Latest news with #DubaiBling
NDTV
6 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
"Could've Just Shopped": How A Dubai Housewife-Turned-CEO Built A Business Empire
Anita Surani seemed destined for the quintessential Dubai housewife life: a Palm Jumeirah mansion, a pink G-Wagon for her teenage daughter, and 24-karat gold-gilded ceilings. However, instead of indulging in luxury, she leveraged her privileged life to build a design company from the ground up, staffed predominantly by women. Today, Anita leads a boutique design firm named after her daughter, a venture fueled by determination, style, and a nudge from her husband, Moiz Khoja. "I have a lot of money. I could've just shopped. But I didn't. And I continued," she told Gulf News. Journey to Success Anita's journey to success wasn't always glamorous. Born into a middle-class family, she worked hard to fund her education in the US, juggling part-time jobs at a convenience store and a jewellery store. It was during this time that she met her future husband and business partner, Moiz. Interestingly, Moiz also came from humble beginnings, having once cleaned restaurant floors before building a successful tech store empire. "We were partners, friends, and then a couple," she says. Anita and Moiz's entrepreneurial journey began with a small cell phone kiosk in an American mall, which eventually grew into a retail empire with over 100 stores. While Moiz oversaw the retail business, Anita pursued her passion for interior design, honing her skills by working on their real estate projects. Feeling confident in her abilities, she partnered with a seasoned colleague and launched Xena Interiors in Dubai, leveraging her degree and experience to build a successful business. From two people to a team of 40 Anita's design company has experienced rapid growth, expanding from a two-person team to over 40 employees, including engineers, architects, graphic designers, and interior designers. With ambitious plans for further expansion, Anita is driving her business forward. However, establishing herself in Dubai presented its own set of challenges. "Dubai is very competitive. People want a local experience. So the experience from the US didn't count much at first. We had to start small — doing up offices and apartments, just to get the word out. Eventually, we landed villas and restaurants," she said. Her Inspiration For Anita, the real driving force behind her success is her daughter, Zena. She wants to show Zena that it's possible to balance life and achieve her goals. "I wanted to show my daughter that we can balance everything. That we can achieve whatever we want. That's why I named the company after her — Zena." High-maintenance Persona Anita embodies the Dubai Bling aesthetic, embracing her high-maintenance persona with pride. Her home is a lavish masterpiece, complete with 24-karat gold ceilings and curated opulence. However, she's also a shrewd businesswoman who prioritised creating a beautiful office space, only to be reminded by her husband to focus on financial responsibility. "One thing about me — I made the office nice too. That was my first task. But my husband told me, first, you pay off that office. Then you make sure the employees are paid from your pocket, not from our joint account," she noted. Anita has a straightforward relationship with money: she enjoys it, works hard for it, and isn't afraid to splurge. A self-proclaimed shopaholic, she loves The Dubai Mall and often jokes about her credit card bills with her husband. However, she finds greater satisfaction in spending her own hard-earned money, rather than just relying on her husband's wealth.
Khaleej Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
DJ Bliss talks music, 'Dubai Bling', and what's next for his global sound
In a city synonymous with opulence and opportunity, DJ Bliss has carved out a lane uniquely his own—one that fuses Emirati identity with global rhythm. For many, he's the familiar face on Dubai Bling, the entertainer behind the decks at FIVE hotel, or the man lighting up festival stages. But for Marwan Parham Al Awadhi, better known as DJ Bliss, it all started in a high school radio booth—hungry to be part of the party he once watched from the sidelines. 'I wasn't one of the cool kids who got invited to parties,' Bliss recalls with a laugh. 'So I thought, maybe if I became the DJ, I'd get to be a part of them. Now, I am the party.' DJ Bliss's career defies stereotypes that once constrained young Emiratis—those unwritten rules about acceptable careers, especially in the pre-social media era when Dubai's cultural scene was still taking shape. 'Sure, my parents probably hoped I'd become a doctor or engineer,' he admits. 'But I always kept them in mind. I wanted to make them proud, and I think the blend of music, media, and business helped with that.' What sets DJ Bliss apart isn't just his resilience, but the cultural lens through which he approaches his craft. In an era where being Emirati is often reduced to symbols of tradition or national pride, Bliss redefines it through a cosmopolitan sound. 'At first, I wanted to just mix in some Arabic sounds,' he says. 'But then I realised—Dubai isn't just Emiratis. It's the world. So I treat my music like a global meal—some Latin here, some Indian beats there, even a Brazilian vibe. That's Dubai.' If you've only seen him as the sharp-suited charmer on Dubai Bling, you've only scratched the surface. DJ Bliss is also an entrepreneur, radio and TV host, vlogger, and producer. But at the core of it all is the music. 'I've worn so many hats over the years,' he reflects. 'TV, radio, reality shows, business. I used to think maybe these were different versions of me. But at the end of the day, I always come back to DJing. That's my first love.' He references the often-misquoted adage 'Jack of all trades, master of none,' flipping it on its head. 'It didn't sit right with me. I wanted to be the master of one. So I made a conscious choice to put everything back into music—into DJ Bliss, the artist.' These days, you'll find DJ Bliss creating music at one of the most stunning studios in Dubai—perched atop FIVE Palm Jumeirah. 'The view alone can inspire a hit,' he jokes. But it's more than aesthetics. It's where local creativity meets global infrastructure. 'It's state-of-the-art. The studio is partnered with Warner Music Germany, and you get real-time feedback from international artists who pass through. It's not just about making music; it's about leveling up the sound of the city.' This evolution toward house and dance music marks a new chapter for DJ Bliss—one where he's not just spinning hits, but creating them. 'I used to play other people's music,' he says. 'Now I want to play mine. I want people to hear a track and say, 'That's DJ Bliss.'' Whether performing at his monthly residencies at FIVE or closing down the Untold Festival main stage in Romania—right after Martin Garrix, no less—Bliss is chasing a feeling: not just for himself, but for his audience. 'I want to feel blissful. And I want people to feel that way too.' And in typical Gemini fashion, he's already imagining his next move. 'I like to reinvent myself. That's the key to staying relevant. There's always a new version of DJ Bliss around the corner.'
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
10 series to watch if you love The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
10 series to watch if you love The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has returned for a dramatic second season, following the explosive relationships of several Mormon content creators from Utah, known as Mom Tok. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has returned for a second season on Disney+ (Image: Disney/Fred Hayes ) After allegations of swinging and affairs were brought forward in 2022 by Taylor Frankie Paul, a spotlight was shone on her friendship group, and now it's all playing out on Disney+. Starring mom-of-three Taylor, her on-again-off-again ex Dakota, and influencers including Jennifer Affleck, Demi Engemann, Mayci Neeley and Jessi Ngatikaura, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season two continues to reveal the volatility within the friendship group, with fiery arguments and relationship breakdowns just as dramatic as the first installment. This time, the women are continuing to battle over who is included in Mom Tok, uncovering the truth about the swinging scandal, while also attempting to save their marriages. Featuring arrests, gambling confessions and cheating accusations, fans have hailed it 'the best trash reality tv', but if you're looking for the next show to add to your watch lists, we've got you covered. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives follows Taylor and other members of Mom Tok (Image: HULU ) The Kardashians Of course, the Queens of reality TV have to be The Kardashians, with the sisters first having let us into their homes in 2007 with Keeping Up With The Kardashians before moving to Hulu in 2022. Article continues below Following the personal lives of Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, Kylie, Kendall and momager Kris, the series delves into their billion-dollar businesses, becoming mums, relationships, and of course, sibling arguments. Dubai Bling For more lavish lifestyles, look no further than Dubai Bling, a Netflix series following the lives of a high-flying social circle in Dubai. Based on Bling Empire, the programme exposes a group of millionaires showing off their immense wealth, with a focus on the relationships between the friendship group and the gossip constantly surrounding them. Desperate Housewives Desperate Housewives followed the lives of four friends on Wisteria Lane (Image: ABC ) With rumours of a reboot on its way, there's no better time to binge Desperate Housewives. Starring Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman, Teri Hatcher and Eva Longoria as the residents of Wisteria Lane, the series covers the personal lives of the four friends over fifteen years, and the secrets they kept beneath the image of a perfect, suburban neighbourhood. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Following the success of The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills launched in 2010, the sixth instalment - and perhaps most explosive - of the franchise. It has featured the likes of Kyle Richards, Brandi Glanville, Lisa Vanderpump, Adrienne Maloof and Camille Grammer, with Kathy Hilton, Denise Richards and Teddy Mellencamp later joining. Prepare for glass thrown across dinner tables in heated arguments, more Birkin bags than you could imagine, and some serious property porn. Vanderpump Villa Vanderpump Villa will be streaming on Hulu and Disney+. (Image: Disney ) After starring on The Real Housewives, Lisa launched her own reality programmes, including Vanderpump Rules and Vanderpump Villa. The latter follows the staff working in her glamorous French villa, Chateau Rosabelle, with drama created from the tensions of the crew living and working together. Tell Me Lies Tell Me Lies stars Grace Van Patten as Lucy Albright and Jackson White as Stephen DeMarco, following their turbulent college romance and the relationship that unfolds over the eight years afterwards. Based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Carola Lovering, it first aired in 2022 with a third season renewed in December 2024. Sister Wives TLC reality show Sister Wives follows the polygamist family of Kody Brown, with his current wife Robyn, three ex-wives, and a total of 18 children. Having received mixed reviews, the series - which is in its 19th season - features the hardships the progressive family have faced as they navigate significant life changes. Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke The haunting tale of a Mormon family and YouTube star is told in this three-part documentary series (Image: moms_of_truth/Instagram ) The haunting tale of a Mormon family and YouTube star is told in this three-part documentary series, following their rise to internet fame in 2015 to Ruby Franke's downfall in 2023. The mum-of-six was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and sentenced to up to 30 years. The docuseries features interviews with some of her children, horrifying allegations and the secrets behind their lives on YouTube. The D'Amelio Show After Charli and Dixie D'Amelio's rise to becoming two of the most famous TikTok stars, their family, with mum Heidi and dad Marc, landed a reality series of their own. The show was cancelled after three seasons but the first installment had set a viewership record on Hulu at the time, becoming the most-watched unscripted series among all first-season unscripted subscription titles for the month following its premiere. Mormon No More Docuseries Mormon No More premiered in 2022 and followed Sally Osborne and Lena Schwen leave the Mormon faith after discovering their sexuality. After the two married mums fell in love, they navigated leaving their faith and their existing relationships, overcoming shame and looking to their future. Article continues below
Grazia USA
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
Supermodel Naomi Campbell Wore This Dubai-Based Designer At Disneyland Abu Dhabi's Debut
Media: @alikaroui Instagram The internet went into a frenzy when fashion sensation and supermodel Naomi Campbell was noticeably absent from the 2025 Met Gala. But it seems the 55-year-old had other plans, jetsetting a little closer to the Middle East for an iconic moment in the UAE. Just recently, Campbell was spotted attending one of Abu Dhabi's most exclusive (and exciting ) events. The emirate played host to a star-studded lineup to celebrate the UAE's latest plans for yet another iconic landmark in the making: Disneyland Abu Dhabi. Truly a magical night that unveiled the historic announcement, the event, which took place on Yas Island Abu Dhabi, welcomed a mix of Hollywood's biggest names and the region's stellar stars, including Gossip Girl actor Ed Westwick, singer Tyrese Gibson, Lebanese icon Nancy Ajram, and Dubai Bling cast member and Kayali founder Mona Kattan. Naturally showing her impeccable taste, the British model marked the occasion with her unapologetic energy and style, wearing a couture dress by Dubai-based Tunisian designer Ali Karoui. The look featured a vibrant orange colourway, a sleek silhouette which defined her edge, and a sweeping shoulder veil. She completed her ensemble with accessories by another UAE-based jewellery brand, Karlito, featuring a dazzling diamond set of dainty bracelets and rings. Of course, Middle Eastern fans of the model were pleasantly surprised but nonetheless ecstatic with her warm interaction with the region's legendary singer, Nancy Ajram. The two icons were seen sharing pleasantries and casually holding a conversation–a moment that quickly went viral across social media.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Dubai Bling star Farhana Bodi on her fashion journey, beauty secrets and Cannes 2025 look: ‘My style is glam with soul'
Farhana Bodi is an Indian-origin model-turned-entrepreneur who has wowed audiences over the three seasons of Netflix's popular reality TV show Dubai Bling. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Farhana opens up about her fashion evolution, go-to beauty tips, and what to expect from her upcoming Cannes appearance. (Also read: Deepika Padukone stuns as B-Town's most stylish mommy in new photoshoot, flaunts her postpartum glow in vibrant outfits ) It's been quite a ride! I was born in South Africa, but I always felt like my dreams were bigger than any one place. I moved to Dubai over a decade ago with the hope of building something of my own. At first, it was just me, my vision, and a lot of hustle. I didn't have a clear roadmap but I had a strong sense of purpose. Over time, through fashion, content, and connecting with women globally, I found my space. Dubai gave me the platform to turn that vision into reality. A post shared by FARHANA (@farhanabodi) Fashion has always been my language, it's how I express emotion, identity, and strength. Social media just became the natural extension of that expression. I saw a space where I could not only showcase style but also share stories, inspire, and connect. It was never just about aesthetics, it was about empowerment and visibility, especially for women who look like me. Dubai Bling opened up my world in so many ways. It introduced me to a global audience and allowed people to see beyond the curated photos to see the woman, the mother and the entrepreneur. It also brought its share of scrutiny, which taught me how to stand even stronger in my truth. Professionally, it's been a launchpad for exciting opportunities, but personally, it's been a journey of growth and learning. A post shared by FARHANA (@farhanabodi) To an extent, yes and no. Reality TV is still edited for entertainment, so of course not every layer of who I am can fit into a season. I'm a very spiritual, grounded person, but I also love fashion, travel, and luxury. The show shows one side of that, but the depth, especially as a mother and entrepreneur, is something you really only understand if you know me personally. Thank you! My style is glam with soul. I love statement pieces, but I always dress for how I feel. One day it's power suits, the next it's flowy silks. I mix elegance with edge, and I always aim for confidence over trends. A post shared by FARHANA (@farhanabodi) I've always admired women who blend strength with style, like Rihanna, Zendaya, and old-school icons like Sophia Loren. But honestly, I also draw inspiration from everyday women around me. There's nothing more inspiring than someone who owns her look unapologetically. Hydration, sleep (whenever I can get it!), and skincare are key. I'm big on facial massages, clean products, and inner wellness. And I never underestimate the power of a good lipstick and a quiet moment to breathe. Cannes is such a dream, and I've been working closely with a designer who truly understands my vibe. Expect something timeless but bold—elegance with a bit of drama. I want to celebrate my roots while standing tall in global glam. Let's just say… it's going to be a moment.
