Fatima Al Hassan is a trailblazing journalist whose reporting bridges the often misunderstood worlds of Middle Eastern politics, culture, and economic transformation. Based in Dubai, she brings over thirteen years of experience covering the MENA region, with deep knowledge of Gulf state politics, North African democratic transitions, and the social upheavals reshaping societies from Marrakech to Muscat. Fatima is known for her ability to build trust across cultural divides, securing interviews with figures ranging from grassroots activists to heads of state. Before joining MenshlyGlobal, she served as MENA Regional Editor for an international news agency, where she led a team of correspondents across twelve countries. She holds a Master's degree in International Journalism from City, University of London, and speaks Arabic, English, and French fluently.
Areas of Expertise
- Gulf Cooperation Council politics, economic diversification, and Vision 2030 programs
- North African political transitions and civil society movements
- Women's rights and social reform across the MENA region
- Regional energy markets, OPEC dynamics, and the green energy transition
- MENA cultural identity, media landscapes, and the creative economy
Career Highlights
- Winner of the 2023 Amnesty International Media Award for her undercover investigation into migrant worker conditions at Gulf mega-projects
- Named "Arab Journalist of the Year" at the 2022 Arab Media Forum for her coverage of the Sudan political crisis
- Exclusive interview with the Prime Minister of Morocco on the country's renewable energy strategy, which became one of MenshlyGlobal's most-read features of 2024
- Founded and hosts "MENA Desk," a weekly podcast analyzing regional developments with scholars, activists, and policymakers
Recent Coverage
Fatima's recent reporting has focused on the economic diversification strategies of Gulf states, particularly examining how Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing in sports, entertainment, and technology to reshape their global image. She has been closely tracking the escalating tensions in the Red Sea corridor and their implications for global shipping and regional security. Her ongoing series on the Arab world's renewable energy transition — featuring reporting from solar projects in Morocco, wind farms in Egypt, and green hydrogen plants in Oman — highlights both the opportunities and challenges of decarbonization in oil-dependent economies. She is currently preparing a comprehensive feature on how artificial intelligence is being adopted across MENA governments and its implications for digital rights and surveillance.
