Rami Al Tobgy Expands Project RT Through Books, Music and Reflections
United Arab Emirates, September 15, 2026 -- For much of his adult life, Rami Al Tobgy was comfortable working close to the spotlight, as long as he was not the person standing in it. During his years in events, he could organize major concerts and sit alongside celebrities at press conferences, but would deliberately take a seat at the far end of the table. Later, during his years in hospitality, when the group’s venues won awards, he preferred letting someone else from the team go up to accept them. Now, after publishing an unusually personal memoir under his own name, staying at the edge has become considerably harder.
Al Tobgy has always been intensely private. Creating something has never bothered him; becoming the person everyone is looking at is different. Writing suits him partly for that reason. A page gives him time to walk away from a thought, return to it, question his first reaction and decide what he actually means. That preference for time to process extends beyond writing too, which can make live questions feel very different from having the space to think something through.
An Egyptian raised in Kuwait, Al Tobgy moved alone to the UAE at sixteen to attend university. While studying, he began organizing small events that grew into major concerts before he graduated. His career later moved deeper into nightlife, and by his mid-twenties he had become a managing partner in a hospitality group. He eventually stepped away from operations to focus on raising his son, with other entrepreneurial ventures following years later. But the pattern remained. There was always another project, another goal, another challenge and another version of the future to pursue.
For years, progress meant building something outside himself. Eventually, the question changed. If the titles, achievements, possessions and plans disappeared, what would remain? In one of his Project RT reflections, Al Tobgy described the realization simply: “For years I thought I was building projects. Eventually I realised the project had been building me.” That realization became Project RT, a name that now sits above his books, music and reflections but is rooted in something more personal: the idea that the person himself remains the project.
Even the way Al Tobgy first approached publishing reflected his instinct to stay behind the work. When Beyond the Veil was first submitted for publication, he intended to use a pen name rather than his real one. Only after being advised that a memoir this personal would carry more weight with a real person standing behind it did he reconsider. The book itself had not begun as a commercial project. He started writing privately, trying to understand how apparently disconnected experiences had led him to a particular point in his life. What began as a journal gradually became a memoir, and the journey from those first private pages to publication stretched over more than two years.
The memoir went on to receive positive professional reviews from Readers’ Favorite, Literary Titan, Independent Book Review and Kirkus. For Al Tobgy, the importance was less the praise than the realization that people with no connection to him were finding something in a story he had originally written only for himself. Once he began to believe the story might be worth reading, remaining invisible became difficult to reconcile with wanting people to find it.
Beyond the Veil is difficult to summarize neatly. It begins with childhood during the invasion of Kuwait, including memories of rationed food, stored water and his father waiting for basic provisions. From there, it moves through ambition, friendship, loss, marriage, single fatherhood, business success and failure, serious physical pain, several incidents in which he came frighteningly close to dying, and later experiences that challenged a skepticism he still has not completely surrendered.
Those experiences are among the parts of the memoir he is least willing to simplify. Strangers appeared to know details about his life that, in his view, they had no obvious way of knowing. Spiritual explanations were offered for events he had spent years approaching through conventional ones. Relationships he thought he understood began to look different. Even after writing the story, he stops short of claiming certainty about what actually happened. The unanswered questions remain part of the story.
Near the end of Beyond the Veil, another idea begins to emerge. Al Tobgy wonders whether much of what he had endured may ultimately have been leading back to his son, Adam—whether the mistakes, losses and experiences that shaped him were also shaping the father Adam needed. That thought continues into his next book, Dear Adam. Although written to his son, it was deliberately shaped so another reader could feel as though the words were being spoken directly to them too.
Adam’s role changes again in The Concordance, a literary science-fiction project now in development. This time he is Rami’s co-author. The book brings many of the questions that repeatedly appear across Al Tobgy’s nonfiction and reflections, including identity, perception, choice, meaning and the realities people construct around themselves, into fiction.
Project RT, however, is not confined to books. Music became another form of expression almost unexpectedly, although its place in Al Tobgy’s life goes back much further. Music had long been one of the ways he connected with feelings he could not yet fully understand or articulate. When he was younger, Al Tobgy wrote songs and professionally recorded singles in studios. He never believed he had the singing voice to take those recordings further, and public performance never sat comfortably with his instinct to stay out of the spotlight.
Years later, technology gave him a way back into music without requiring him to become its voice or public face. Al Tobgy writes the lyrics, shapes the sound and structure, and keeps refining the material until the finished track reflects what he intended. Some songs take months.
For Al Tobgy, the medium is secondary to the expression. Sometimes what he is trying to communicate becomes writing. Sometimes it becomes music. That unpredictability has become part of Project RT itself. Al Tobgy can be immersed in one piece of work and pause it because another thought, event or feeling suddenly becomes more immediate. A question may become a reflection. An emotion may become a song. A persistent idea may become a book. He does not know what form the next piece of work will take, and that is part of the point.
For most of his life, Al Tobgy believed progress meant deciding what needed to be built next. Project RT began when he started to consider a different possibility: that through all the successes, failures, relationships, losses, questions and creative work, the thing being built had been him all along.
And for once, he is not trying to predict exactly what comes next.
Contact Info:
Name: Rami Al Tobgy
Email: Send Email
Organization: Project RT
Website: https://projectrt.net/
Release ID: 89203212
In case of identifying any problems, concerns, or inaccuracies in the content shared in this press release, or if a press release needs to be taken down, we urge you to notify us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your concerns and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any issues identified or assist with the removal process. We are committed to delivering high-quality content and ensuring accuracy for our valued readers.
More News
Kelana Jaya Line LRT service resumes after temporary disruption
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kelana Jaya Line LRT service between the Wangsa Maju and Gombak stations fully resumed operation at 3.30 pm today after repair works were completed, says Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd. The Rapid KL rail service operator previously stated that the service disruption was caused by an unusual flow of rainwater in the surrounding area, which entered the tracks and damaged several track components at around 10.20 am. Rapid Rail said that the operations team was forced to cut off the power supply in the affected area to allow for inspections and repair works. “The Rapid Rail engineering team has successfully completed temporary repair works on the track components. Tests on the system and track components were also conducted to ensure that services could resume safely in accordance with safety standards. “However, the engineering and operations teams will continue to monitor the system’s stability to ensure smooth train operations,“ the statement said. Rapid Rail thanked passengers for their patience throughout the service disruption. Several roads in Kuala Lumpur were flooded following continuous heavy rain that began around 9 am today.
SMART Tunnel reopens to traffic
KUALA LUMPUR: The SMART Tunnel is back in operation after it was closed on Tuesday (Oct 15) morning due to heavy rain here. Read full story
Kerajaan komited bantu mudahkan usahawan dapat sijil halal - Zulkifli
Pensijilan itu akan memberikan nilai tambah kepada perniagaan mereka selain meningkatkan kualiti dan diberkati sekali gus memperkasakan industri halal negara.
Vietnamese teachers paid up to $1,200 a month after salary increase
Vietnamese teachers' basic salaries have increased by 30% from July, pushing their monthly income to as much as VND30 million ($1,203), an increase of up to VND7 million from previous levels.
Public security ministry proposes monitoring of trans-border data transfers
The Ministry of Public Security has proposed that the transfer of data abroad must be evaluated by authorities to ensure national defense, security and the protection of national interests, according to a draft law on data.
Elderly woman in Penang rescued from garbage-infested house
PETALING JAYA: An elderly woman was rescued from her home, which was piled in heaps of rubbish, making it difficult for her to leave her residence . The Penang Civil Defence Force was deployed to the 86-year-old’s house on Monday (Oct 14) at 4.40pm after responding to her family members’ call for help, the New Straits Times reported. She was reportedly carried out on a stretcher during the operation. ALSO READ: Perak govt to aid retired teacher with hoarding disorder Her family claimed that the woman, living alone, was not in good health, riddled with “hypertension and hearing problems”, on top of her “frail” condition, as quoted. Not only that, her family members claim that she would call for help late at night as she is also “prone to falls”, as quoted. “As such, her family wants to send her to an old folk’s home after obtaining her consent,” he was quoted as saying. ALSO READ: Ipoh City Council clears three tonnes of garbage from elderly woman’s home Civil Defence Force northeast district officer, Muhammad Aizat Abdul Ghani confirmed that the double-storey house located in Jalan Mano was filled with so much rubbish and recyclable materials amassed over the years. Her house was not only filled with rubbish indoors but outdoors as well. The elderly woman said she hired help to clean her house but claims they never showed up.
Gerik man killed in pre-dawn tiger attack
IPOH: A 54-year-old local man has been found dead after a tiger attack in Gerik. Read full story
Flash flood victims in Perak decrease, some shelters close
IPOH: The total count of flash flood victims in Perak has reduced, with 1,013 individuals still taking refuge at evacuation centres. Read full story
GISBH: KPWKM prioritises swift reunification of rescued children with families
KUALA LUMPUR: The immediate return of children rescued during Op Global to their parents and families is a top priority for the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM). However, its minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said KPWKM must first ensure that the children’s parents and families can provide adequate and proper care. “For cases where the capability of the parents and families is clearly established, the reunification process can proceed without delay. In more complex situations, intervention programmes will be implemented to ensure the children’s and families’ best interests are safeguarded “The ultimate goal is to reunite these children with their families. However, before this can happen, several factors need to be carefully evaluated. This is not about denying anyone’s rights, but about ensuring the best interests of the children are upheld,” Nancy said during a minister’s briefing session on GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) in the Dewan Rakyat today. As of yesterday, 560 children – 283 boys and 277 girls – had been placed in safe custody after the Social Welfare Department (JKM) obtained a temporary court custody order for two months under Section 25(2)(a) of the Child Act 2001. Meanwhile, Nancy said the Task Force Profiling Team for Op Global found that 94.3 per cent of the 558 profiled children had at least one living biological parent, while 5.7 per cent had no parents or no available information on their parents. Health assessments showed that 51.6 per cent of the children were underweight, falling below the healthy Body Mass Index (BMI), while 46.1 per cent had a normal weight and the remaining children were classified as obese, she added. “Three children have been issued persons with disabilities (PwD) cards, while 27 others display symptoms of disability,” she added. Cognitive assessments were also conducted on 385 children aged seven and above, with 71.9 per cent (277 children) showing no signs of cognitive disorders, she said. “However, 20.26 per cent (78 children) displayed moderate cognitive disorders, while 7.79 per cent (30 children) were found to have severe cognitive impairments,” Nancy said.
Investigations ongoing into incident of empty Johor checkpoint counters with green lights on, blocked pathways
PETALING JAYA: A surprise inspection by Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure, and Communications committee chairman, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh recently found 17 Immigration counters at the Johor checkpoint empty. The inspection was conducted following a video circulating online showing the 17 empty counters at the checkpoint in Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB), triggering public backlash. He confirmed that the surprise inspection found that the incident actually occurred, Harian Metro reported. The video showed the empty counters, with green lights on however, the pathways were closed off to commuters. ALSO READ: Woman calls out Immigration officer for alleged rude behaviour Fazli then instructed that the green lights to be turned off to indicate that the lane is closed, to ensure no one is confused. “If there is no solid reason given regarding the incident, this can be considered intentional,” he was quoted as saying. On the other hand, Johor Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said an internal probe will be conducted on the incident. ALSO READ: Woman expresses gratitude to Johor Immigration officers for returning lost RM1.5k “The internal investigation will determine whether the immigration officer handling the counter neglected their duties or intentionally left the counter without permission. “We will not tolerate this behaviour, and strict disciplinary action will be taken against them if they are found to have neglected their duties. “It is a violation of responsibility, and I take this issue seriously,“ he was quoted as saying.
Govt to address possible vegetable price hikes due to monsoon, says Armizan
PETALING JAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry will collaborate and hold discussions with relevant ministries and agencies regarding the issue of vegetable prices, which are expected to triple by the end of this year. Read full story
No need to ban vape like Maldives, says Health Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has comprehensive regulations on smoking and tobacco control and does not need to follow other countries in banning vape and its products, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Read full story
Pahang Sultan urges civil servants not to be selective in giving aid to flood victims
TEMERLOH: The Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ordered the various parties involved in managing floods not to be selective in providing aid. Read full story
Police have started investigating companies linked to GISBH overseas - Saifuddin Nasution
KUALA LUMPUR: The police (PDRM) have initiated investigations into companies linked to GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH), which are operating overseas. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail acknowledged the challenges of extending investigations beyond Malaysia’s borders but confirmed that PDRM have already reached out to authorities in 18 countries where these companies are believed to be active. “The police have taken steps to contact these countries using mutual legal agreements (MLA) to facilitate cooperation,” he said during a briefing on the GISBH issue at the Dewan Rakyat today. Earlier reports indicated that PDRM had identified 23 properties owned by GISBH in 10 countries, with an estimated value RM52.4 million. Saifuddin Nasution also said that 15 cases have been brought before courts nationwide, with trial dates pending. He highlighted a case of child abuse linked to the investigation, where the accused pleaded guilty and received a 10-year prison sentence. “There have been numerous breaches of the law, and it is imperative that we conduct the investigation thoroughly and with full accountability, allowing the legal process to unfold as it should. “I want to make it clear that there is no political motive behind the government’s handling of this case. The fact remains, crimes against children have occurred,” he said.
No need to follow others as our smoking control laws strong enough, says Dzulkefly
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has comprehensive regulations on smoking and tobacco control and does not need to follow other countries in banning vape and its products, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Read full story
Singapore’s Lee Hsien Yang to apply to demolish Oxley Road home to ‘honour my parents’ wishes’
Lee Hsien Yang and sister Lee Wei Ling had accused their older brother, then PM Lee Hsien Loong, of attempting to keep the home for political capital.
Malaysia should seize opportunity in global medical devices market - Chang
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian innovators and manufacturers should seize the opportunity to tap into the immense potential of the global medical devices industry, which is projected to reach nearly US$800 billion by 2030, says Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Minister Chang Lih Kang. Chang noted that Malaysia had many high-quality products and innovators in the medical devices sector, with the government continuously encouraging and supporting industry players in research and development (R&D) and commercialisation efforts. “The market is vast, and we have plenty of room for success. To support R&D, of course, not limited to the medical devices industry, MOSTI offers various funding facilities, grants, matching grants, and equity where we invest in relevant startups,” he said. Chang said this to reporters after officiating the soft launch of INNOMed: Innovation Pitching Powered by PERANTIM, a key event in the International Medical Device Exhibition & Conference (IMDEC) 2024. Also present were Medical Device Authority (MDA) chief executive officer Dr P. Muralitharan, Malaysia Medical Devices Manufacturers Association (PERANTIM) president Johari Abu Kasim, and organising chairman of INNOMed, Dr Hyzan Mohd Yusof. Earlier in his speech, Chang said that under Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, the government aimed to foster synergies between the manufacturing and engineering sectors and the medical devices sector. This includes creating advanced inspection tools, solutions for imaging and endoscopy, implantable devices, and minimally invasive surgical tools. Meanwhile, Muralitharan told Bernama that, according to figures from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Malaysia’s total trade in medical devices, valued at RM25.61 billion from January to July this year, increased by 23.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2023 (RM20.74 billion). He added that the export of medical devices was valued at RM20.15 billion, an increase of 25.7 per cent compared to RM16.02 billion in 2023. In his speech, Dr Hyzan said that medical device innovation presented an opportunity to improve healthcare while boosting the economy, with the industry projected to reach nearly US$2 billion by 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors. “By focusing on innovation, we can create high-skilled jobs, reduce our dependence on imported technologies, and position Malaysia as a global leader. Last year, we spent US$5 billion on medical devices, with 95 per cent being imports. Our goal is to reduce this to 50 per cent within five years,” he said. He also emphasised that close collaboration among universities, innovators, manufacturers, clinicians, and government agencies was key to ensuring that ideas and research transitioned smoothly from laboratories to clinical applications and into the hands of healthcare providers. INNOMed, themed “Unleashing the Power of Medical Technology: Shaping the Future of Healthcare,“ is organised by the MDA and will take place from Dec 10 to 12 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Health Dept to launch six-month educational campaign over new smoking laws in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: More than 700 personnel members from the Health Department will be involved in a six-month statewide awareness campaign to educate the people on new laws over smoking products. Read full story
KPDN perkenal dua strategi interim lindungi hak pengguna sebelum Lemon Law dimuktamad
Armizan berkata ketika ini melalui perundangan sedia ada, platform untuk pengguna menuntut hak mereka ialah Tuntutan Tribunal Pengguna Malaysia (TTPM).
Tanah runtuh Taman Melawati: Penduduk dakwa sudah jangka sejak tahun lalu
Penduduk Taman Melawati pernah menyuarakan kebimbangan mengenai insiden tanah runtuh kepada pihak Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ) sebelum ini.
Affected Taman Melawati residents need Geoscience Dept green light to move back
AMPANG: Residents evacuated following a landslide in Taman Melawati this morning will have to wait for the Mineral and Geoscience Department to give the go-ahead before they can move back. Read full story
Shamsul Iskandar slammed for claiming he was told not to demand recount for Bagan Datuk seat
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin has been slammed for insinuating that he could have won the Bagan Datuk parliamentary seat if he had demanded a recount during GE15. Read full story
Tanah runtuh Taman Melawati: Kerja pembersihan bermula, polis kawal keselamatan kediaman
Kerja-kerja pembersihan laluan yang terkambus akibat tanah runtuh di Jalan E6, Taman Melawati telah dimulakan dan dijangka selesai dalam tempoh sejam.
Govt to build more reservoirs as part of flood mitigation plans - Fadillah Yusof
KUALA LUMPUR: The government plans to build more reservoirs as part of its short and long-term flood mitigation plans, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He said the new reservoirs would reduce the risk of flash floods especially in Kuala Lumpur. “The plan is already in place. It’s just that we plan according to the available financial capabilities and we implement what we have as much as possible,“ he told reporters after the Asia New Economic Summit 2024 here today. Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said most of the water reservoirs will be built in Kuala Lumpur under the supervision of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). “There are ongoing projects. But there is one project involving design and contractor problems and this affects our planning. We have to see how our recovery plan is to speed up any project that is delayed due to contractor failure,“ he said. An unusually high and continuous rainfall from 8.30 am this morning in Kuala Lumpur caused major rivers, including Sungai Batu, Sungai Klang, and Sungai Gombak, to overflow, which led to flooding in several areas. According to DBKL today, 60mm of rain was recorded during this time, which was well above average.
Pelan tindakan pemulihan ahli GISB libatkan pelbagai agensi
Perkara itu dipersetujui dalam Mesyuarat Ketua-Ketua Jabatan atau Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Seluruh Malaysia pada 1 Oktober lepas.
Belanjawan 2025: Peruntukan pelancongan lebih besar tarik pengunjung ke Malaysia - Fernandes
AirAsia berharap Belanjawan 2025 akan menawarkan lebih banyak inisiatif yang dilaksanakan bagi mempromosi dan menonjolkan Malaysia.
PDRM mula siasat syarikat berkaitan GISB di luar negara - Saifuddin Nasution
PDRM telah menghubungi pihak berkuasa di 18 negara yang dipercayai menjadi lokasi syarikat berkenaan beroperasi.
Jangan pilih kasih dalam beri bantuan kepada mangsa banjir - Sultan Pahang
Al-Sultan Abdullah mengingatkan mangsa banjir agar banyak bersabar dan tidak mudah menyalahkan mana-mana pihak jika terdapat isu yang berbangkit.
Bicara kes cedera, khianat Norjuma bermula April dan Mei tahun hadapan
Pertuduhan itu mengikut Seksyen 427 Kanun Keseksaan yang membawa hukuman penjara maksimum dua tahun atau denda atau kedua-duanya, jika sabit kesalahan.
Kelana Jaya LRT route disruption: Rapid Rail restoring service
KUALA LUMPUR: Repair works are being carried out following a service disruption on the Kelana Jaya LRT Line, involving the track between Wangsa Maju and Sri Rampai Stations, which was caused by an unusual flow of rainwater that damaged several track components, said Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd (Rapid Rail). Rapid Rail as the operator of the Rapid KL rail service in a statement said that the incident occurred at 10.20 am which forced the operation to stop the power supply in the area involved to allow inspection and repair work to be carried out. “Repair works are being actively carried out by Rapid Rail’s technical team to ensure that services can be restored soon,“ according to the statement. For now, a feeder service has been activated between Gombak Station and Wangsa Maju Station. Trains from the direction of Putra Heights will turn back at Wangsa Maju Station. A total of 12 free feeder buses at a frequency of every 15 minutes are operating to ensure that passengers can continue their journey. “We hope that this repair work can be completed before the evening peak hour,“ said Rapid Rail. In addition, operation staff and auxiliary police personnel have been stationed at the stations involved to help facilitate the movement of affected passengers. Continuous announcements on the development of service status will be delivered through Rapid KL’s social media, at all stations, and on trains. Rapid Rail also informed that the latest development of service status will be announced at 3 pm. “Passengers are advised to plan their journeys and refer to Rapid KL’s social media to get the latest information on the service status of the Kelana Jaya LRT Line,“ said the statement. For more information, the public can contact Rapid Rail’s communications officer, Noor Natasha Mohd Irwan at 013-332 2900. Several roads in Kuala Lumpur were flooded following the continuous heavy rain that started at about 9 this morning.
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.