Storyteller Across Borders
“The most telling and touching stories are often found in the hidden, forgotten corners of life…” — R.T. Hickey
For over two decades, Rym Tina Hickey (née Ghazal) has served as a guardian of vanishing worlds. As an award-winning Canadian journalist, photographer, published author, diplomat, and explorer, she documents the intersection of culture, conflict, and conservation for influential outlets, including National Geographic Alarabiya, among others.
From war zones to sacred forests, her work bridges humanity’s most urgent divides—war and peace, loss and resilience, the forgotten and the unseen. Through her books and reporting on orphaned children and animals, she reveals a shared vulnerability—and a shared hope—inspiring change where it begins: in the young, the voiceless, and the wild.
Curiosity is R.T.'s compass—a guiding force that has led her to share buttery tea with the Dalai Lama and bitter coffee with Bedouin elders beneath endless desert skies, to trek rugged mountain paths alongside tribal guardians who decipher the land like sacred scripture. She navigates the world with equal parts scholarly precision and childlike wonder: meticulously documenting endangered bird migrations with the same reverence she brings to interpreting 9th-century manuscripts, listening intently as Indigenous elders reveal nature's ancient myths, or learning to read animal tracks alongside traditional rangers who interpret paw prints like poetry.
Her approach to fieldwork embodies comprehensive immersion—whether spending weeks in a desert tent recording the oral histories of Arabian jinn-believing tribes, or studying age-old irrigation systems with Omani mountain communities who still sing to their crops.
"Stories are excavation tools – carefully uncovering layers of truth while preserving their inherent complexity..." — R.T. Hickey
A pioneer of media-for-impact, R.T. has founded platforms and community initiatives that transform storytelling into tangible action. She created Ithraeyat Magazine in 2020 to preserve overlooked art and sustain cultural dialogue during COVID-19 lockdowns—bridging creators and audiences while countering pandemic anxiety with art's healing power. At a time of overwhelming fear and negative news, the publication delivered beauty and joy directly to people's digital devices.
R.T.'s projects range from planting Indigenous seeds (her "100 Seeds" initiative, inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall) to preserving the wisdom of elders among Indigenous, minority, and ancient religious communities before it disappears.
“My lifelong inspiration has been to give voice to the voiceless—to those marginalized, forgotten, or left behind…” — R.T. Hickey
Stories as Catalysts for Change
“All stories have been told before—yet it remains our drive and duty to find new ways to tell them, to document, and to inspire both reflection and action in those with the power to make a difference…” — R.T. Hickey
Amid the media’s struggle against reader and donor fatigue, Rym immersed herself in refugee camps, documenting lives through words and images. She set up ‘play stations’ such as foosball tables at UN waiting stations, and highlighted the poignant simplicity of requests for toothbrushes and toothpaste. Her work reignited interest in humanitarian crises, transforming statistics into stories that spurred tangible aid for refugees and the displaced.
Nicknamed the ‘Indiana Jones of forgotten treasures,’ Rym is fueled by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. She delves into ancient manuscripts, faded maps, and out-of-print books across languages, resurrecting lost narratives—from the Lebanon Famine (1915–18) to mass graves, and the overlooked legacies of prophets, philosophers, and women erased by time. (Her discoveries, including rare photographs, now form part of national archives and collective memory across the MENA region and the Vatican).
One of Rym’s most enduring projects, ‘Forming Intersections & Dialogues (FIND),’ continues to draw acclaim for its unique stories. Developed with New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi, this initiative produced community-driven multimedia documentaries that wove together personal narratives with historical and cultural diversity. Selected for preservation by Google Arts & Culture, her contribution — 78 cultural artifacts, including art, poetry, currency, stamps, and archival photographs—anchors a global effort by the Google Cultural Institute to digitize and democratize access to the world’s artistic and cultural heritage.
R.T. Hickey: A thought & youth leader. Here in dialogue with HH The Dalai Lama. For the full thoughtful exchange, read here.
Career
Journey
Psychology
& Religion
(Canada
& MENA)
My scholarly work explores Indigenous cultures, ancient traditions, and philosophical inquiries into life's meaning—particularly examining how culture, religion, and values like "honor" intersect. This includes rigorous case studies on honor-based violence as part of my thesis research.
Complementing this humanities focus, I've conducted award-winning research in cognitive perception through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Award program. These multidisciplinary investigations bridge the gap between cultural studies and scientific inquiry.
This academic work was pursued at three leading Canadian institutions: University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University & Carleton University.
Warzone correspondence
(Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe)
2003 marked my frontline arrival in Iraq to document the Second Gulf War, capturing the historic "Fall of Saddam" through both written dispatches and photojournalism. This seminal work later formed the foundation of my Journalism Masters thesis. As one of the first Canadian women to report from this conflict, I established myself as a dedicated war correspondent.
For the subsequent decade, I bore witness to the region's most turbulent events – from targeted assassinations to terrorist bombings, from grassroots revolutions to mass protests. My reporting blended hard investigative journalism with humanitarian storytelling, consistently revealing the human faces behind casualty statistics. This commitment to giving voice to the voiceless in conflict zones became the hallmark of my work.
(Published in: The Huffington Post, The Globe & Mail, CBC, The Toronto Star, The Daily Star, Christian Science Monitor & others)
Humanitarian, Animals, &
Environmental Advocacy
(Global)
As a member of Women for Nature—an initiative of Nature Canada (est. 1939), one of Canada's oldest national conservation charities—I champion both human and ecological causes. My work amplifies voices society often overlooks: orphaned children, displaced families, and war's silent victims—animals and vulnerable ecosystems.
Through hands-on interventions, I've:
• Conducted art therapy in refugee/displacement camps.
• Rescued animals abandoned in conflict zones.
• Led reforestation efforts through community gardens (including my 100 Seeds initiative).
• Created Operation Fairytale—using therapeutic storytelling to help displaced children process trauma.
• Authored "Spot and the Little Boy", a bilingual children's book (discussed with and gifted to the Dalai Lama) that funds orphan support through its sales.
This humanitarian work has been conducted in partnership with organizations including SOS Children's Villages, War Child, & the United Nations.
Founder of Media Platforms as Creative Catalysts
(UAE, KSA)
Drawing on my expertise in cross-cultural storytelling and historical research, I was recruited in 2008 as a founding team member of The National newspaper - now an award-winning MENA region leader headquartered in Abu Dhabi. During my tenure, I:
• Regularly teach at university, mentor journalists from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Pioneered a national initiative documenting indigenous traditions & oral history.
• Created dedicated sections preserving vanishing heritage, including endangered dialects.
Building on this legacy, I launched Ithraeyat in 2020 as Founder and Editor-in-Chief - Saudi Arabia's first cross-cultural art dialogue magazine. This award-winning platform:
• Sustained cultural discourse during COVID-19 lockdowns
• Showcases both established and emerging artists/writers/creatives.
• Facilitates creative collaboration across borders.
• Amplifies underrepresented voices to wider audiences.
With over 2,000 published articles, columns, and chapters, I have established myself as a subject matter expert in:
• Historical and religious heritage.
• Traditional cultural preservation.
• Natural history documentation.
National Geographic
Explorer (MENA chapter, US)
I had the honor of being among the first explorers and writers for National Geographic's MENA chapter when it launched in Abu Dhabi. My work has focused on uncovering the region's ancient heritage through:
• Documenting Bronze Age tombs and forgotten burial traditions.
• Researching the historic AlAflaj irrigation systems and the cultures thriving around these vital water channels across UAE, Oman, & Iran.
My most recent National Geographic Alarabiya cover story, 'The Return of The Masters of the Mountains,' highlighted conservation efforts for the critically endangered Arabian Leopard. I've also contributed to National Geographic US with impactful stories including Saudi Arabia's women driving ban and other culturally significant topics.
Entrepreneur
& Youth
leader
After years as a Senior Oral History, Heritage & Cultural Consultant cultivating a global network, I founded Cascade: Where Ideas Become Legacy. As CEO, I've transformed concepts into meaningful impact—from pioneering bird-safe window initiatives to wellbeing campaigns grounded in nature-connectedness. Cascade represents my commitment to merging creativity with tangible social change.
Through The Alchemy of Happiness Foundation, a unique psychology-journalism initiative I created, I mentor young leaders to reframe their personal narratives. Our 'The Script' project and other programs empower youth to transform challenges into stories of resilience, rewriting both individual and collective histories.
Public & Cultural Diplomacy
(EU, Canada)
I conceptualized and curated the landmark EU-UAE exhibition 'Sheikh Zayed & Europe: A Journey', where I:
• Forged strategic local and international partnerships.
• Researched and uncovered forgotten archival photographs.
• Designed compelling historical narratives.
• Coordinated 16 Emirati institutions and 25 European embassies.
As a lead of 'Literary Conversations Across Borders', this pioneering initiative connects global authors and poets through meaningful cultural dialogue. This program was developed in partnership with The Emirates Literature Foundation & the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy.
My other diplomatic heritage projects include:
• The 'Codices of Mexico' exhibition.
• 'The Power of Colour' exhibition in Poland.
• Collaborations with the Crossroads of Civilizations Museum.
Books & Community Engagement
My Young Reader's literature includes Maskoon, a philosophical journey rooted in forgotten myths from Slavic, Sami, and other Indigenous cultures. This work revives ancient wisdom for young readers through imaginative storytelling.
Currently, I'm creating In the Footsteps of The Prophet – an artistic exploration blending art, photography, theology, and philosophy. This visual symphony celebrates nature's harmony while rediscovering thinkers like Kahlil Gibran. Through striking imagery and thoughtful prose, it conveys timeless messages of unity and interconnectedness.
Through The Hidden Beauty Project, I lead community initiatives that help individuals recognize inner beauty and transform that awareness into collective action. This outreach program empowers participants to become catalysts for positive change in their communities.
Children & Young Readers books, includes 'Maskoon,' a philosophical mythical book founded on forgotten myths from Slavic, Sami and other Indigenous cultures.
In Progress: 'In the Footsteps of The Prophet,' a world of art and photography that captures the essence of nature, theology, and philosophy—a visual symphony echoing messages of harmony, life and unity. It includes the forgotten wisdom of writers like Kahlil Gibran & others.
The Hidden Beauty Project: A community outreach dedicated to finding beauty within and helping members mobilize the community.
Children & Young Readers books, includes 'Maskoon,' a philosophical mythical book founded on forgotten myths from Slavic, Sami and other Indigenous cultures.
In Progress: 'In the Footsteps of The Prophet,' a world of art and photography that captures the essence of nature, theology, and philosophy—a visual symphony echoing messages of harmony, life and unity. It includes the forgotten wisdom of writers like Kahlil Gibran & others.
The Hidden Beauty Project: A community outreach dedicated to finding beauty within and helping members mobilize the community.
Art &
Psychology
I create psychologically evocative art that fuses the Rorschach inkblot test with ancient religious symbolism and cultural heritage motifs. My work explores the intersection of:
• Psychological perception and projective techniques.
• Sacred iconography from diverse traditions.
• Natural and cultural heritage elements.
Through this unique blend, I examine how subconscious interpretation interacts with collective memory and spiritual symbolism. Each piece invites viewers to project personal meaning while engaging with universal archetypes.
Rare photos discovered, archived and retold by R.T. Hickey as part of a 'collective memory,' project in KSA.
Archival Storytelling: Timeless Photographic Narratives from MENA.
A project by R.T. Hickey.
