Habiba: A Teenage Dream Turned Reality
From a young age, Habiba knew her calling. As a teenager, she dreamed of becoming a TV presenter, envisioning herself in front of the camera, connecting with audiences through compelling stories. Supported by family and friends, she pursued her dream with unwavering determination. The moment she stepped in front of a camera for the first time, she felt it—this was where she belonged.
Challenges in a Competitive Industry
Habiba’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Entering the competitive world of television broadcasting was daunting, especially as a Syrian working in Lebanon during the Syrian war. She faced prejudice and racism that could have deterred anyone. However, these obstacles only fueled her drive to excel.
“There was extreme competition and doubts about my abilities from coworkers, but instead of breaking me, it pushed me to work harder and improve myself,” she recalls.
Her perseverance paid off when she landed a role at Orbit Broadcasting (now OSN) after four years of relentless effort.
Making Waves in the Media Industry
Habiba’s career trajectory has been nothing short of inspiring. She has hosted numerous TV shows and is now a prominent face on Alhurra Channel, where she anchors the morning show. In addition, she has launched a successful podcast titled Tails and Stories on the same platform, expanding her reach and influence in the media sector.
“Each step in my career has been a testament to my hard work and passion,” she shares. “Moving to Dubai was also a significant milestone for me—it’s a city of opportunities and growth.”
Learning From Industry Icons
Habiba draws inspiration from prominent Arab and international TV personalities. She admires anchors like Nishan and Aya Abi Rashed for their dedication, and global figures like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres for overcoming immense challenges.
“Ellen started her big career at 43 and became one of the most famous TV anchors in the world. That kind of persistence motivates me to push forward, no matter the obstacles.”
Overcoming Early Struggles
Habiba reflects on her early days in the industry with a mix of humility and pride. Her first live broadcast, done without prior training, left her feeling lost. Yet, it was this trial by fire that shaped her into the confident and resilient presenter she is today.
“I had one chance to prove myself, and I took it. That experience made me stronger and more self-assured.”
Redefining Success in Media
Over the years, Habiba’s perspective on success has evolved. Initially, she equated it with recognition and fame. Now, she understands that true success in media lies in building trust and authentic connections with the audience.
“Each person has a story worth telling. The key is finding how to showcase it authentically,” she says.
Her belief in the power of storytelling has influenced her approach to interviews, where she strives to uncover the unique essence of every individual she meets.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Habiba’s journey has taught her valuable lessons about life and work:
- Don’t Waste Time: “Time is precious. Focus on your goals and seize every opportunity.”
- Don’t Judge People: “Everyone has a story worth telling; it’s all about how they showcase it.”
- Authenticity Matters: “As a presenter, my legacy is rooted in authentic connections and inspiring others through storytelling.”
These principles guide her daily efforts to uplift and challenge her audience through meaningful content.
Inspiring Through Storytelling
For Habiba, media is more than just a career—it’s a platform to inspire change and spark new perspectives. Her podcast and TV shows serve as avenues to highlight stories that matter, pushing viewers to think differently and feel empowered.
“I aim to create content that uplifts people and challenges them to see the world in new ways,” she explains.
Looking to the Future
Habiba is not one to rest on her laurels. She has ambitious plans for the future, including working on larger media projects and expanding her influence in the industry. Dubai, with its vibrant media landscape, provides the perfect backdrop for her aspirations.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Through her resilience, dedication, and authenticity, Habiba has turned her teenage dream into an extraordinary career. She has shown that success is not just about personal achievement but also about inspiring others to believe in their own potential.
As she continues to make waves in the media industry, Habiba’s story serves as a powerful reminder that with hard work and determination, even the most challenging dreams can become reality.
Do follow her on Instagram.
