Our Story

El Souq is where art, culture, and community converge. Founded in 2023 by lifelong friends Dalia Ghanem and Hanan Thabet, this vibrant platform was born out of a shared love for Arabic heritage and a vision to uplift SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) and South Asian creatives in the NYC market.

Dalia and Hanan’s journey began in 2004, when they first met at an Arab American Conference in Washington, D.C. Over two decades of friendship, their passion for design, art, and culture blossomed into a shared mission: to create a space that celebrates the rich tapestry of SWANA and South Asian creativity.

With Dalia’s background in fashion and design and Hanan’s expertise in non-profit management, El Souq is a fusion of their professional experiences and personal values. As mothers, they are deeply committed to weaving Arab art and culture into their parenting philosophies, ensuring their children—and future generations—remain connected to their heritage.

El Souq isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a movement to honor the beauty, resilience, and innovation of SWANA and South Asian artists and designers. Welcome to a community where tradition inspires and creativity thrives.