In the Karak with Mahreen podcast released on July 3, 2024, Dr. Hasia discusses her move from the UK to Dubai, entrepreneurship mindset, and the science behind the Dubai skin and hair phenomenon.
The "Khadija" Energy: A New Identity for a New Chapter
Before relocating to Dubai, Dr. Hasia made a symbolic personal decision: adopting the last name Al-Khadijah to mark a new entrepreneurial era.
Inspired by Khadija bint Khuwaylid — a pioneering businesswoman known for leadership and independence — the change represented intention, discipline and long-term vision.
I wanted my name to remind me of the kind of woman I was becoming: focused, strategic and impossible to shrink.
Dr. HasiaThe "Dubai Sieve": Hustle vs. Distraction
Dubai can accelerate careers quickly, but it can also expose weak routines just as fast. Dr. Hasia describes the city as a sieve: it rewards consistency and filters out people who confuse visibility with progress.
- Massive upside. A high-growth market can compress years of progress into months.
- Lifestyle pressure. Luxury culture and social comparison can quietly derail focus.
- Discipline as protection. Structure, boundaries and intentional habits are non-negotiable.
Opportunity is everywhere in Dubai. The real question is whether your habits are strong enough to hold that opportunity.
Dr. HasiaDubai Skin & Hair: The "Grape to Raisin" Effect
One of the most relatable moments in the conversation is the immediate skin and hair shift many newcomers feel after arrival: dryness, frizz, dullness and sudden texture changes.
Dr. Hasia links this to intense sun, dry air and water composition that can disrupt both scalp balance and barrier health.
What she sees most often in clinic
- Accelerated dehydration. Skin loses bounce and appears fatigued faster.
- Mineral buildup. Hair becomes rougher, flatter or harder to manage.
- Routine mismatch. Products that worked in cooler climates may underperform in the Gulf.
Breaking the "Girly Girl" Stereotype
Dr. Hasia reflects on the false belief that femininity and scientific excellence cannot coexist. Early in her career, she was repeatedly told that loving fashion and glamour made her less credible in medicine.
She kept both identities intact — and let her academic and clinical outcomes dismantle the stereotype.
You do not have to become less feminine to be taken seriously. You become undeniable by being excellent.
Dr. HasiaThe Reality of Social Media and Authenticity
Built from word-of-mouth trust, Dr. Hasia challenges the obsession with vanity metrics. Follower counts can be manufactured; credibility cannot.
- Trust beats reach. Real patient outcomes outlast algorithm spikes.
- Passion compounds. Craft mastery creates the deepest long-term audience loyalty.
- Authenticity scales. Consistent values become a brand moat over time.
Final Thoughts
This conversation is ultimately about identity, discipline and purpose. For Dr. Hasia, meaningful growth comes from protecting your energy, committing to excellence, and building with conviction even when the noise is loud.
