Nathalie G Habib

In 2020, I became one of three Partners and Co-Owners of Blink Studios, a UAE-born content powerhouse with a 20-years legacy in MENA-focused storytelling. I invested in Blink during a time of global uncertainty, recognizing its rare positioning: a culturally rooted studio built to scale globally through youth-driven IP and sector-focused narrative production services. Together with Co-Founders Hani Kichi and Lea Hamadeh, we transformed Blink into a cross-sector, cross-platform studio bridging the Arab world with international markets. Hani anchors our creative and tech-forward storytelling excellence; Lea leads our U.S.-based studio, driving North American growth. Our mission: develop culturally authentic, globally scalable IP, while delivering high-impact storytelling to strategic sectors like entertainment, education, culture, and public initiatives. Our award-winning slate includes: • Iftah Ya Simsim – 300M+ YouTube views across 18 Arab countries • Driver Dan’s Story Train – 52-episode co-pro with BBC & Baraem • Karim & Noor – First Arabic AR kids’ series (2018), AWE Auggie winner • Ibn Al-Haytham – UNESCO-selected, featuring Omar Sharif • Ostora – UAE’s most internationally nominated short film (28) & 3 wins • Horouf – 8-year Arabic learning partnership with Kalimat With 20+ original IPs (7 pitched to Netflix, Disney+, CN & more), strategic alliances in California & Houston, and presence at global events since 2005 (Annecy, MIPCOM, Kidscreen), Blink is among the region’s few studios with legacy, trust, and momentum. We continue to service select sectors where our narrative expertise directly supports entertainment, cultural, educational, and institutional goals; a sustainable model that reinforces our IP vision while maintaining deep industry relevance. We’re building stories that last & a studio that leads.

Led Blink Studios through a decade of growth, shaping its rise as a premium content studio in the MENA region. Oversaw original IP and client productions across linear, digital, and immersive platforms. Built and managed creative teams, secured high-profile co-productions, and expanded Blink’s reach into global markets. A key part of this journey was strategically evolving Blink’s service arm — shifting away from general production briefs toward purposeful partnerships in culture, education, and corporate communication. We anchored our approach in authentic storytelling, while delivering intelligent production solutions that mirrored global standards — all from a well-ingrained, UAE-based studio with a deep understanding of regional context and audience. Key highlights: - EP on Driver Dan’s Story Train (52 eps, CBeebies & Baraem TV) - EP on Skatoony (13 eps, Cartoon Network MENA) - Revived Iftah Ya Simsim (28 eps, Sesame Street for 18 Arab countries; 300M+ YT views) - Launched Karim & Noor (First AR series for kids, Auggie Award winner) - Spearheaded Blink’s U.S. expansion and original animated pitches to global studios

As Associate Producer at Blink Studios, I played a key role in shaping the studio’s early original IP slate, with a focus on children’s and family television. Working across creative development, story conceptualization, and marketing strategy, I helped build Blink’s reputation as a culturally rooted content studio with global potential. During a time of regional economic uncertainty, I identified and helped secure Blink Studios’ first international co-production: Driver Dan’s Story Train, in partnership with global broadcaster CBeebies. This landmark deal catalyzed a two-year production pipeline and positioned Blink as a credible player in international children’s media. This phase of my career sharpened my ability to spot creative and strategic opportunities, work across cross-cultural teams, and champion content that resonates with audiences across borders — capabilities I continue to bring to every project I lead.

In pursuit of Entrepreneurial Experience and Endeavors, I left the big corporate world for a regional start up in the Development of Retail Franchises during the mall boom period of the GCC - Led the development, launch, and regional rollout of a homegrown fashion accessories brand tailored to girls and young women in the Gulf, successfully positioning it alongside international benchmarks like Accessorize and Aldo Accessories. Oversaw concept creation, store design, and market entry in KSA and UAE. Hands on leadership and execution in concept story-led store experience, innovative private label product offering, tailored customer experience, franchising, and re-franchising of retail brands in the Young Consumer Fashion and Accessories Retail Sector.

I was hired by the Diamond Trading Company (aka De Beers) uniquely located within the JWT regional offices in Dubai with responsibilities related to the planning and execution of marketing programs for diamonds and diamond jewellery across the Gulf region. My activities varied in terms of various channels used to create excitement for diamonds in the Gulf region and therefore increasing demand and accordingly sales of the local diamond trade bodies specifically in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Advertising Account Executive: Lancôme, Porsche and Emirates NBD to name a few

Teacher of English Language & Literature (Grades 7–10) | Teaching and mentoring tweens and teens aged 12 to 16 through all the fun, challenges, and heart of these unpredictable formative years of this age segment.