The most impeccable-dressed Saudi podcaster with a pure heart is Hatem Alakeel. His podcast, Gems of Arabia, which strives to showcase “all the glittering hidden gems of the Arab world,” has debuted its third season with a significant difference – he is collaborating with renowned UK-based luxury retailer Harrods.
Between a growing podcast that was launched in 2021 and Harrods, a department store founded in 1849, this is their first-ever formal Middle Eastern relationship. He remarked, “We are hosting these unique Gems of Arabia editions from inside Harrods, Knightsbridge.
Alakeel, a host with a gentle voice and good communication skills, has identified some of the most fascinating Saudis and other Arabs living in the UK to interview. There are many unexpected visitors from the MENA region in the next season.
Alakeel has 18 years of experience and began his career as a fashion designer, updating the traditional thobe with his label “Toby.” Since then, he has been gracefully sashaying into every venture with his brand consultancy Authenticite.
Alakeel is primarily based in Dubai, despite being proud of his Jeddah roots and Saudi ancestry. But regardless of where he is geographically, he is always interested about elevating local stories from all throughout the region.
He has been publishing an online blog for the past four years in which he profiles regional influencers who are reshaping the Saudi landscape for the better. He began the podcast because he decided it was time to attempt a different channel to better elevate those people’s perspectives and further the conversations.