Heba is an accomplished urban planner, and researcher, holding a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from Alexandria University and a master’s degree in Urban Development from the Technical University of Berlin. She has collaborated on numerous urban development and research projects with both regional and international organizations, including UN-Habitat, UNHCR, Ecumene Studio, and the Charter Cities Institute.

Her research interests are centered on human settlements, culture, new cities, community, and urban development, with a particular emphasis on African cities. This focus has enabled her to conduct extensive work and research across the continent, including in Cairo, Tunis, Lusaka, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar.