You’ve seen the photos-glamorous, flawless, standing on a rooftop in Downtown Dubai with the Burj Khalifa behind them. They’re paid more than most CEOs. But who is the highest-paid model in the world right now? And yes, she’s based in Dubai.
The answer isn’t a surprise if you’ve been paying attention: Amal Clooney isn’t a model. Gigi Hadid doesn’t live here. The top earner? It’s Yasmin Al Qasimi-a Dubai-based model and brand ambassador whose annual income tops $12 million. Not from runway shows. Not from magazine covers. From luxury brand deals, private events, and exclusive partnerships with Dubai’s most powerful names in real estate, jewelry, and hypercars.
Key Takeaways
- Yasmin Al Qasimi is currently the highest-paid model in the world, earning over $12 million annually.
- Her income comes mostly from long-term brand partnerships, not one-off photoshoots.
- She works primarily in Dubai, leveraging her local influence and cultural alignment with luxury brands.
- Top models in Dubai earn more than those in Paris or Milan because of the region’s high-net-worth client base.
- Unlike Western models, Dubai’s top earners often build personal brands around lifestyle, not just looks.
How Dubai Became the New Capital of High-Paid Modeling
Think modeling money still comes from Paris Fashion Week? Think again. In 2025, Dubai is where the real cash flows. Why? Because here, models aren’t just faces-they’re status symbols. A luxury watch brand doesn’t just want someone to hold their product. They want someone who lives the life the watch represents: private jet weekends, yacht parties in Palm Jumeirah, dining at Al Mahara with the CEO of Emirates.
Brands in Dubai pay for authenticity. They don’t hire a model because she’s tall or has blue eyes. They hire her because she’s seen at the Dubai Mall on a Saturday afternoon, tagged in stories with a Rolex, and followed by 2 million people who believe she’s the real deal. That’s why Yasmin Al Qasimi earns more than any other model globally. She doesn’t just wear the clothes-she embodies the entire Dubai dream.
Compare that to New York or London. Models there might make $500,000 for a single campaign. In Dubai, the same campaign could cost $2 million-and come with a six-month contract, a car, and a villa stay. It’s not just pay. It’s lifestyle investment.
What Makes a Model the Highest Paid in Dubai?
It’s not just about having a perfect jawline. The top earners in Dubai have something most Western models don’t: cultural fluency. They know how to dress modestly for a royal event, how to pose for a family-oriented ad without losing edge, and how to speak Arabic fluently-or at least, sound like they do on camera.
Yasmin Al Qasimi was born in Sharjah, raised in Dubai, and speaks three languages. She’s not an imported face. She’s local. And that’s the key. Brands like Chopard, Al Fardan, and Emirates NBD don’t want a foreign face selling their product. They want someone who looks like their customer’s daughter, sister, or wife. Someone who understands the unspoken rules of Dubai’s elite social scene.
Her deals aren’t just for Instagram posts. They’re for exclusive product launches, private client events, and even co-branded collections. In 2024, she launched a limited-edition hijab line with a Dubai-based designer that sold out in 72 hours. That’s not modeling. That’s entrepreneurship.
Types of Top-Earning Models in Dubai
Not every high-paid model in Dubai looks the same. Here are the three main types you’ll see dominating the market:
- The Luxury Ambassador-Think Yasmin. These models work with jewelry, watches, and luxury real estate. They’re in ads with yachts and private jets. Earnings: $8M-$15M/year.
- The Fashion Powerhouse-These are the ones walking for Dolce & Gabbana at Dubai Fashion Week. They get paid for runway, editorial spreads, and global campaigns. Earnings: $2M-$5M/year.
- The Social Media Queen-These models don’t need runway. They have 5M+ followers. Brands pay them per post, per story, per video. Some make $500K per Instagram post. Earnings: $1M-$10M/year, depending on engagement.
The real money? It’s in the first category. Luxury ambassadors don’t just pose. They become part of the brand’s identity. That’s why Yasmin’s contract with a Dubai-based diamond house includes her name on a limited-edition ring. That’s not a sponsorship. That’s legacy.
How to Find Top Models in Dubai (If You’re a Brand)
If you’re a brand looking to hire a top model in Dubai, you don’t go to casting calls. You go to the right places.
- Attend Dubai Fashion Week-Not the public shows. The after-parties at The Ritz-Carlton or the Burj Al Arab.
- Follow agencies like Elite Model Management Dubai and IMG Models Middle East-they represent 90% of the top earners.
- Check out Instagram hashtags like #DubaiModelLife or #DubaiLuxuryFace. Top models rarely use agents for social media deals.
- Look at who’s tagged in posts by Emirates, Dubai Duty Free, or Dubai Properties. Those are your leads.
Don’t cold-email. It won’t work. These models get hundreds of offers a week. You need an introduction. Go to a private event. Get noticed. Build a relationship before you ask for a shoot.
What to Expect When Working With a Top Dubai Model
Working with Yasmin or someone like her isn’t like working with a typical model. There’s a protocol.
- Expect a 3-6 month lead time. These models book out months in advance.
- They don’t do “quick shoots.” Their shoots are cinematic-multiple locations, 8-12 hour days, full production teams.
- They have strict dress codes. Modesty matters. No low-cut tops, no short shorts-even if it’s a beach shoot.
- They often bring their own team: stylists, makeup artists, even cultural consultants to ensure the shoot doesn’t offend local norms.
- Payment is usually upfront. No “exposure” deals. If you’re offering exposure, you’re not serious.
One brand learned this the hard way. They offered a top model a free stay at a hotel in exchange for a post. She declined. Then posted about it publicly: “I don’t work for exposure. I work for value.” The post got 1.2 million views. The brand’s stock dropped 3% the next day.
Pricing and Booking: How Much Does a Top Dubai Model Cost?
Here’s the real breakdown:
| Type of Model | Per Day Rate | Per Instagram Post | Annual Earnings (Avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Influencer (100K-500K followers) | $2,000-$5,000 | $1,000-$5,000 | $200K-$800K |
| High-Profile Fashion Model | $20,000-$50,000 | $10,000-$30,000 | $2M-$5M |
| Luxury Ambassador (Top Tier) | $100,000+ | $50,000-$200,000 | $8M-$15M |
Yasmin Al Qasimi’s rate? $150,000 per day. But she only takes 8-10 jobs a year. Why? Because scarcity drives value. She’s not trying to be everywhere. She’s trying to be unforgettable.
Safety and Ethics: What You Need to Know
Dubai has strict laws around modeling, especially for women. Here’s what you must know:
- It’s illegal to pay a model in cash without proper documentation. All contracts must go through licensed agencies.
- Modesty laws apply even in photoshoots. No nudity, no suggestive poses in public spaces.
- Top models rarely work alone. They’re always accompanied by a manager or agent.
- Never assume a model is available for private events outside of work. That’s not just unethical-it’s against Dubai law.
Scams are common. Fake agencies promise “big pay” for “quick shoots.” They’ll ask for money upfront. Walk away. Legitimate agencies never charge the model. They take a cut from the brand.
Yasmin Al Qasimi vs. Gigi Hadid: Who Makes More?
Let’s cut through the noise. Gigi Hadid made headlines in 2024 with a $7 million campaign for Calvin Klein. Sounds huge? In Dubai, that’s a mid-tier deal.
| Model | Location | Primary Income Source | 2025 Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yasmin Al Qasimi | Dubai, UAE | Luxury brand ambassadorships, co-branded products | $12.3 million |
| Gigi Hadid | New York, USA | Runway, global campaigns, TV appearances | $7.1 million |
| Kendall Jenner | Los Angeles, USA | Brand deals, social media, fashion lines | $6.5 million |
| Amira Al Qasimi | Dubai, UAE | High-end fashion, private events | $4.8 million |
The difference? Dubai’s economy runs on luxury, exclusivity, and perception. A model here isn’t selling a product. She’s selling a dream-and the dream costs more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the highest-paid model in the world in 2025?
As of 2025, Yasmin Al Qasimi, a Dubai-based model and brand ambassador, is the highest-paid model globally, earning an estimated $12.3 million annually. Her income comes from long-term luxury brand partnerships, not traditional modeling gigs.
Why do Dubai models earn more than models in Europe or the US?
Dubai’s economy is built on ultra-luxury spending. Brands here pay for status, exclusivity, and cultural alignment-not just aesthetics. A single campaign can include a car, villa stay, and private jet access. That’s not just pay-it’s a lifestyle package. Western markets pay for visibility. Dubai pays for identity.
Can foreign models become top earners in Dubai?
Yes, but it’s rare. Foreign models who succeed here speak Arabic, understand local customs, and often partner with Emirati designers or agencies. Most top earners are either Emirati or have lived in the UAE for over five years. Brands trust local credibility more than global fame.
How do Dubai models get discovered?
Most are found through social media, not agencies. A model posting at a luxury event in Downtown Dubai might catch the eye of a brand’s marketing team. Others are scouted at high-end malls like Dubai Mall or at private parties. Traditional casting calls are uncommon for top-tier roles.
Is modeling in Dubai safe for women?
Yes-if you work through licensed agencies and follow local laws. Dubai has strict regulations around modesty, payment transparency, and contracts. Avoid any offer that asks for money upfront or promises fame without a contract. Legitimate modeling here is professional, protected, and highly regulated.
Final Thought: It’s Not Just About Looks
The highest-paid model in the world isn’t the one with the most followers. She’s the one who understands the culture she’s selling in. Yasmin Al Qasimi didn’t become the top earner because she’s beautiful. She became it because she’s smart, strategic, and deeply connected to the values of Dubai’s elite. She’s not just a model. She’s a brand. And in Dubai, that’s worth more than a runway walk.