Biography

I was born and raised in Kuwait, and ever since I obtained my  undergraduate degree in 2009, I have been interested in social studies. I have always been passionate about civic and political affairs. I volunteered, joined civil societies, and eventually co-founded a Parliament Watch website in 2011 to promote transparency and accountability between voters and members of the Kuwaiti parliament. More on the work I do here.

I am currently a PhD candidate at the Institute of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies in the School of Government and International Affairs, Durham University.

I have completed my M.A. in Development Studies on 'Power, Participation, and Social Change' from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at Sussex University, Brighton, UK. 

My research interests include a focus on contemporary socio-politics, elections, legislating process, and  identity/belonging in the gulf.

Awarded the “Kuwait Award for Excellence and Creativity” for Digital Media by the Ministry of Youth Affairs in Kuwait on the 16th of March 2021 for the work of raqib50.com

Awarded the “Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law” by the Franco-German Council of Ministers as the first from the Gulf region on the 4th of Dec 2017 for the work of raqib50.com