
At Work With Ajwa Aljoudi, Saudi's Red Carpet Gal
Aljoudi conducts interviews with celebrities on the red carpet as part of her show 'Red Carpet' on Althaqafiya. In the past, Aljoudi has gotten the inside scoop from A-listers such as Eiza González, Harrison Ford, Ramy Youssef, Walton Goggins, Giancarlo Esposito, Wanda Sykes, Adrien Brody, Glenn Close, and Dominic West, to name a few. After each interview, Aljoudi is always so amazed by the humbleness of the people she meets on the red carpet. 'Behind all this fame and success, I've consistently sensed a beautiful level of kindness and humanity, which is hard to sense through the screen,' says Aljoudi.
The reporter's favourite part of the entire experience is selecting a red carpet-worthy outfit that also pays homage to her roots. 'I work with a number of amazing stylists who dive into the nitty-gritty details. One thing I always, always, always make sure of is I'm wearing a Saudi design. There's a special kind of pride in being able to answer those asking about my dress, loud and clear, This dress is Saudi designed and Saudi made.'
Aljoudi's key to mastering the red carpet is understanding the industry while staying authentic to who she is. She believes that having a clear purpose as to whether she's there to report, represent, or create impact is a must. Aljoudi adds, 'For me, attending red carpet events isn't just about showing up; it's about showing up with intention, representing where I come from, and having something meaningful to convey.' Follow her work here.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Vogue Arabia
4 days ago
- Vogue Arabia
The Best Hotel Pools in Dubai For Staying Cool This Summer
This summer, Sun Vibe at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira offers a variety of pool experiences set beachside. The four cabana categories consist of the Royal Beach Cabana, which holds eight and is priced at 3,000 AED; First Flow Beach Cabana and Pool Cabana at 2,000 AED and with a four-person capacity; and Lounge Cabana, which holds four people and is 500 AED. Each cabana includes butler service, a fridge with non-alcoholic beverages, a fruit platter, and a welcome drink. All premium cabanas come with a redeemable 1,000 AED credit for food and beverages, while the Lounge Cabanas are fully redeemable. Guests who prefer a day pass can obtain one for 300 AED Monday through Thursday and 500 AED Friday through Sunday, inclusive of a food and beverage credit. Kids are 100 and 200 AED, respectively. To make a reservation, click here. One&Only Za'abeel Photo: Rupert Peace (One&Only Zabeel) One&Only Za'abeel's Garden Pool is a true tropical oasis tucked into a corner of the frenetic city. Although only accessible for hotel guests, lounging at the pool feels like an escape to the jungles of Bali. The lagoon pool has a swim-up Garden Pool Bar, a kids' pool, and a family-friendly pool. The tiki-style pavilion offers shade at the bar, while the palm trees and chic umbrellas offer a reprieve from the sun while on the loungers. One of the hotel's most delectable restaurants, Andaliman, is located at the Garden Pool and serves Indonesian cuisine, paying homage to the Balinese theme. On select dates in June, One&Only Za'abeel has partnered with Beyond Wellness to offer floating sound healing sessions at the Garden Pool. To make a reservation, click here. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab default Photo: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab One of the city's newer hotels, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, offers hotel guests four gorgeous pools, a kids' pool, and a private beach. The resort pool is open to all guests and has breathtaking views of the Burj Al Arab. Iliana Pool Club is a lush and stylish experience that is open to suite guests and limited access to other resort guests via a daily upgrade. Kinugawa Adults Pool offers poolgoers the best view of the incredible Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab hotel structure and is an adults-only pool. Though hidden from the summer sun, the indoor pool offers floor-to-ceiling views of the outdoors. To make a reservation, click here.

Vogue Arabia
4 days ago
- Vogue Arabia
This Kuwaiti Perfumer Creates Scents Based on Your Life Story
Imagine that someone is able to capture your essence as a scent in a bottle, and this scent could transport you wherever your heart desires and even to your future self. This ability is the forte of Hassan Al-Sarraf. The Kuwaiti innovator doesn't create perfumes; he creates identities, emotions, impressions, feelings, and movements. 'Perfumery is a language you have to practise in order to be able to speak it. Calling me a perfumer is not my goal; being a creative and a visionary is,' says the Kuwaiti perfumer and creative olfactive director. As one of the most creative perfumers in the industry, it is a given that Al-Sarraf is a trendsetter. 'I want to refine this industry to what I see through my eyes. I can revive companies with my scents and my mind.' Hassan Al-Sarraf Photographed by Sarah Buabbass Al-Sarraf's passion blossomed in childhood. 'I was known as the little boy who smelled everything before eating or drinking,' says the scent mastermind. Al-Sarraf also used to sneak into his father's room and mix the perfumes inspired by the sillage he left behind on his way to work. Today, Al-Sarraf creates scents that stem from his imagination and are later refined by fashion, people, stories, and sentiments. 'Sometimes situations allow me to create a scent in my mind,' adds Al-Sarraf. The perfumer can be inspired at any time of the day, even in his dreams, but reaches his highest level of creativity when listening to Om Kalthoum. 'I feel a scent before I create it; I taste it before I smell it.' With training and certifications from Cinquième Sens in Paris, Grasse Institute of Perfumery in Grasse, the Pratt Institute in NYC, The Institute for Art and Olfaction in Los Angeles, and PerfumersWorld in Bangkok, to name a few, it's no surprise that Al-Sarraf retains high-profile clients from the Kuwait Royal Family to prominent celebrities. To create a custom scent, Al-Sarraf first sends the client a questionnaire. He then studies their lifestyle through social media. Step three requires an in-person meeting to hear the client's stories, sync with their emotions, sympathise with their feelings, and learn their likes and dislikes. Clients visit Al-Sarraf's perfume lounge, where scents are explored while on plush couches surrounded by moody décor and views of Kuwait City. Just behind the wall, out of sight from clients, is Al-Sarraf's bright white laboratory where the magic happens. The last part of this intricate process involves having the client smell his private scent palette. From these series of events, Al-Sarraf begins creating the client's one-of-a-kind scent. He becomes a storyteller and quite literally bottles the client's experiences to create a bespoke scent. This intricate process can take Al-Sarraf anywhere from three hours to three months.

Vogue Arabia
5 days ago
- Vogue Arabia
The Best Destinations For a Eid Al-Adha Staycation
In time for Eid Al Adha, we're redefining vacations and turning them into staycations. This particular type of getaway is a holiday without the hassle, an escape anchored in the country we call home. In the thick of a very busy Q2, we deserve a break from our routines without venturing too far off into the unknown—be in it the UAE or neighbouring countries in the Gulf region. But we've also included a few options overseas, for those seeking a real adventure. Vogue compiles the best staycations and offers to take advantage of this Eid Al Adha 2025. The Chedi Muscat Victor Romero Particularly ideal for couples seeking to unwind and reconnect, this serene resort—nestled between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman—is a coastal getaway where wellness takes centre stage. From breathwork practices in lush gardens to vast pools and a private beach, every crevice is synonymous with tranquility. For more information, click here. JA Manafaru, Maldives and JA Enchanted Island Resort, Seychelles YASHRIB AHMED Why not celebrate Eid Al Adha unconventionally—in an island paradise, that is? JA Resorts & Hotels invites us to embark on a journey of bliss on the shores of the Maldives and Seychelles. JA Manafaru (Maldives) and JA Enchanted Island Resort (Seychelles) are indeed offering considerable discounts on stays—including floating breakfasts, spa credits, dolphin cruises, and more. Think seaside luxury, Indian Ocean sunsets, and a long weekend spent in utter relaxation. For more information, click here. Al Seef Heritage Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, Dubai This staycation was designed for Dubai residents looking to reconnect with the soul of the city they call home—in Old Dubai to be precise. At Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton, Eid Al Adha takes on a culturally rich charm. From luxuriating in a Bayt-inspired room to a indulging in hearty Emirati breakfast, a weekend in these traditional walls is exactly what we need this Eid. For more information, click here. Sun Siyam Olhuveli, the Maldives This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. Festival lovers would be pleased to know that this Eid, Sun Siyam Olhuveli beach & spa resort in the Maldives has dreamed up a five-day festival of music, magic, and soul from June 6 to 10, 2025. UAE-based trailblazer DJ Kaboo is set to electrify the vibe with electronic-Arabian tunes, alongside other captivating entertainers including Magician Thomas McElroy. This is a culturally rich celebration you won't forget. For more information, click here. Jumeirah Saadiyat Island In keeping with the island-inspired celebratory spirit this Eid Al Adha, we're embarking on a staycation at this luxurious resort in the heart of Dubai. Through July 31, guests can benefit from offers ranging from opulent accommodation and rejuvenating wellness experiences, to impeccable dining and unmissable activities. For more information, click here. The Red Sea Explore a one-of-a-kind Eid escape on Saudi Arabia's stunning west coast, where opulent resorts and breathtaking landscapes coalesce to create unforgettable experiences. From coral-rich waters to desert canyons and pristine shores, The Read Sea guarantees a blissful Eid pause quite like no other. For more information, click here. Address Hotels & Resorts, Dubai This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. Address Hotels + Resorts in Dubai offers guests an exclusive Eid Al Adha retreat, including discounts on all rooms along with two complimentary tickets per stay to your choice of Emaar attractions—including Dubai Aquarium, KidZania, or Sky Views Observatory. The experience is complete with culinary creativity and relaxing spa experiences, for a getaway in absolute rejuvenation. For more information, click here. One&Only One Za'abeel, Dubai For those staying in Dubai this Eid, the ultimate city staycation awaits at One&Only One Za'abeel. GCC residents can exclusively benefit from up to 25% on stays—inclusive of hotel dining, leisure and serene wellbeing treatments at the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie. For more information, click here. Mandarin Oriental Muscat GEORGE APOSTOLIDIS This Eid Al-Adha, Mandarin Oriental Muscat—nestled along the serene shores of Shatti Al-Qurum—promises a beachfront retreat quite like no other. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Oman during this soulful season, through unparalleled luxury and wellness experiences. For more information, click here. JA Resorts and Hotels, Dubai For the Eid Al Adha long weekend, JA Resorts & Hotels is offering staycationers a complimentary third night at JA Palm Tree Court & JA Beach Hotel. Whether for families, romantic couples, or solo travellers seeking to revel in the mountain air, this offer suits everyone looking for a tranqil weekend escape. For more information, click here. Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort, Ras Al Khaimah This luxurious beachfront resort, along Ras Al Khaimah's pristine coastline, offers guests an unforgettable Eid staycation experience characterised by French elegance and Arabian opulence. Indulge in a bespoke experience of luxury amidst the Arabian Gulf through the hotel's exciting packages: The Ultimate Coastal Retreat and The Signature Suite Experience. For more information, click here. Royal Mansour Marrakech Step inside this impressive hospitality landmark to explore Morocco's culture, history and opulent heritage. Celebrate this Eid Al Adha in Marrakech, within a property that embodies tradition, elegance, and the highest levels of luxury. For more information, click here.