Name Patrick Samaha
Age 34
Resides in Dubai
Job General Manager of MTV Arabia
Company MTV Arabia is a joint venture between MTV Networks International and Arabian Television Network part of Arab Media Group (AMG). AMG was founded in March 2005 and is now the largest media organisation in the UAE. It is part of Tatweer, the holdings management arm of Dubai Holding.
What’s the best thing about your job?
“I think working between local and international brands, and adapting change for both.”
What is the strangest criticism you’ve heard about MTV Arabia?
“It was actually a question: ‘Do we still need more music stations?’ But MTV isn’t a music station, it’s a youth platform.”
The biggest misconception of you?
“That I’m only a nice guy…”
Is there a song lyric you wish you’d written?
“Not really. Actually there is a song. I don’t know its name [to which he suggested humming it].”
How far do you think you would get on Superstar?
“Zero. I’ll never survive. I’ll never make it.”
Are you a good dancer?
“No, but I can judge.”
Who was your favourite Spice Girl?
“Melanie B, she’s hot.”
Is there a leader you admire?
“I don’t think you should admire one leader, rather admire the best qualities of them all. If I had to choose, I would say Bill Clinton, because he is a man of his word and he delivers. He left office with a surplus in the economy. Also, Richard Branson, as he is what he is and does what he thinks is right. Lastly, Sheikh Bashir Gemayel, who was a great leader.”
What is the worst job you’ve ever had?
“I’ve always worked in advertising and marketing. The more I change, the better it becomes. The best was actually my first job in Toyota, Saudi Arabia [Abdul Latif Jameel].”
What is your favourite vacation spot?
“Paris, because it’s real. It is an identity, a brand by itself. It is not superficial and you tend to forget yourself in Paris.”
What is the most played song on your iPod?
“I’m a big Akon fan, so any song of his. Any song for Akon is a song of mine. I also like listening to hip hop.”
What is your karaoke song?
“There was this one time in Cyprus I sang ‘Life, oh life, oohhh life [Life by Des’ree]. The machine was in tune, but I was way off.”
What is the stupidest thing you’ve ever bought?
“I’ve bought many stupid things. But I think buying something for anyone I don’t care for is stupid.”
Which band or singer would you most like to reform?
“Shu bi 3arifne? (how should I know?) Remove this question please.”
Who do you think is overrated?
“I think many people are overrated, but what I see is not what is important. It’s whether the public likes the person or not.”
How would you like to be remembered?
“Simply by being remembered is more than enough.”
Any last words?
“God help the next person to do this interview.”
