Hidden Gems

RAK Icon: Ghida Ziadeh-Khalil

If RAK had a human hug, it would probably look a lot like Ghida. A global expat with roots stretching from Khartoum to London to Qatar, she landed in Ras Al Khaimah and decided retirement wasn’t really her vibe — purpose was. Armed with empathy, honesty, and a very relatable “I’ve been there” energy, she built a community that helps women feel safe, supported, and never alone. RAK gave her the space to grow — and she gave RAK a whole lot of heart in return.

Interview Highlights

🌍 A life across continents: Lebanese roots, global childhood, years in education — Ghida’s story spans countries, careers, and cultures.

🏡 Why RAK won her heart: Family-friendly, supportive systems, mountains and beaches — basically lifestyle jackpot.

💭 The lonely chapter: New city, retired life, kids at school, husband at work… and an antisocial dog (the real villain of the story).

💡 The big “aha!” moment: Loneliness shouldn’t be the price of moving somewhere new — so she decided to fix that.

🤝 Birth of a community: RAK Moms was created to be a safe, welcoming space for women to connect, grow, and support each other.

👩‍💼 Women lifting women: From events to business spotlights to volunteering with schools — it’s all about collective growth.

📍 Local love: She credits platforms like WOW-RAK as go-to guides for navigating life in Ras Al Khaimah.

Pull Out Quotes

“I’ve been an expat. I’ve been lonely. I’ve had children. I’m a businesswoman. I am exactly where you are right now.”

“Everybody is welcome. Everybody is safe with us.”

“Please find your space with me, with us, with your community.”

Nominate a RAK Icon

Know Someone Who Deserves the Spotlight?

We’re always on the lookout for everyday legends, creative rebels, and behind-the-scenes changemakers. Nominate a RAK Icon who’s shaping the future!

About the Collaboration (WOW-RAK × E-Find RAK)

When storytelling meets discovery — you get a front-row seat to Ras Al Khaimah’s most inspiring journeys. That’s exactly what happens when WOW-RAK, the city’s lifestyle voice, joins hands with E-Find RAK, the digital compass for local talent and businesses. Think of it as your backstage pass to the people shaping RAK — with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of personality.

Together, we’re lifting the curtain on the movers and makers behind the emirate’s glow-up. From boardrooms to beach walks, RAK Icons brings you real stories from real legends — all rooted right here in Ras Al Khaimah.

Together, we’re putting the spotlight where it belongs: on the people behind the scenes — the dreamers, doers, and change-makers who are building, creating, and inspiring in Ras Al Khaimah. From accountants to artists, chefs to CEOs, RAK Icons is our way of saying, “Hey, have you met this amazing human yet?”

Because Ras Al Khaimah isn’t just about the views — it’s about the visionaries. And this collaboration is here to tell their stories, one incredible local at a time.

To Top
WhatsApp chat