From demanding bedtime stories as a kid to becoming the youngest ever editor of Arabian Business, Lubna Hamdan’s career path was shaped not by one defining moment, but by many subtle ones. Her journey proves that sometimes, it’s not about having a plan, it’s about following your instincts, being curious, and staying bold enough to ask the uncomfortable questions.
The Spark of a Future Journalist
As a child, Lubna’s favorite part of the day was story time. She would bombard her father with endless “whys” and “hows” until he finally gave up and asked her to tell him stories instead. That curiosity never faded, it just evolved. It became the foundation for a career rooted in asking tough questions and seeking the truth.
She says with a smile, I guess that was the beginning of Lubna the journalist.
And while she jokes about watching 13 Going on 30 and wanting to wear beautiful clothes for a living, her initial dream was to become a fashion reporter.
Failure That Redirected Her Path
But life had other plans. A controversial graduation project led to failure at university, and in need of credits to graduate, Lubna Hamdan had no choice but to take an internship at a business magazine. She didn’t expect much from it at first.
In my first week, I was bored out of my mind, she recalls. I’d find any excuse to go sit at a shisha cafe with my friends.
Everything changed when she stumbled upon a tip that an airline had tripled its ticket prices right before a holiday. At a time when airline price hikes were almost unheard of, this story made waves.
Her report went viral.
It was in that moment that she realized the power of journalism. I started seeing news-worthy stories everywhere, in conversations, online comments, and even overheard talks. I turned into a private investigator for the public.
Breaking Barriers at 21
Lubna’s career skyrocketed. She didn’t just climb the ladder, she leaped over it. At just 21, she made history as the youngest ever editor at Arabian Business.
I remembered all the people who didn’t take me seriously and called me just an intern. And I thought who’s laughing now?
It wasn’t just a title. Lubna led with integrity, innovation, and a burning desire to uncover stories that others ignored.
The Reality Behind the Headlines
But the journey wasn’t all glory. Behind every headline was months of hard work, long nights, and sacrifices. Lubna spent years networking, chasing sources, and building relationships to land exclusive interviews.
There were times it took six months to get a major business figure to agree to an interview, she shares. And when I wasn’t chasing stories, I was socializing with sources. I didn’t really have a social life in my 20s. Journalism was my life.
Despite the love for her job, she faced one of the industry’s biggest flaws: low pay and lack of recognition from corporate management.
In the end, she realized that while she gave everything to journalism, it didn’t always give back in equal measure.
Reinvention: From Journalism to Communications
Today, Lubna still appears on news shows as a business and political commentator. But her full-time focus has shifted to working as a public relations and communications consultant.
I don’t help people get their story out there I help them tell it in a way that matters, she explains. If you want people to say, ‘That’s one hell of a story,’ then I’m your girl.
Lubna is also preparing to launch her own company, though she’s keeping the details under wraps for now.
You’ll just have to wait and see, she teases.
Making Business Personal Always
While many people will advise you to separate your personal feelings from work, Lubna has a different take.
I could say, ‘Don’t take business personally,’ but the truth is, I wouldn’t have achieved what I did if I hadn’t taken it personally, she admits.
Business is personal. You just get better at navigating the politics.
It’s this emotional connection and relentless drive that set her apart from others in the industry.
Inspiring a New Generation of Arab Women
Lubna’s legacy extends beyond her stories. She opened doors for young Arab women in investigative business journalism, a field not often associated with them.
Even though she’s no longer reporting full time, her impact remains. She carved a space where women’s voices can be heard, questioned power, and told stories that mattered.
I want to be remembered as someone who had the guts to do and say what others were too afraid to, she says.
And even if I don’t make headlines anymore, I can go to sleep every night knowing I tried.
Message to Her Younger Self
If she could go back and talk to the younger version of herself, the girl who just wanted to wear pretty clothes and write about fashion, she’d offer a simple, powerful piece of advice:
Believe in yourself more. Everything will be alright.
It’s a message not just for her younger self, but for every young woman struggling to find her place in a world that often underestimates her.
Follow Her Journey
Lubna continues to share her insights, opinions, and updates through social media. You can follow her professional journey on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Her story is a reminder that sometimes, failure is just a redirection, that business can be deeply personal, and that the best stories are the ones that make people feel something.
Do follow her on Instagram
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