With over 7 million subscribers and more than a billion views on YouTube, Omar Farooq has built a reputation for challenging perspectives. His hit series Omar Yejarrib (Arabic for “Omar Tries”) dives into cultural, social, and humanitarian themes, often placing him far outside his comfort zone. It’s this curiosity and courage that have made him one of the region’s most influential digital creators.
His latest project, Escaping the Future, a documentary exploring the lesser-seen side of Japan, marked a major evolution in his work.
“I’ve always been fascinated by what’s hidden behind the surface, and Japan is often portrayed as ultra-modern, tech-driven. But I wanted to explore the people choosing to unplug and return to tradition. What surprised me most was how deeply human that choice was, it wasn’t just about rejecting technology, it was about searching for meaning, identity, and peace. And I think that’s something many of us can relate to, especially in a fast-paced world,” said Farooq.
The documentary didn’t just resonate with audiences, it impressed film festivals, too. “Honestly, we didn’t expect the film to get the attention it did. It ended up winning Best Film at the Milan Film Festival and won the Golden Palm for Best Gulf Documentary in Saudi Film Festival,” added Farooq.
So how did a young man with a camera build such a loyal following? “I think people can sense honesty. From day one, I wasn’t trying to act or fit a certain mould, I was just being myself, sharing stories that moved me. And maybe because I come from the region, I could reflect both the shared struggles and the beauty we often overlook in our own cultures,” said Farooq.
For Omar, it’s not just about going viral; it’s about building legacy. And he sees a movement happening right now across MENA. “Creators today aren’t waiting for permission. We’re seeing a wave of independent voices pushing boundaries, telling real stories, and blending global formats with local flavours. It’s refreshing. I think the next phase is deeper storytelling, more docu-style formats, films, and even series that represent who we are in complex, layered ways. We’re just getting started,” he added.
And to the next wave of storytellers, Omar has one piece of advice: “Don’t wait for the perfect idea or setup. Just start! And keep going. Your voice matters, even if it feels small at first. And don’t be afraid to evolve. Every stage, every project, will shape you. Stay curious, stay humble, and always ask yourself ‘why am I telling this story?’”