Nothing can break Intisar Abdul-Kader’s stride. In no time, the AD-raised runner has become a symbol of strength and hope for emerging hijabi athletes across the globe. Having graced Copenhagen Fashion Week for the first time ever just this month, Intisar has succeeded in extending her influence beyond sports and into the world of fashion.
Via @intysar on Instagram
But there’s still *plenty* that you don’t know about the London-based athlete. For instance, not only is Intisar multi-ethnic (more specifically – Somali, Yemeni, Sudanese, and Ethiopian), but she’s also training to become a psychoanalyst. As if this multi-talented queen needed another skill on her remarkable resume (!!)
Get to know Intisar in our exclusive interview with the athlete, model, and psychologist…
The most iconic runway song to strut to…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley at the Tommy Hilfiger NYFW runway in 2015 (I think).
A hidden talent you didn’t know I had…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: I trained as a swimmer before my love of running took over; now, swimming is my favourite form of recovery sport.
The Swimmers (2022), via IMDb
A must-watch movie I’d recommend to every aspiring female athlete…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: Million Dollar Baby starring Hilary Swank.
Via IMDb
My go-to hijab or hijab style…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: I am an abaya and shela girl most days! Gabi Dubai designs the most gorgeous abayas ever.
Via @gabi.dubai on Instagram
One UAE meal that I miss…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: Zurbian (rice dish from Yemen) from Happy Yemen Restaurant.
Via @happy_yemen_restaurant_ on Instagram
My favourite, most unique jewellery item…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: A two-layered gold necklace with my parents’ names in Arabic, custom-made piece from the gold souk in Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre.
Hamsa Jewellery 18K Real Gold 2 Layer Elegant Necklace, Dhs1,875
One outfit in my wardrobe that will last me forever…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: My trusty leather jacket…15 years old, and I will keep it as long as I can.
Zara faux leather oversize jacket, Dhs369
A psychology book that I geek out on…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud. I work in mental health services, and this book is a must-read for most professionals in this field. I am also hoping to train as a psychoanalyst, so this book is a good start to understand the field better.
A female athlete who inspires me…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: Sifan Hassan is my all-time hero! A champion middle distance runner and, most recently, in long distance. She won her debut at London Marathon 2023… an amazing athlete!
Via @sifanhassan on Instagram
A moisturizer or skincare product that I swear by…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: RETINOL! The best thing I used for my skin so far…Universal Pro-Retinol by Glossier works for me nicely.
Glosser universal pro-retinol – Glamazle, Dhs179
My favourite travel destination…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: Without a doubt, Abu Dhabi, UAE owns my heart, but also Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I found it to be one of the most beautiful places I ever visited. The people, culture, language, food, music and dance..wow! Simply beautiful.
Via @louvreabudhabi on Instagram
The TikTok trend that resonates the most ATM…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: I don’t have TikTok (yes! I can’t believe it too!) but it spills onto Instagram, and I am a fan of the Cherry Cola lipstick-gloss trend at the moment. I line my lips with Chestnut lipliner by MAC then Glossier Generation G lipstick in Punch.
My guilty-pleasure snack on cheat days…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: I try to live a balanced lifestyle most days, so I don’t really believe in cheat meals, but I do love a homecooked roast on a Sunday after my long run.
Via @intysar on Instagram
My most valuable or sentimental home décor item…
Intisar Abdul-Kader: My grandad commissioned a painting of my parents’ wedding photo in 1985…my most valuable piece of décor ever. It is now hanging in my sister’s flat in Dubai.
Frank Worth, Elizabeth Taylor and Conrad Hilton on Their Wedding Day (1950)