Keep It Real How
Khalifa Abel
Balances Qatari Pride with Social Media Stardom
In less than three years, Khalifa Abel—known to his followers as 5haxy—has gained the admiration of thousands on social media, where his authentic storytelling and heartfelt celebration of Qatari culture shine through. Surprisingly, his path to becoming an influencer wasn’t premeditated. Today, Khalifa’s content captivates audiences worldwide with its authenticity, tradition, and his commitment to presenting an unfiltered version of himself.
Khalifa’s journey began unintentionally, spurred by encouragement from friends and family. “My journey as an influencer was never intended,” Khalifa reflects. “My first appearance on social media came about when friends and family encouraged me to start posting. They loved the way I showcased the stories behind my pictures. Looking back, I’m grateful I listened to them—it turned out to be the best decision I could have made!”
Khalifa’s content is distinct because of his profound connection to his heritage. His work honours Qatari traditions while blending in modern influences. “I am highly proud of my identity, and I love to show it whenever I can,” he says. “My inspiration often comes from my community, and I want to share a glimpse of that with the world.”
Beyond cultural pride, Khalifa’s commitment to authenticity sets him apart. While many influencers create polished, seemingly perfect images, Khalifa’s posts reveal his true self—imperfections and all. “Authenticity comes naturally to me. I want my audience to see the real me, rather than a perfectly curated image,” he explains. His posts, whether he’s laughing, dancing, or simply going about his day, aim to show his genuine personality. “We have to leave the idea of ‘life must be perfect’ in every picture or video behind.”
Although Khalifa enjoys participating in trends, he makes them his own by incorporating personal touches. He often chooses older Arabic songs, especially from 10 to 15 years ago, for his reels. While these tracks might not be trending, Khalifa reintroduces them with a sense of nostalgia, reinforcing a cultural connection. This same approach extends to his brand collaborations, where he always finds ways to represent his Qatari roots by including elements such as his homeland, pets, or traditional clothing.
While his influence has grown rapidly, Khalifa’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. At one point, he was juggling a full-time job, a master’s degree, and his online presence. “It was challenging at times, but I found a way to balance everything without compromising my mental health,” he says.
“Taking photos and recording videos is a passion for me, and I enjoy it without any pressure.”
A significant part of Khalifa’s appeal is his openness about his mental health journey. “I made sure I opened up to my audience about my struggles with depression and how I fight it every day,” he shares. This willingness to reveal his personal battles has enabled him to connect deeply with his audience. “Showing that I’m just like everyone else—a human who laughs, cries, and fights personal battles—helps my audience relate to me.”
Of course, being in the public eye has its drawbacks, and Khalifa isn’t immune to online negativity. “With everyone being on social media, hate will come,” he admits. However, he has learned to protect his well-being by ignoring harmful comments. “Once I stopped reading them, my life has been better. Ultimately, it’s not about what others think; it’s about how you view yourself.”
Khalifa’s pride in his Qatari heritage is evident in every post. His affinity for older Arabic songs, particularly those from the early 2010s, is a hallmark of his style. When partnering with brands, he ensures that each collaboration aligns with his personal values. “I always ask myself if I truly relate to the brand and if I use their products. If the answer is yes, I jump right in,” he says. Khalifa’s creative approach doesn’t end there—each reel is meticulously planned, with every 0.5 second carefully scripted to convey his vision.
One unforgettable moment for Khalifa occurred at Hamad International Airport. On his way to Dubai, a stranger approached him to say that his openness about depression had helped them through their own struggles. “Hearing that my openness about mental health—especially a topic that’s often taboo for men in our culture—could prevent someone from harming themselves truly touched me,” he recalls.
As he looks to the future, Khalifa’s ambitions are boundless. “My list of goals is endless. I dream of acting in a series, as I’m just as passionate about acting as I am about social media,” he reveals. With a few film projects already in the works, Khalifa is eager for the right opportunity to expand his career into television. He also has exciting brand collaborations lined up for the near future.
Khalifa’s advice to his followers is simple but powerful: “Keep working hard for your dreams and never give up. We all face obstacles in life, and we all fall down at one point or another.
The most important thing is how you pick yourself up and do it all over again. Also, remember to always be kind and help others. You will never be successful if you don’t help others be successful.”
Khalifa Abel’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of authenticity and cultural pride in today’s digital age. With his ever-growing influence, Khalifa continues to inspire and uplift his audience through genuine connections and a deep respect for his roots. As he looks forward to new adventures on screen and beyond, his followers can expect to see him reaching even greater heights. Khalifa Abel is a name to watch in the worlds of social media and television—bringing tradition, modernity, and inspiration together in an exceptional way.
