How Dubai’s Naheed Maalik Closed the Loop: From Magazine Journalism to Creative Entrepreneurship

In a world often dominated by corporate structures, Naheed Maalik chose a unique path—one rooted in storytelling, resilience, and entrepreneurial vision. As a Partner Consultant at The Loop, a thriving integrated marketing, communications, and PR agency she co-founded in Dubai, Naheed’s journey is a masterclass in following passion, overcoming challenges, and redefining success.

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Discovering a Talent for Storytelling

Naheed’s passion for communication started early, fueled by her innate talent for writing, languages, and visual storytelling. These abilities, far from being hobbies, became the foundation of a purposeful career.

“When you love what you do and are naturally good at it, work becomes a fulfilling part of life,” Naheed shares. This perspective shaped every step of her career, from her early days in journalism to leading her own agency.

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The Early Years: Magazine Journalism

Naheed began her professional journey in magazine journalism, honing her skills in writing, content creation, and audience engagement. Working with a monthly publication taught her the art of balancing deadlines, quality, and audience expectations.

“My first job in publishing built a skill set I’d later use in all areas of communications,” she explains. The experience of crafting stories and understanding commercial publishing became a crucial stepping stone for her future endeavors.

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Broadening Horizons: Non-Profits and Higher Education

After journalism, Naheed moved into communications roles with global non-profits like the Red Cross and the British Council, leveraging her media expertise to amplify brand awareness and raise funds. These roles deepened her understanding of how communications can inspire change and connect communities.

Relocating to Dubai, Naheed entered higher education marketing at institutions such as University of Wollongong in Dubai and Canadian University Dubai. There, she gained expertise in brand strategy, audience engagement, and business development, building a robust network within Dubai’s competitive media landscape.

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Founding The Loop: Addressing an Industry Gap

The turning point in Naheed’s career came from a shared frustration with the limitations of traditional marketing and PR solutions. Alongside her co-founder, Rachel Lloyd, she identified a gap in the market: an agency that could provide affordable, flexible, and end-to-end services tailored to clients’ specific needs.

In 2018, the duo launched The Loop, offering integrated solutions in marketing, communications, branding, and design. The agency’s tagline, “Close the Loop,” represents its promise of delivering seamless services from ideation to execution.

“We built The Loop with a clear mission: to offer clients consistency, quality, and value while truly understanding their brand voice,” Naheed explains.

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Mentorship: A Lifelong Influence

Naheed credits her first mentor, Zuhra Karim, founder of SHE magazine in Pakistan, with shaping her career. At just 22, Naheed was hired as an assistant editor despite having no professional experience and raising a young son.

“She taught me the fundamentals of publishing while showing me that women can succeed on their terms,” Naheed recalls. “Her support and critiques were tough but invaluable. She also championed work-life balance long before it became a mainstream concept.”

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Overcoming Challenges: Lessons from the Pandemic

In 2020, the pandemic disrupted businesses worldwide, including The Loop. Long-term client retainers shifted to short-term projects, challenging the agency’s operations. Rather than retreat, Naheed and Rachel saw this as a growth opportunity.

“We used the time to expand our digital presence and diversify our portfolio, taking on projects outside our comfort zone,” Naheed says. This adaptability strengthened The Loop’s resilience and led to enduring relationships with new clients.

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Redefining Success

For Naheed, success has evolved from chasing titles and paychecks to finding fulfillment in meaningful work.

“Success is about enjoying what you do and staying aligned with your values,” she shares. “It’s not about scaling endlessly—it’s about delivering quality and making an impact while maintaining balance.”

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Advice for Aspiring Professionals

Naheed’s journey offers valuable lessons for young professionals:

• Resilience is key: “Keep going. Challenges will get easier with time.”
• Network intentionally: “Build a strong network—it can open doors you never imagined.”
• Learn continuously: “Every experience is a chance to grow.”

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Leaving a Legacy

Naheed Maalik’s career is an inspiring blend of creativity, perseverance, and leadership. From her early days in journalism to co-founding a successful agency in Dubai, her story is a testament to the power of vision and hard work.

Through The Loop, she continues to shape the narratives of brands while mentoring the next generation to embrace their passions and find purpose in their careers. Naheed’s journey is more than a professional success story—it’s a blueprint for building a career with meaning.