DUBAI: Saudi presenter Mona Ahmad gets candid about her favorite film, fashion hits and misses, and life advice.  

Best film you’ve ever seen?    

“Interstellar.” It’s one of those timeless films that you need to watch multiple times, and each time you discover something new. The directing is brilliant and so is the soundtrack. It goes beyond traditional cinema and makes you think deeply about space and time, even changing your perspective on life, and on the person you watched it with.  

Worst film you’ve ever seen?   

Hmm, it’s “The Shape of Water.” It was disappointing and weak in terms of story and dialogue. I didn’t understand the point, and it didn’t compel me to watch it again, despite the high ratings and awards. I just found it to be a very weird movie. 

Best accessory for a little black dress?    

Silver or diamond jewelry. It adds elegance and creates a stunning backdrop that lets the dress take center stage. 

Worst accessory for a little black dress?    

A red scarf — or a polka-dotted black-and-white one. It just doesn’t add any elegance whatsoever.  

Best fashion trend of 2025?    

I’m in love with the creamy vanilla-yellow color. I think it’s a beautiful, vibrant shade, and it’s lovely to have it in our wardrobes this year. 

Worst fashion trend of 2025?    

Super-miniskirts. I think they don’t suit most people, and there are better and more flattering cuts out there. 

Best advice you’ve ever been given?   

The advice I always follow came from my therapist: “What you send out comes back to you.” Whatever you give to others, good or bad, eventually returns to you. 

Worst advice you’ve ever been given?  

Any advice I didn’t ask for I consider bad and unwelcome advice. 

Best book you’ve ever read?    

“You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay. It’s not something you read once and forget, it’s a book that truly transforms the way you think about yourself and the world around you. What’s beautiful about it is how it encourages you to reflect on painful memories and your childhood so you can make peace with them and live your present and future with more health and contentment. And the real-life examples make it even more powerful. 

Worst book you’ve ever read?    

There are many I didn’t like, but the worst… I don’t want to name it for personal reasons, but it’s one of the highest-rated books in the world and it’s been translated into every language. I simply didn’t like it.  

Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?    

Exercise! During my saddest moments or when I feel drained and unmotivated, any form of exercise makes me feel better. It lifts my mood for the whole day. 

Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?    

Going back to bad memories and toxic people, talking about them… ruminating on the past with all its pain and difficulties without appreciating the present.  

Best holiday destination?    

The Maldives. It’s just the most beautiful place I always choose a cozy, private and peaceful getaway, far from all the noise and life’s demands. 

Worst holiday destination?    

I think any place that’s extremely hot would probably ruin a vacation, but I can’t say I’ve had that experience myself. 

Best subject at school?    

I was a genius in biology. I loved it so much and enjoyed it to the point where I didn’t even need to study before exams. I always got a perfect score. 

Worst subject at school?    

Definitely math. I hate numbers and have a much better relationship with letters. 

Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?   

Go to sleep early the night before so I can wake up early, go to the gym, have breakfast, and get my tasks done in the morning. That way, I have the rest of the day to handle my appointments and work with ease. 

Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day?    

Wake up late with no plan for the day. And waste time on social media.