Between places, between languages

I grew up in Saudi Arabia, then lived in Egypt, and later came to the United States. I’ve spent much of my life as an immigrant, sometimes feeling like I belong to several places and sometimes like I’m a visitor in all of them.

I’m bilingual in Arabic and English, and that has opened my eyes to two different worlds. Each language gives me access to conversations, stories, humor, and ways of thinking that don’t always make it across to the other side. Some jokes need a whole explanation before they become funny. By then, you’ve usually lost the moment.

Moving between these worlds has taught me to question what I take for granted. Something that feels obvious in one place might be unfamiliar in another. That perspective shows up in how I build products, understand people’s needs, and notice opportunities between markets.

I think of myself as a global citizen. My sense of home comes as much from the people I connect with as the place I live.