We caught up with Qatari-Emirati content creator Khalifa Abel, AKA @5haxy, to find out what makes him tick and keeps his almost 125k followers engaged.

How did you first build your social media presence and why?
I started building my social media presence as 5haxy because I wanted a space where I could express myself freely, my culture, my style and my way of seeing the world. What began as sharing simple moments turned into a platform where people connected with my taste, my storytelling and the way I blend Qatari and Emirati heritage with modern luxury. I built it organically by staying consistent and showing up as myself, without forcing trends or following what everyone else was doing.

What, in your opinion, makes people engage with your content?
People engage because they see authenticity. Everything I post reflects who I am, from luxury fashion to everyday routines. I also pay attention to details: the tone, the visuals, the story behind each moment. My followers know I don’t pretend; I share exactly what I love, whether that’s a fragrance, a car or a travel lifestyle. That honesty is what creates trust and keeps engagement high.

Do you work to a strategy and, if so, can you outline this?
Yes, but my strategy is built around consistency, aesthetics, and storytelling.
● I post regularly across different formats (reels, stories, stills) to keep the audience engaged.
● I maintain a clean, luxury-driven aesthetic that reflects the brands I align with.
● I make sure every piece of content tells a story rather than just showcasing an item.
And most importantly, I stay connected to my audience through genuine conversations. My strategy is simple: be real, be creative, and always deliver quality.

You often post about fashion and travel, areas that many people would call passions. What’s your background in these areas?
Fashion and travel have been part of my life long before social media. I grew up appreciating style, especially how clothing can express culture and identity. Over time, I naturally developed my own aesthetic, a mix of Qatari heritage, Emirati elegance and modern minimalism.
Travel, on the other hand, shaped the way I see people, cultures and visuals. It taught me how to tell stories through images and helped me refine the lifestyle aspect of my content. These aren’t hobbies to me; they’re experiences that influence my creativity daily.

Do you have any brand collaborations you can share with us and, if yes, how did these come about?
I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the world’s most respected luxury brands, including Dunhill, Zegna, Boss Bottled Beyond and many more. On the lifestyle and automotive side, I’ve collaborated with Ford, Lexus, Infiniti and household names like Nescafé RTD and Flying Tiger Copenhagen.
Most collaborations came naturally. Brands resonated with my content, my aesthetic and my audience. Many of them reached out after seeing the quality of my work and how my posts consistently deliver strong engagement.

What is your favourite designer style to recreate?
I love recreating clean, structured luxury, especially looks inspired by brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Zegna. Their style matches mine: refined, minimal, elegant but with personality. I’m also drawn to pieces that merge modern fashion with Gulf culture, because that balance is a big part of who I am and what I represent as Khalifa.

Do you have any travel planned for the coming months, what can your followers expect?
Yes, I have several trips coming up. My followers can expect fashion-forward travel content, hotel reviews, lifestyle moments and a lot of behind-the-scenes storytelling. I always try to bring them with me, not just showing a destination, but how it feels, how it inspires me and how it shapes my content.

What would be your advice for anyone looking to build their own online presence?
Be authentic, be consistent and don’t try to copy anyone. People follow personalities, not replicas. Focus on what makes you unique, learn your strengths and create content that reflects your real lifestyle, not a version you think people want to see. And, most importantly, stay patient. Growth takes time, but the right audience will always find you if you stay true to yourself. ✤

GO: FOLLOW @5HAXY ON INSTAGRAM AND @I5HAXY ON TIKTOK FOR MORE INFORMATION.