.”
For more information visit @art_jameel and @theotherdada. Support the show

Antonia Carver: Art Jameel x theOtherDada for COP28

‏In this Solo episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks about the idea of building character outside of social media, the importance of  figuring out who who are, the dangers of becoming a social clone and finally she gives three tangible takeaways as to how you can navigate social media and ultimately use it to your advantage.
Enjoy xxSupport the show

Nour Solo: Character Is Not Built On TikTok

‏Introducing The Radical Contemporary Podcast x Alserkal Avenue podcast Sustainability Spotlight mini-series in collaboration with Alserkal Avenue and hosted by Radical Contemporary founder Nour Hassan. These interviews were recorded and released during COP28, UAE, 2023.  
The series is focused on #actionism and is entitled "Actionists: Moving from Commitment to Action."
Episode 2/4:
In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to multihyphenate Alice Audouin the Founder & Chair of non profit organization @artofchange21. Alice is also a Curator, Advisor, Author and Sustainability Advocate.
On the occasion of the COP28 Climate Conference, taking place in Dubai, UAE, Art of Change 21 and Alserkal Initiatives are excited to collaborate and present the climate-related exhibition “Melting Point” by the French-Swiss artist Julian Charrière. On view at Alserkal Avenue, the show brings to light rarely seen perspectives of our planet’s polar regions.
"The ecological transition is also a cultural transition. Art plays a crucial role in accompanying the change towards a lower-carbon society by giving sense and meaning to this new future. That is why we believe in bringing art to the table at the climate COP, with artist Hassan Hajjaj at COP22 in Morocco in 2018 or John Gerrard at COP26 in 2021 in Glasgow. This year, we are thrilled to work with Julian Charrière, a close partner since 2021, who is very concerned by climate change, as well as Alserkal Initiatives, whose expertise and commitment to promoting socially-responsible and forward-thinking art make them a perfect collaborator in this important and unique exhibition." - Alice Audouin, Founder-President of Art of Change 21.Since its creation in 2014 just ahead of the COP21 in Paris, Art of Change 21 has played a key role during COP Climate (Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) attending every year and merging art, culture and sustainability. For more information visit @alice.audouin and @artofchange21. Support the show

Alserkal Spotlight: Alice Audouin Art For Change 21 at COP28

‏Introducing The Radical Contemporary Podcast x Alserkal Avenue podcast Sustainability Spotlight mini-series in collaboration with Alserkal Avenue and hosted by Radical Contemporary founder Nour Hassan. These interviews were recorded and released during COP28, UAE, 2023.  
The series is focused on #actionism and is entitled "Actionists: Moving from Commitment to Action."
Episode 3/4:
In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to Artist Rashid Rana, one of the most prominent artists in South Asia today. Rashid is notable for his pioneering works in new media art, pictorial strategies, and working in dramatically different modes; Rana has exhibited extensively at various galleries and museums globally. We speak about his current solo exhibition It Lies Beyond at Volte Art Projects at Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, UAE and how his creative process has evolved over the years and across cultures. Rana is a recipient of multiple awards including the Game Changer Asia Art Award and his works are in various public and private collections including the British Museum, London, Metropolitan Museum, New York, Fukuoka Museum of Art, Japan and Saatchi Collection, London. Rana’s recent design of the Pakistan Pavilion exterior at the World Expo 2020 Dubai received international acclaim.For more information visit @rashidranastudio and @volteartprojects.Support the show

Alserkal Spotlight: Rashid Rana x Volte Art Projects

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks about the power and importance of language, harnessing your voice, accepting others, embracing our differences and how to combat judgement and negativity, and ultimately stick to your guns and continue to grow and succeed!
Enjoy xSupport the show

Nour Solo: Lesan Ma3woog & Other Superpowers

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to Lebanese couture and Bridal designer Jean Pierre Khoury. JPK has dressed some of the world&apos;s biggest stars such as Yasmine Sabri, Mary J Blige, Myriam Fares and more. He is also the designer who created the iconic and timeless masterpiece that is Nour Hassan&apos;s wedding dress. JPK&apos;s interest in the fashion industry can be traced back to the year 2000, when he was just four years old. Growing up in a household with a fashion designer mother and a painter and pianist father fostered an environment that was rich in artistic expression. Spending time with his mother Isabella Boustany at her atelier honed his skills and provided him with an early advantage in the industry. To check out the mystical world of JPK visit @jean.pierre.khoury or @jeanpierrekhoury.bridal. Support the show

Jean Pierre Khoury: The Dream Dress

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to Egyptian Model Mai Yackout. Mai is a young Hijabi model breaking barriers and carving out her own path in industry. With her unique look and killer fashion sense, Mai takes us through what it takes to make it on your own, and against all odds, in the most grueling industry of all: Modeling. We speak about how she started, being veiled but also creating her own specific style even within the Hijabi community, the pros and cons of working with an agency and finally the world of social media and how it can be both a blessing and a curse for a young aspiring model.
To check out Mai&apos;s work visit @maiyackout_.Support the show

Mai Yackout: Model Behavior

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan takes you through the first RC gift guide for the Holidays, New Year and beyond. 
Enjoy and happy holidays Radical ones!
Find all of the mentioned brands on Instagram tagged @radicalcontemporary. Support the show

Nour Solo: The RC Gift Guide

‏In this special holiday episode of The Radical Contemporary Podcast founder Nour Hassan speak to CEO of Gates Developments Hassan Nasr on their impactful initiative this season called The Giving Gates.
Gates Developers are hosting a transformative Christmas event at Espana Plaza Mall, centred around the spirit of giving back to the community. This initiative, spanning from December 15th to January 7th on weekends, aims to unite families in joyful activities while supporting notable foundations.
Espana Plaza Mall&apos;s three gates symbolise Hope, Love, and Humanity, each aligned with specific charitable causes. The "Hope" gate partners with Baheya Foundation, "Love" aligns with Magdi Yacoub&apos;s Foundation, and "Humanity" supports the Egyptian Food Bank for Palestine.
Furthermore, the interview covers Espana Plaza in Sheikh Zayed and the future of Gates Developments and of course what comes next.
PR by Clannish Communications.Support the show

Hassan Nasr: The Giving Gates

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to the co-founders of NUNIZ Cairo Nadia Al Zarkani and Carole Nathan. Founded in 2009 by Nadia, NUNIZ Cairo emerged from a steadfast dedication to precision and quality. Over the span of 15 years, Nadia embarked on a journey of mastering the art of bag making and imparted her team with a global perspective on fashion.
In 2021, the fateful reunion of Carole, the bold visionary, and Nadia, the embodiment of beauty, reshaped Nuniz&apos;s narrative. In 2021, the fateful reunion of Carole, the bold visionary, and Nadia, the embodiment of beauty, reshaped Nuniz&apos;s narrative. NUNIZ Cairo has embarked on many milestones since, hiring a full in-house team, opening a store at the Grand Egyptian Museum, launching their first Men&apos;s collection "Bahawat" and more.
To check out the full NUNIZ Cairo collection visit www.nuniz-cairo.com. Support the show

Nadia Zarkani & Carole Nathan: NUNIZ

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to Egyptian lifestyle and fashion influencer Noha El Sherbiny. Noha&apos;s passion for fashion started since she was a little girl, growing up she realized that she&apos;s more into styling that actually making clothes. Noha is not only a fashion influencer but believes in "styling your life", including clothes, art, food, accessorizing and everything else. We speak about getting married at a young age and being a young mom, the responsibility of making a home while also trying to come back to herself and her passion.  Noha started blogging on Instagram on November 18th 2013, capturing her outfits and inspiring women with her creative style, while spreading the positive message that just because you are married and a mom, that does not mean you can&apos;t have your own sense of identity and true personal style! For lifestyle inspiration follow @satisfashionbysn on Instagram. 
Support the show

Noha El Sherbiny: Styling Your Life

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan interviews French artist  Louis Barthélemy on his cross-cultural collaboration with Egyptian heritage handmade rugs staple Kahhal Looms and luxury hair care icon Oribe, bringing ancient Egypt to life with the "Eternal Rituals" limited-edition holiday box sets. Kahhal Looms and Barthélemy, reunite to create an astounding tapestry that was unveiled December 2023 at an Oribe event in Los Angeles. The initial partnership between Kahhal Looms, who’s long-rooted legacy is renowned for excellence in artisanship in handmade rugs, and Barthélemy, a multidisciplinary artist with a deep commitment to preserving traditional crafts, birthed the phenomenal, “Weaving Eternity” collection presented at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Egypt. The second collaboration between the two, reinforces Barthelemy&apos;s fascination with blending the rich history of ancient Egypt and the exceptional craftsmanship of Kahhal Looms. For more information and to shop the box sets visit @oribe or www.oribe.com.Support the show

Louis Barthélemy: Oribe x Kahhal Looms "Eternal Rituals"

‏In this solo episode our founder Nour Hassan shares a principle she calls "Be First or Be Sheep" ™️. Topics covered include how to identify and harness your taste, how to avoid following the herd and the responsibility that comes with being an early adopter aka First Mover Advantage.
Enjoy!
This episode is brought to you by Prada. #BornInRomaSupport the show

Nour Solo: Be First or Be Sheep

‏Introducing The Radical Contemporary Podcast x Alserkal Avenue podcast Sustainability Spotlight mini-series in collaboration with Alserkal Avenue and hosted by Radical Contemporary founder Nour Hassan. These interviews were recorded and released during COP28, UAE, 2023.  
The series is focused on #actionism and is entitled "Actionists: Moving from Commitment to Action."
Episode 1/4:
In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to the co-founder of water sustainability platform and solutions provider WAYOUT. Wayout is a new drinking water solution revolutionizing the way we produce and access perfect drinking water while reducing our environmental impact to an absolute minimum. Wayout drinking water is always 100% locally sourced, 100% plastic free and scientifically perfected with a naturally balanced pH and mineral composition.For more information visit www.wayout.com. Support the show

Alserkal Spotlight: Martin Renck Co-Founder of WAYOUT

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to Source Beauty founder Lydia Schoonderbeek. Lydia has over 15 years’ experience in the fashion industry. Lydia has dual heritage, Dutch and Egyptian and has lived and worked in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Leeds (UK), Munich and London. She recently completed her MBA in fashion from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts.
Alongside her MBA she was the Managing Editor at Cairo West Advertising, a publishing group in Cairo, Egypt for five years.
She worked at Harrods UK for a number of years as a member of the senior management team responsible for all departments, namely as an Executive Assistant to HR Director and Retail Director, and was involved in managing the operations of a luxury department store. Previously, she was a Senior Account Manager for an Italian luxury licensing company which designed eyewear for Vivienne Westwood, Missoni, Moschino and Dunhill. She studied at Leeds Metropolitan University (UK), Business Information Management and German, and whilst doing this she also gained work experience in fashion at Harvey Nichols.
In 2016, Lydia founded Source Beauty, which began as a blog that simplified the often-intimidating beauty world. A couple of years later, in 2018, Source Beauty transitioned and became the first Egyptian beauty e-commerce company, focusing on local and price-friendly products for all of your beauty needs. Our platform features over 90 brands, and over 3,500 products, making Source Beauty a go-to in the Egyptian beauty industry.For more information and to shop 100+ brands visit www.sourcebeauty.com.
Instagram @sourcebeauty.Support the show

Lydia Schoonderbeek: Source Beauty

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks about the infamous "3o2det el Khawaga" concept in Egyptian and Middle Eastern societies, how this "masal" came to be, and how we can get rid of this toxic mentality in order to help our youth believe that they are enough and thrive! This is a spicy 25 minute solo - Enjoy!Support the show

Nour Solo: 3o2det El Khawaga & Being Enough

‏In this solo episode our founder Nour Hassan talks about the "fun girl" phenomenon affecting girls in their 20&apos;s and how to be THE girl instead. Enjoy and DM us your feedback. 
Support the show

Nour Solo: How to be THE Girl

‏Our founder Nour Hassan shares the story behind her Instagram bio "Leaves Early, and shares her top 6 leveling up tips to help you map out your day and set yourself up for success. Enjoy! Support the show

Nour Solo: Leave Early & Level Up

‏Vilma Jurkute is the Executive Director of Alserkal Initiatives, overseeing Alserkal Avenue, Alserkal Arts Foundation, and Alserkal Advisory. Her professional and academic experience is centered on placemaking and the development of sustainable, community-centric creative economies with both global and regional impact.
Vilma has been instrumental in the evolution and growth of Alserkal and its initiatives. Since joining the organisation in 2012, she led the $20 million expansion of Alserkal Avenue into a 500,000 square foot cultural destination that is now home to over 70 prominent cultural organisations and entrepreneur-led businesses. Under her leadership, Alserkal has grown into a socially responsible and forward-thinking cultural enterprise. She oversees Alserkal’s three primary areas of activity: cultivating a creative economy in Dubai and building a collaborative network of civic-cultural institutions through its renowned cultural district, Alserkal Avenue; providing advisory services to public and private sector entities through Alserkal Advisory; and supporting public artist commissions, residencies, research grants, and educational programs through its non-profit, Alserkal Arts Foundation.
Vilma has been featured in numerous global publications including The Financial Times, CNN’s Great Big Story, Forbes, Arabian Business, The National, Yatzer, and Place Observer. A regularcommentator on cultural districts and sustainable urban development, Vilma has spoken at Art Basel Hong Kong, We Are Museums, New York Times: Art for Tomorrow, Talking Galleries, WRLD City Forum, and Asia Contemporary Art Week (ACAW), among others.Support the show

Alserkal Avenue: VILMA JURKUTE

‏Introducing The Radical Contemporary Podcast x Alserkal Avenue podcast mini-series in collaboration with Alserkal Avenue and hosted by Radical Contemporary founder Nour Hassan. This series of 6 episodes spotlights the risk-taking entrepreneurs who have molded and shaped the culture and community at Alserkal Avenue, across the MENA region and beyond. We share the unique stories of 6 founders from multidisciplinary backgrounds who chose Alserkal as their home, and through challenging convention and pioneering in their respective fields, have shifted the status quo.
Episode 6: JOINT SPACE
The philosophy of Joint Space is to create a patient-centric environment within an ecosystem of evidence and science-based physical therapies and medicine, movement practices and movement coaching, educational workshops, seminars and talks. Joint Space recognizes that each individual has their own unique biological landscape, and alongside providing physical therapies, we encourage individuals to become students of their own bodies, understand how to prevent injury, create longevity in their structure, and develop the physical capacity to move well.Support the show

Alserkal Avenue: JOINT SPACE

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan takes you through her tips and tricks for setting boundaries in real life and on social media. The power of the BLOCK button and some funny anecdote in between. Enjoy!Support the show

Nour Solo: Boundaries & Blocking

‏Introducing The Radical Contemporary Podcast x Alserkal Avenue podcast mini-series in collaboration with Alserkal Avenue and hosted by Radical Contemporary founder Nour Hassan. This series of 6 episodes spotlights the risk-taking entrepreneurs who have molded and shaped the culture and community at Alserkal Avenue, across the MENA region and beyond. We share the unique stories of 6 founders from multidisciplinary backgrounds who chose Alserkal as their home, and through challenging convention and pioneering in their respective fields, have shifted the status quo.
Episode 5: NAPPA DORI
Nappa Dori is one of India’s foremost contemporary design brands that has captured the imagination of the world through it’s carefully curated design aesthetic and craftsmanship that preserves artisanal sensibilities and minimalism to harmoniously blend form with function.Behind the brand is the visionary creative force of Gautam Sinha, the Founder and Creative Director of Nappa Dori.Renowned for his creative process that has propelled Nappa Dori from a single store in HauzKhas Village in Delhi to over 20 countries. Gautam’s design approach is rooted in his Indian heritage yet is a confluence of contemporary interpretations that align to internationally aspirational aesthetics. Having spent the early years of his career designing fashion accessories for numerous renowned high street brands and eventually discovered his love for leather as a material, which eventually gave birth to the Nappa Dori brand.Support the show

Alserkal Avenue: NAPPA DORI

‏Our founder Nour Hassan spills the tea on MEN vs. WOMEN on social media and how being smart is more difficult that being aesthetic. She does not hold back - Enjoy!
Follow @radicalcontemporary on Instagram & Tiktok. Support the show

Nour Solo: Men vs. Women on Social Media

‏Introducing The Radical Contemporary Podcast x Alserkal Avenue podcast mini-series in collaboration with Alserkal Avenue and hosted by Radical Contemporary founder Nour Hassan. This series of 6 episodes spotlights the risk-taking entrepreneurs who have molded and shaped the culture and community at Alserkal Avenue, across the MENA region and beyond. We share the unique stories of 6 founders from multidisciplinary backgrounds who chose Alserkal as their home, and through challenging convention and pioneering in their respective fields, have shifted the status quo.
Episode 4: JAIPUR RUGS
NK Chaudhary founded the idea of Jaipur Rugs in 1978, working beside nine artisans on two looms. He started his business on the principles of dignity. Today, he is the entrepreneur behind the one of the largest manufacturers of hand-knotted rugs and is often referred to as the ‘Gandhi of the Carpet Industry’.Raised in a traditional family in Churu, Rajasthan, NK Chaudhary took a loan from his father after college to buy a bicycle and some raw material to set up two looms for nine artisans in Churu. The first carpets were identical twins of 24 square meters and were exported under the name ‘Bharat Carpet Enterprise’.NK Chaudhary’s greatest achievement was subverting century old practices that shunned women, artists and the poor. In the company’s early days, he removed middlemen to connect directly with tribal artisans. He treated them with dignity, empathy and respect who were considered untouchables.Jaipur Rugs is an Indian company that combines the pursuit of profit with the spreading of kindness, with the aim of benefiting all the people sitting around its rugs; customers, artisans, local communities, employees, suppliers, buyers and partners.
Jaipur Rugs is a family business. The founder NK Chaudhary is the company’s president, while each of his children have their own responsibilities and areas of expertise. The eldest daughters Asha and Archana are CEO and COO of Jaipur Living in the US. In India, Kavita the middle-child is the Design Director with her own label &apos;Kavi&apos;, while his son Yogesh is the Director of Sales & Marketing. The youngest, Nitesh is the Director of Supply Chain & IT working with both the US and India team.Support the show

Alserkal Avenue: JAIPUR RUGS

‏Introducing The Radical Contemporary Podcast x Alserkal Avenue podcast mini-series in collaboration with Alserkal Avenue and hosted by Radical Contemporary founder Nour Hassan. This series of 6 episodes spotlights the risk-taking entrepreneurs who have molded and shaped the culture and community at Alserkal Avenue, across the MENA region and beyond. We share the unique stories of 6 founders from multidisciplinary backgrounds who chose Alserkal as their home, and through challenging convention and pioneering in their respective fields, have shifted the status quo.
Episode 3: CINEMA AKIL
Butheina Kazim is the founder of Cinema Akil, the only independent arthouse cinema in the Gulf region programming repertory cinema programs at their flagship home in Alserkal Avenue in Dubai and through the nomadic cinema across the UAE. Kazim is a member of the Steering Committee of the Network of Arab Alternative Screens where Cinema Akil is a member. Kazim holds an MA in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University and  lives and works in Dubai. Find Butheina on Instagram @butheinahk.
Cinema Akil is an independent cinema platform that brings quality films from across the world to the audiences in the UAE. Showcasing directors and filmmakers across the decades, Cinema Akil aims to create awareness and interest in film and the cinematic arts. Launched in 2014 as a nomadic cinema, Cinema Akil has held over 60 pop-up nomadic cinemas attracting over 50,000 attendees in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. In September 2018, Cinema Akil opened its first permanent location in Al Quoz, Dubai making it the GCC’s first arthouse cinema. Cinema Akil’s flagship home is brought to you in partnership with Alserkal Avenue. Cinema Akil is a member of the Network of Arab Alternative Screens (NAAS) which includes members from the MENA region such as Metropolis in Beirut, Zawya in Cairo and Cinematheque du Tangier in Morocco. Follow us into the dark.To learn more www.cinemaakil.com or @CinemaAkil.Support the show

Alserkal Avenue: CINEMA AKIL

‏Introducing The Radical Contemporary Podcast x Alserkal Avenue podcast mini-series in collaboration with Alserkal Avenue and hosted by Radical Contemporary founder Nour Hassan. This series of 6 episodes spotlights the risk-taking entrepreneurs who have molded and shaped the culture and community at Alserkal Avenue, across the MENA region and beyond. We share the unique stories of 6 founders from multidisciplinary bacIkgrounds who chose Alserkal as their home, and through challenging convention and pioneering in their respective fields, have shifted the status quo.
Episode 2: NIGHTJAR
In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to NIGHTJAR Founder, investor & active co-owner Leon Surynt. Leon has a history of innovating the food & beverage industry in both New Zealand and United Arab Emirates. A creative director of signature branded concepts that are consistently highly regarded & often play to a cultural need.
Leon has collected many awards along the way, including concurrent years for Best Cafe (Dubai) & Restaurant of The Year (NZ), one of the top 20 bars of the world, with accolades at New Orleans prestigious &apos;Tales of The Cocktail&apos;. Founder of Nightjar Holdings (2006), with its first venture being Nightjar Coffee Roasters, now a market leader in UAE&apos;s Craft Coffee & Beverage Sector. Currently growing Nightjar&apos;s distribution and store footprint regionally, alongside R&D for brewing zero ABV craft beverages.
To learn more visit @nightjar.coffee.Support the show

Alserkal Avenue: NIGHTJAR

‏Introducing The Radical Contemporary Podcast x Alserkal Avenue podcast mini-series in collaboration with Alserkal Avenue and hosted by Radical Contemporary founder Nour Hassan. This series of 6 episodes spotlights the risk-taking entrepreneurs who have molded and shaped the culture and community at Alserkal Avenue, across the MENA region and beyond. We share the unique stories of 6 founders from multidisciplinary backgrounds who chose Alserkal as their home, and through challenging convention and pioneering in their respective fields, have shifted the status quo.Episode 1: CRANK In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to the founders of workout space and community CRANK based in Dubai at Alserkal Avenue with another facility in Abu Dhabi. The four founders of CRANK are Ken Calleja, Kourosh Dara, Sami Hakim and Nuno Costa. Nour speaks to Kourosh, Sami and Nuno about the journey of building a brand rooted in passion, the regional fitness industry and how CRANK broke the mold, the struggles and triumphs of entrepreneurship and closing Alserkal Avenue as their flagship location. For more information visit @crank.uae on Instagram to check out their class offerings. Support the show

Alserkal Avenue: CRANK

‏Our founder Nour Hassan talks about the adoption of META&apos;s new app Threads, App swapping, removing Instagram comments and likes, figuring out your app strategies and how content creation is now officially a glam 9 to 5 but with more hours and less awareness.
Support the show

Nour Solo: Threads, Ego & App Swapping

‏Our founder Nour Hassan takes you along with her for 25Hours at the 25Hours Piazza San Paolino .
Visit 25Hours Hotel for more cool cities. Support the show

25Hours Hotel: Piazza San Paulino Florence

‏Our founder Nour Hassan takes you along with her for 25Hours at the 25Hours Dubai One Central. Visit 25Hours Hotel for more cool cities. Support the show

25Hours Hotel: Dubai One Central

Dr Sherif Amin: Les Mains

‏Doina Ciobanu known as simply Doina, is a Milan and London-based fashion influencer turned Creative Director and Sustainability Advocate. Described as having one of the strongest personal brands in the United Kingdom’s fashion industry, Doina has modeled and collaborated with a list of luxury fashion brands that includes Agent Provocateur, Burberry, and Versace.
Doina started her influencer journey and gained a global fan base through her fashion blog, The Golden Diamonds in which she combines her love of traveling with her distinct personal style. In past years, often seen front row during Fashion Week, Doina has been recognized by the likes of Vogue, GQ and Harper’s Bazaar. She was also tapped as the Fashion Icon under 30 in Harper’s Bazaar’s Fabulous at Every Age and further boasts a cover for ELLE Romania.A millennial mogul, Doina’s entrepreneurship extends to her participating on several panels including Google’s start-up grind and at Web Summit, the world’s largest tech event which has led her to receive a mention on Forbes 30 under 30 list. Doina, having graduated from university with a degree in political science and history, has worked with luxury fashion brands including Tom Ford, Fendi, Cartier and Versace. She also worked alongside MATCHESFASHION for the curation of their Zimmermann edit.A pioneer for movement towards a more sustainable fashion industry, Doina has recently been announced as an Ambassador for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal, a feat which was covered by WWD.Most recently, Doina spoke at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh representing major fashion and sustainability giant WOLFORD, where she met our founder Nour Hassan and where this conversation was bornFollow @doina for more fashion, sustainability, and more. Support the show

Doina Ciobanu: Unapologetic

Chiara Costa: Fondazione Prada & The Future of Institutions

Soheil Rad: From Root to Rise

Asif Hoque: Fire and Light

‏In this episode, our founder Nour Hassan speaks to the Associate Director of VIP Relations at Art Dubai, Zain Mahjoub. 
Zain Mahjoub leads Art Dubai’s VIP and regional engagement strategies, bringing diverse experience across the commercial and not-for-profit arts and culture sector in the Middle East, having worked as a practitioner, project manager, and researcher.
She is currently associate director of VIP Relations at Art Dubai, and was previously director of Ayyam Gallery, a commercial gallery in Dubai, and held several positions at Sharjah Art Foundation, where she worked on the Sharjah Biennial and looked after the Foundation’s collection.

Zain Mahjoub: Building Life-long Audiences

‏In this episode, our founder Nour Hassan speaks to the Regional Director of Art Dubai, Hala Khayat. 
Hala Khayat is a scholar on Arab and Middle Eastern Modern and Contemporary art and has been integral in developing Christie’s Dubai since its inception in 2007, playing a key role in the expansion and globalisation of the Middle East’s art market both within the UAE and the greater region.
Khayat develops strategies for local and regional collectors’ engagement. As Art Dubai continues to foster regional relationships, and with Khayat’s extensive expertise in the Middle East and UAE, the fair aims to drive the growth and development of sustainable long-term engagement.

Hala Khayat: The Global South

‏In this episode, our founder Nour Hassan  speaks to Egyptian fashion designer Sara El Emary.  They talk about not only fashion design and how Sara started her career but also about women empowerment, finding yourself after starting a family, being confident in your own skin and pursuing your dreams. 
Sara El Emary&apos;s concept for starting a clothing line was born out of the demands that were placed on her and her own quest to discover a look that suited her personality and fashion needs. The designer felt the urge to reintroduce the notion of modesty and communicate that a woman’s clothing can be fashionable and functional at the same time. 
 
She is fervent about feminism and encouraging other women to be persistent as well as to find and express their passions in life.
Support the show

Sara El Emary: Bold. Powerful. Free.

‏In this episode, our founder Nour Hassan speaks to our fitness guru Rowana Badry. They speak about Rowana&apos;s fitness journey, starting from being on the National swimming team to her moving to the United States. Rowana shares with us a big part of her life as a fitness coach but also as a wife and mother and how she balances it all. Rowana Badry is a certified fitness trainer and nutrition specialist who&apos;s career started at BeFit 360 and spans across all disciplines. She&apos;s currently the health and wellness director at LA7 Gym.  She&apos;s also a brand ambassador for Optimum Nutrition Egypt. Support the show

Rowana Badry: The Road to Strong

‏Our founder Nour Hassan takes you through her 3-year journey to joining the 5AM Club, and how the book by Robin Sharma, who Nour has met and interviewed, changed her life. This is a quickie for the road. Enjoy.Support the show

Nour Solo: The Truth About The 5AM Club

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to SNAP14 Productions  co-founder Nadia El-Dasher. They speak about how Snap14 came to light, how Nadia&apos;s interest in Fashion Production started and the behind the scenes of  some of the amazing shoots they did such as Vogue Arabia, GQ Middleeast, Harper&apos;s Bazaar Arabia and many more. 
SNAP14 is a creative production agency producing stills, motion and digital content in the fashion, jewelry, luxury and beauty industries. Based in Cairo, yet working with clients around the Middle East and the globe, they quickly became the go-to for a huge array of creative services. The power couple, Nadia El-Dasher and Adam Mostafa, founded the production house with, what we can safely say, a twist of fate. 
From working with Adriana Lima and Samir Ghanem for Vogue Arabia, to producing a vintage shoot for The Holiday magazine, they proved they can do it all. They skyrocketed in their field, and crossed all barriers, working for international magazines in Germany, Ukraine, and more.
Support the show

Nadia El Dasher: SNAP14

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to Relaxscent founder Nour Zanaty. They speak about their candle collaboration "A Light That Never Goes Out", which sparked a friendship over a mutual love of words and candles. The challenges of starting a business at a young age, and turning a creative hobby into your dream job.
Nour Zanaty is now a contestant on SHARK TANK Egypt. Having been selected out of many contestants, she was made an offer she could not refuse. Stay tuned for bigger and better things coming to you from our favorite scent provider Relaxscent.Support the show

Nour Zanaty: Smells Like Teen Spirit

‏Nour&apos;s first solo episode.Support the show

Nour Solo: La Société Égyptienne

‏In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to Hana Rashad the founder of jewelry brand HRH or Her Royal Highness. This episode marks the drop of Radical Contemporary and HRH&apos;s collaboration "RADICAL ROYALTY" which the two hint, as well as one of many topics covered in this conversation.
HRH was built because we believe that every woman has her own definition of femininity. You can wear our jewelry in many different ways and still look gorgeous doing so. At HRH, we believe that women can exude the utmost femininity and still be a force to be reckoned with. You don’t have to choose between power and elegance, we pride ourselves on creating pieces that are a hybrid of both. The modern woman is strong, fierce, and also delicate, and all our pieces are a testament to that.
We also heavily focus on customization because we believe that jewelry is an extremely personal symbol.
You can now shop the "RADICAL ROYALTY" by clicking on this link to check out the collection made with so much love and passion for our Radical Royals. Support the show

Hana Rashad: Radical Royalty

‏In this episode, our founder Nour Hassan speaks to Delta Venus. In this episode we spoke to Delta Venus about oneness, spirituality and the practice of mindfulness. We cover topics such horoscopes, divine femininity, creativity, readings and the connection to our Egyptian ancestors. Paige Hasaballah otherwise known as Delta Venus is a visionary artist & conduit of ancient wisdom teachings exploring themes of non-duality & syncretism. Paige works deeply with her Egyptian lineage incorporating ancient spiritual practice into her creative expression and practice. Her intention is to create opportunities for her audience to connect to themselves and the resonance of loving awareness.
You can checkout her work on instagram @deltavenus. Support the show

Delta Venus: Oneness

All Episodes