In the Arab world, where old traditions mix with modern vibes, Cosmo ME digital cover star Hadia Ghaleb is emerging as a force to be reckoned with. From a successful businesswoman to an influencer and now a reality TV star, Hadia’s journey is one of resilience, ambition, and authenticity. As she steps into the limelight with her new reality show, El Ghaleb Ghaleb, she’s not just sharing her life—she’s redefining what it means to be a modern Arab woman in the public eye.
Hadia’s decision to move into reality TV wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment choice. In fact, it’s been six years in the making. “I’ve always felt like I had a story to tell, experiences to share beyond the small screen of social media,” she explains. “I wanted to show the real things happening in my life, not just the ten-second snippets on my Instagram stories.”
Sunglasses: Hadia Ghaleb
What’s even more unexpected is that Hadia pitched the idea herself. “Six years ago, I had the concept, but Yango Play wasn’t around then. I pitched it to numerous platforms, but it didn’t work out at first.” However, Hadia’s determination never faltered. “Last summer, people started asking for a reality show with me and my mom. So, I took screenshots of their comments—20 posts, each with hundreds of shares—and posted on my story, asking production companies to get in touch. That’s when Highways, the production company, reached out and pitched it to Yango Play.”
Hadia’s journey is all about her grit and determination. “Nothing has ever been handed to me. Every step in my career, I’ve had to fight for it—from fashion weeks to the Cannes Film Festival. Even my business and agency, I built it all from scratch. I’ve always had to go into the lion’s den to get what I want.”
Jacket and Skirt: Zimmermann
Top: Missoni
A major theme of El Ghaleb Ghaleb is Hadia’s relationship with her family. Her parents, especially her father, were initially skeptical. “My dad didn’t believe it was going to happen until the contract came through. He kept asking, ‘How did you do that?’”
Though her family doesn’t typically live in the public eye—her mother has a private social media account, and her father isn’t on social media at all—they ultimately decided to support her. “They knew it was a step in the right direction for me, for people to see the real us, the real challenges,” Hadia says. “So, they were all in.”
When asked if filming changed their behaviour, Hadia admits that the anxiety was real the night before the cameras rolled. But once they began, the cameras faded into the background. “On the first day, we were filming in the office, and I received samples from my brand. There was a major mistake, and I just went off. It was so natural—we forgot the cameras were even there.”
While El Ghaleb Ghaleb is a new chapter for Hadia, it comes with its challenges, especially in terms of her relationships. “Fame is a double-edged sword,” she reflects. “It’s great, but it also isolates you. The people who truly stand by you are your family, and for me, that’s what this show will highlight.”
Hadia’s fame has also tested her friendships. “I have one or two close friends, but a lot of people showed their true colours when the show started. You lose a lot on the personal side when you gain success and fame.”
Reality TV is still a relatively new concept in the Arab world, but Hadia is set on changing perceptions. “This show is going to be different from anything else on the market,” she says confidently. “It’s not going to be about fake drama or ‘coffee-throwing.’ We’ll be tackling real societal issues—like how a successful woman struggles to find love, or how an Egyptian woman lives in cosmopolitan Dubai where no one wants to commit.”
Her desire to keep the show authentic is part of her larger goal to make reality TV more meaningful in the Arab world. “Reality can be interesting without being extravagant,” she explains. “People will see what I’m really going through—things they can relate to.”
Dress: Staud
Sunglasses: Hadia Ghaleb
Hadia’s journey is one of navigating the complexities of identity—balancing modern life with tradition. “The way I speak, dress, and behave is very modern, but the way I practice religion and interact with my family is deeply traditional,” she says. This is the essence of her show. “I’m not your typical Egyptian girl living at home, waiting for marriage, but I’m also not someone who has abandoned my cultural roots. I’m stuck in between, just like so many women in today’s world.”
Despite her success, Hadia isn’t immune to criticism. “What hurts me the most is when people assume I had everything handed to me on a silver platter because of my parents,” she shares. “It breaks my heart because when I started at 19, it was because my family wasn’t financially comfortable. I didn’t take a penny from them.”
For Hadia, addressing these misconceptions is crucial, as she wants others to see the importance of hard work. “Success doesn’t come without perseverance. People often call it luck, but I believe when God gives you an opportunity and you’re ready, you’ll succeed.”
Sunglasses: Hadia Ghaleb
Creativity is a constant in Hadia’s life. “To stay relevant, you have to be creative,” she says. “When I started my influencer marketing agency in Egypt at 19, the term ‘influencer’ didn’t even exist. I’ve had to reinvent myself many times—whether it’s in fashion, retail, or now with the show.”
As she continues to innovate, Hadia, who’s also releasing a sunglasses range, plans to address real-life issues faced by Arab women. “The show will cover topics like dating in Dubai, cultural differences, and the struggle to find balance between career success and personal life,” she reveals. “It’s the first time such conversations will be shown on Arab TV.”
Hadia Ghaleb’s journey is far from over. As she continues to break barriers, challenge norms, and redefine success, one thing is clear—El Ghaleb Ghaleb will be more than a reality show. It’s a reflection of a modern Arab woman, navigating the complex world of fame, family, and identity, while staying true to herself and her roots.
Top and Shorts: Guest In Residence
Sweater: &Daughter
Interview: Sara-Aisha Kent
Photography: Amer Mohamad
Styling: Charlotte Marsh Williams
Hair Stylist: Sebastian Iskander
Make Up Artist: Sharbel Hasbany
Senior Producer: Steff Hawker
Styling Assistant: Maanoshri Ganguly
Lighting Assistant: Yasir Ali Shah
PSA: El Ghaleb Ghaleb is about to be your new reality TV obsession. Read all about the show here.