Thoraya Abdullahi

Thoraya Abdullahi

Social Media Journalist


Traditional tteokbokki rice cakes are elevated by a creamy sauce. Photo: Kimchi Nom Nom
Syrian chef delivers halal Seoul food with a twist

Kimchi Nom Nom, a cloud kitchen in Dubai, will soon open an outdoor seating section

July 03, 2024, 7:56 AM
Chunkz and Aj Shabeel after the Match for Hope in Qatar. Photo: Chunkz / Instagram
'Elated': YouTuber's delight after $8 million charity football match

He and fellow content creator AboFlah faced some of the game's biggest names in the Match for Hope in Qatar

February 24, 2024, 10:36 AM
K-pop artists Chanyeol, Xiumin and Chen of boy band Exo perform in Dubai with DJ Raiden. Ruel Pableo for The National
K-pop Overdose Dubai headliners reveal plans for 2024

The National speaks exclusively to South Korean performers about their careers and what music means to them

January 15, 2024, 8:34 AM
Australian-Korean artist DPR Ian has spoken frankly about his experiences with bipolar disorder. Thoraya Abdullahi / The National
Singer DPR Ian opens up about his 'dark' alter egos

The performer made his UAE debut at Hyperound K-Fest in Abu Dhabi earlier this month

November 21, 2023, 3:02 AM
DPR Ian tells Arab fans 'we're here for you' after UAE performance
DPR Ian tells Arab fans 'we're here for you' after UAE performance

K-pop singer wowed fans at Hyperound K-Fest 2023 in Abu Dhabi

November 13, 2023, 6:27 PM
Hwasa performs alongside dance partners during the Coca-Cola Arena show. Pawan Singh / The National
'Beautiful night': K-pop stars descend on Dubai for free concert

Free gig concludes eight-day event dedicated to culture from South Korea

November 11, 2023, 7:44 AM
Nouf Omar, Jazie Suwaidi and Hamda Taryam are three Emirati women who are trailblazing in their own fields. Photo: Nouf Omar;  Hamda Taryam / Instagram; Flaunte
On Emirati Women's Day, three trailblazers share their stories

How inspiring pioneers in diverse roles are empowering women

August 28, 2023, 5:55 AM
Thoraya Abdullahi with her younger sister. Thoraya Abdullahi / The National
Advice for eldest daughters, from an eldest daughter

The pressures of being a role model can add up, so Thoraya Abdullahi shares tips from her experience

August 18, 2023, 6:02 PM
Lee Jong Suk treated his fans to a song before heading off to see Burj Khalifa. Photo: Lee Jong Suk
South Korean actor Lee Jong Suk meets fans in Dubai

The star expressed admiration for the futuristic city

August 06, 2023, 2:02 PM
Sunmi performs at the K-pop concert in honour of Korea day at Expo. Chris Whiteoak/ The National
K-pop acts Enhypen, Sunmi and others to perform in Abu Dhabi

After making its debut last year, the event will return once again to Etihad Arena

July 08, 2023, 2:02 PM
FILE PHOTO: BTS pose on the red carpet as they attend the 64th Annual Grammy Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, U. S. , April 3, 2022.  REUTERS / Maria Alejandra Cardona / File Photo
A decade of BTS: South Korea's most successful K-pop band

As the group celebrate the anniversary of their debut, The National profiles the seven members and their career highlights

June 13, 2023, 3:00 AM
The National's Thoraya Abdullahi with her mother. Thoraya Abdullahi / The National
Lessons that last: Mother’s early teachings shaped my life

Not only did she teach me essential life skills, she also instilled values and morals that will remain with me for ever

May 12, 2023, 6:02 PM
An evacuee is embraced after flying to Madrid on a Spanish military plane with 71 others fleeing the violence in Sudan. Reuters
Sudanese rivals agree on 72-hour ceasefire, UAE's Rashid rover to land on Moon — Trending

Thoraya Abdullahi gives a round up of today's trends.

April 25, 2023, 5:12 AM
Moonbin was a member of K-pop boy band Astro and subgroup Moonbin and Sanha. AFP
UAE fans pay tribute to K-pop star Moonbin

Messages have been shared on social media after singer's death at the age of 25

April 20, 2023, 11:00 AM
Satellite image shows a burning building near the southern end of Khartoum International Airport in Khartoum, Sudan April 17, 2023, in this handout image.  Courtesy of Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS.   THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.  NO RESALES.  NO ARCHIVES.  MANDATORY CREDIT.  MUST NO OBSCURE LOGO
Dh2.7bn UAE housing support, Sudan ambassador 'assaulted' — Trending

Thoraya Abdullahi rounds up today's trends

April 18, 2023, 5:40 AM