Time flies as they say, and it surely did in 2024. In the blink of an eye, 12 months have already gone by, leaving us right by the edge of a new year that’ll hopefully be full of exciting people and moments we can’t wait to profile and pen down for the rest of you to enjoy. In the meantime, as we’re edging closer towards 2025, we’ve taken a moment to pull together a list of all the articles—as well as the stories behind them—that you loved most this year.
Below, our 15 most-read articles of 2024.
I Lost My Father— And My Identity With Him
Zein Belail / January 2024
Here, freelance writer Zein Belail casts a light on navigating identity through grief following the recent passing of her father. Having to now explore her roots without her main gateway to both Sudan and Egypt, she shares her experience with re-appropriating her origins without a parent to fall back on.
It’s International Women’s Day But Where Are the Feminists?
Zeina Saleh / March 2024
“Initially established in the Western world to honor and celebrate women, International Women’s Day often falls short of its intended purpose as it raises questions about the myth of “white feminism”– a term that refers to a school of thought that focuses exclusively on white, upper-class women,” MILLE staff writer Zeina Saleh explains as she explores the different facets and implications of the annual observance.
We Asked 6 Arabs How They Navigate Relationships During Ramadan
Yassine Hariss / March 2024
While some decide to step away from dating and love completely during Ramadan in order to focus on their individual spiritual journey, others strike a healthy balance, finding ways to nurture their faith and their relationship, without compromising on either. We decided to ask six unmarried Arabs how they navigate their relationships during this sacred time.
Rap Shar3: The Gateway Between Egypt’s Underground and Mainstream
Zeina Saleh / April 2024
A grassroots movement spearheaded by Nour el Din, also known as Black B, Rap Shar3 is on a mission to delve deep into the crevices of the Egyptian rap scene, bringing the underground to forefront, and showcasing to the mainstream what the streets have to offer.
Yes, No, Inshallah: Navigating The Divine Art of Evasion Amongst Arabs
Fay Al-Khafaji / June 2024
“Inshallah, I’ll call you in two hours and let you know,” my uncle casually replied when I desperately asked him for a lift to the airport. My flight was in four hours, so when I told him that I’d rather get a taxi instead, he sounded relieved. Of course, I wasn’t going to miss my flight because he couldn’t say no, which left me wondering: why is it that Arabs around the world struggle to muster a definitive yes (or no)?
From Heartache to Six-Pack: Are Abs the Unexpected Perk of Getting Dumped?
Yassine Hariss / September 2024
There are only two surefire ways to get into shape: the first is to become a full-blown fitness fanatic, and the second is to be grieving the end of a relationship.
Everything I Learned From Dating Outside of Dubai
Lamya Roslyn / September 2024
In some twisted way, dating has always felt like a path of self-discovery. But in a bustling city like Dubai, finding yourself is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the haystack is full of self-absorbed young adults—and you’re one of them.
Voices Overlooked: Addressing Anti-Blackness Amidst Arab Struggles
Fatouma Diallo / October 2024
Freelance writer Fatouma Diallo explains how anti-Blackness within Arab communities is often sidelined in conversations about broader struggles for justice and equality, even as Black Arabs and African migrant workers continue to face systemic discrimination.
Is Cheating in a Haram Relationship Still Haram?
Yassine Hariss / October 2024
Here, senior writer Yassine Hariss attempts to answer a silly question we must’ve all, at least once, thought of but never dared to ask out loud: is cheating considered haram if you’re in a haram relationship?
I Wouldn’t Date Someone Because of Their Star Sign—There, I Said It
Khaoula Ghanem / November 2024
MILLE’s editor-in-chief Khaoula Ghanem shares why she thinks that star signs can actually define and influence relationships. Her hot take? Star signs are the ultimate deal-breakers when it comes to love.
It’s Time to Decolonize Your Tongue
Meriem Belhiba / November 2024
We’d all like to believe that the way we speak about ourselves is neutral, unaffected by the history that shaped us. But how else can we explain the casual use of phrases like “ehna Arab” (we are Arabs) when justifying negative behaviors, or “3alam theleth” (Third World) to excuse every other shortcoming? Here, staff writer Meriem Belhiba delves into how language, like most things in life, is a social and political construct, often shaped by colonial narratives of the past.
From the Projects to Your Playlists: Ilham’s Not-So-Traditional Music Journey
Yassine Hariss / November 2024
26-year-old Ilham is best described as an artist eternally preoccupied with doing things the right way. Grounded in her roots while taking great pride in where she comes from, the rising star is on a self-appointed mission to the top of the charts, while also paving a smoother path for those who may come after her. A transcript of our exclusive conversation, right here.
Donald Trump’s Presidency Proves Celebrities Are Officially Irrelevant
Khaoula Ghanem / November 2024
Donald Trump not only won the presidency but swept all seven crucial swing states, granting Republicans an unprecedented landslide victory. Even political forecasters were caught off guard; polls consistently indicated that Trump was one of the most polarizing figures on the ballot. And if there’s one thing we can take away from the 2024 US presidential race, it’s that celebrities are officially irrelevant.
The Hot UnitedHealthcare Shooter Might Still Be Free if He’d Joined the BDS Movement
Khaoula Ghanem / December 2024
If genocide wasn’t enough to convince you to join the BDS movement, perhaps Luigi Mangione’s arrest could be. Mangione, known as the (hot) UnitedHealthcare shooter, might still be a free man if he’d skipped his Starbucks run that morning he killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York. Here’s why.
Taffy Is the Egyptian Rapper Spitting Bars for the Girlies
Zeina Saleh / December 2024
“I want my music to be an eye-opener for the girlies,” Taffy proclaims, as we sit on a couch nestled amidst XP Music Futures madness discussing, well, all things Taffy. The young spitter started rapping at the age of 16, coming in strong, and ready to leave a punchy mark on anyone that comes across her bars. Everything you need to know about the up-and-coming lyricist, right here.
