AN INTRODUCTION
Welcome, I’m Keyta Hawkins, the author of this website. My professional background in media, comms and public affairs spans the UK to the UAE.
MY WORK
Broadcast and media work. My journalistic work has appeared on an array of platforms including Manchester Evening News, Time Out Dubai, Time Out Abu Dhabi, Flight Centre UK, West Briton, Nottingham Post and many more. I’ve also formerly produced and presented a weekly news slot for Radio Cardiff FM.
Celebrity & public figure interview series. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of interviewing a range of A-list celebrities and high-profile public figures. These include Sting, Robbie Williams, Jack Dee and Jo Koy. I was also enlisted to cover Paris Hilton’s exclusive launch of ‘Gold Rush’ in Dubai. As part of the Expert Traveller series I produced for this website, I interviewed the likes of Rajan Datar who is a Broadcast Journalist for the BBC Travel Show and Lufthansa pilot and aviation influencer, Felix Gottwald.
Politics and public affairs. In addition to my work in public affairs engaging with Parliamentarians and policymakers I have previously worked on the South East Asia and Middle East Political Forum hosted quarterly in the House of Commons.
Please get in touch if you wish to collaborate.
WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO ME
Education & the arts. What I would define broadly as ‘adventure’ is an incredibly powerful vehicle for education, learning and growth. New experiences can spark creativity, open minds and broaden horizons. As important as formal education also is, not all learning takes place in the classroom. One’s interpretation of ‘adventure’ is subjective but I’d define it as anything from travelling to a new destination near or far; reading a book that takes you on an adventure of the imagination; vicariously sharing in someone else’s adventures by simply listening to their story; or visiting a museum or gallery for an adventure into history or creativity. You name it. “Adventure is worthwhile in itself” – Amelia Earhart.
Uplifting women. I’m proud to be part of UN Women UK as an active member and a participant for the United Nation’s Comission on the Status of Women, on behalf on the organisation. In addition to being part of Media Trust’s Women’s Voices. There are ever-mounting societal expectations and pressures placed on modern women, deteriorating mental health amongst young girls and global injustices that women are subjected to. With this backdrop, I feel as though community, collaboration and the sharing of stories and experiences amongst modern women are crucial for affecting positive change.
Countryside & heritage. I was fortunate to grow up in and have since returned to the British countryside and I feel that shaped a large part of who I am. Statistics show that access to green space is directly correlated to physical and mental health: “44% of people said being close to nature makes them less anxious or worried.” Encourage people to get out in nature, along with protect and preserve what we are lucky enough to have is something that is dear to me.
ABOUT THIS WEBSITE
I am the author of this website, formerly titled ‘The Wayfarer’, which I launched this website back in 2014. The decade between then and now has in itself been an adventure and has taken me to many new destinations. I have been lucky enough to collaborate with brands such as KLM, Air France, Skype, Lebua Hotels and Resorts, along with tourism boards for a range of countries. On this website I write about travel, exciting new openings, events, everyday musings and causes that are important to me.
READ ME ELSEWHERE
Watch my live interview with Sting at The Last Ship premiere – Manchester Evening News
My interview with Robbie Williams – Time Out Dubai
My interview with comedian, Jack Dee – Time Out Dubai
My interview with comedian, Jo Koy – Time Out Dubai
A bloggers guide to packing for Thailand – Flight Centre
Best spots for an amazing view of Dubai – Flight Centre
Dazzling Gilt bar opens at Burj Al Arab – Time Out Dubai
5 blow the budget Valentine’s Day celebrations – Time Out Dubai
Exclusive first look: EL&N Dubai now open in DIFC – Time Out Dubai
Ibiza’s popular Sublimotion dining experience pop-up extended at Mandarin Oriental – Time Out Dubai
Where to see celebrities in Dubai: where A-listers are Instagramming – Time Out Dubai
Dresden Opera Ball to come to Dubai for a dazzling gala dinner – Time Out Dubai
Celebrating IWD 2025 the Mansion House, London
It was an honour to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 at the stunning Mansion House for a conversation on ‘accelerating action’ The Lady Mayoress of the City of London, Florence King, and Social Pantry. There were an array of delicious bites thanks to Social...
Media Trust Women’s Voices 2025 at Meta London
It was an honour to be invited by the Media Trust to spend the day at the Meta headquarters in London to participate in Women's Voices 2025. This annual event in celebration of International Women's Day brings together volunteers from across the media and creative...
Life lately #18
As we near the end of the year, I think it's safe to say it's a time where we all take stock on the year and set our intentions for the incoming one. Life has its ups and downs but I am grateful that on a personal level, I'd consider 2024 a good one. As ever, I've...
UN Women Awards 2024 – Meta London
Last week, it was a pleasure to attend in a personal capacity a truly inspiring evening with UN Women at Meta headquarters in London. The event brought together delegates from across the country to come together and celebrate and recognise UN Women’s good work, both...
Behind the scenes at United Nations Headquarters – New York
During my recent trip to New York, it was wonderful to be welcomed by a friend to the United Nations headquarters for a behind-the-scenes insight and to learn more about some of the key UN initiatives and important work currently underway. I couldn't think of a better...
Harpers Bazaar breakfast at Four Seasons Park Lane London
I was lucky enough to attend (in a personal capacity) a beautiful breakfast with Harpers Bazaar UK at the Four Seasons Park Lane, London. The intimate breakfast gathering brought together a group of likeminded and inspiring women to connect and share stories. We...
International Women’s Day at Rosewood London
International Women's Day 2024 has just been and gone and this year I marked the occasion at Rosewood London for a beautifully befitting gathering hosted by female-led creative agency, Female Narratives. The gathering was hosted at Rosewood London's Scarfes Bar (which...
My interview with comedian, Jack Dee
I had the pleasure of interviewing British comedian, Jack Dee. In our interview, he talks to me about his 2022 Off The Telly tour at Dubai Opera and reveals why the absurdities of everyday life are so funny. You can read the full interview here.
An evening with Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton jetted into Dubai with her new husband, Carter Reum - I was lucky enough to be invited to her intimate event at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah.
Moët & Chandon at The Atlantis Dubai
Moët & Chandon successfully broke a world record of the largest glass pyramid, during its exclusive event at The Atlantis Dubai. The impressive pyramid featured 54,740 champagne glasses and was over 8.23 metres (27 ft) tall. It was incredible to see history being...
My interview with Sting at the Last Ship Premiere
I interviewed Sting at The Lowry in Manchester for the premiere of his musical, The Last Ship, on behalf of the Manchester Evening News' What's On Guide. It was great to get the opportunity to chat to Sting who was incredibly lovely and the musical itself was...
SAME Forum – House Of Commons
I had the pleasure of attending another SAME Forum session, hosted at the House of Commons by friend and chairman Khalid Nadeem, who kindly invited me. As you enter the House of Commons, you come through St Stephen’s Hall, which is incredibly impressive and has some...
Exclusive behind the scenes trip to KLM headquarters – Netherlands
Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to Amsterdam by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Joined by some tech journos, we were given unprecedented access to KLM's headquarters at Schiphol Airport to get a behind the scenes insight. As a bit of a closeted aviation geek, I...
Lebua’s official launch at Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof Hotel – Frankfurt
Luxury hospitality brand, Lebua, has made its European debut with its new restaurant, Breeze, located in Frankfurt at the Steigenberger Hotel. Lebua’s portfolio of venues comprises a lineup of luxury hotels and restaurants across the globe, including the world-famous...
My interview with BBC Travel Show Reporter, Rajan Datar
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a professional jet-setter? To travel the world and get paid for it? All will be revealed in my Expert Traveller interview series, which will be lifting the lid on some of the most exciting travel-related professions...
Air France ‘Legacy and Future’ Fashion Show – London
Air France recently put on a rather special soirée for its partners, in celebration of the airline’s legacy and future. The event featured a runway showcase of Air France’s flight crew uniforms, dating back to the 1930s and its first commercial flights. I was lucky...
Pret A Diner launch at Hotel Cafe Royal London
The entourage of Pret A Diner arrived back in London to present ‘The Bohemians – from Rogues to Royals’ at Hotel Cafe Royal. I attended its launch event to get a preview of what the quirky pop-up restaurant has in store for its four-week residency in London. The...
National Reality TV Awards – London
I was lucky enough to attend the 5th annual National Reality TV Awards at London’s Porchester Hall. With over 6.5 million votes cast, we were all excited for the winners to be announced. The awards were presented by Calum Best, Kerry Katona, MP George Galloway, Zara...