What 2 Years in Saudi Arabia Taught Me as a Designer

What 2 Years in Saudi Arabia Taught Me as a Designer

In this episode, I reflect on my first two years working as a UI/UX designer in Saudi Arabia. I talk about the culture shift, work expectations, growth, challenges, and the lessons that changed how I approach design and my career. If you’re considering working abroad, transitioning into an international role, or just curious about what life and work look like as a designer in Saudi — this is my honest experience.

Should You Build a Design System as an Intern?

In this episode, I respond to a question from a Dreamax Academy student who’s currently interning at a startup with no design system. They asked: Should I create a design system for them even though they don’t have a Figma account? I share my honest thoughts on taking initiative as an intern, when to go the extra mile, and how to create value without overstepping boundaries. If you’ve ever been in a role where you wanted to do more but weren’t sure how much is too much, this one’s for you.

Giving Feedback Without Crushing Confidence

In this episode, I talk about how to give feedback on design projects in a way that’s honest, constructive, and still kind. Whether you’re mentoring a junior designer, reviewing a teammate’s work, or just trying to share your thoughts without sounding harsh — this one’s for you. Real stories, practical advice, and a reminder that good feedback builds people, not egos.

Design to Dev with Zeplin – Lessons for Smooth Handoff

In this episode, I share practical tips for bridging the gap between design and development using Zeplin. Learn how to make handoffs smoother, reduce miscommunication, and help your team move faster. Whether you’re a designer or a developer, these insights will help you collaborate more effectively, no fluff, just real advice from my experience.

Positioning for International Roles

Someone asked me recently how I’ve been able to position myself for international opportunities, apart from building in public or cold pitching. They wanted to know if there’s a secret sauce. I thought it was such a good question that it deserves a voice note. So here’s my honest take…