September 25, 2025

Modeling in Dubai: How Much Money Can You Really Make?

hen people think of modeling in Dubai, they often imagine big paychecks, luxury shoots, and a glamorous lifestyle. And yes, there’s truth to that — Dubai is a city of opportunities, and the modeling industry is no exception. But behind the glitz, there’s also a more grounded reality: building a modeling career here takes patience, resilience, and the right mindset. My journey as a full-time model in Dubai has shown me both sides — the highs that feel like a dream and the challenges that keep you humble. That’s why I’m sharing my story — to give you an honest picture of what it’s really like to model in this city.

My First Steps Into Modeling

I began modeling about 10 years ago, while I was still at university. At first, it was just part-time work, but it gave me a taste of the industry and opened doors abroad — I worked three times in India and once in China.

When I moved to Dubai, things became more serious. For the last two years, I’ve been working here as a full-time model. I can’t say I remember my very first Dubai job, but I do remember the turning point: quitting my office job after eight months. That’s when I finally felt free to chase what I had always wanted.

Finding My Footing in Dubai

My first full-time months weren’t easy — I started during Ramadan, when work is naturally slow. After spending the summer back in Spain, I returned refreshed, and little by little, things picked up.

By the following year, I was booking regularly, earning more, and raising my standards with each new project. Dubai taught me that your career here doesn’t explode overnight — it builds step by step.

Why Thinking Bigger Changed My Career

At first, my expectations were small. But I quickly realized: if I set my goals too low, I would only reach that level and stay stuck. When I shifted into an “abundance mindset,” believing I could go further and attract more opportunities, things started to change.

I truly believe energy is powerful. The more you aim higher, the harder you work, and the more the right jobs, money, and connections come your way.

What Actually Decides Your Paycheck

In Dubai, payments vary a lot depending on factors like:

Usage (where and how long your work will be shown) — local social media only vs. national TV or international campaigns.
Working hours (half day vs. multiple days)
Speaking vs. non-speaking role
Main vs. featured role
Agency/agent commissions
Type of client (big brand vs. startup)

From my own experience, the rough ranges look like this:

New faces and smaller social shoots: 500–1,500 AED
E-commerce and catalog shoots: 1,000–3,000 AED per day
Commercials: usually 3,000–6,000 AED, but much higher if usage is international or includes print/billboards
Tourism campaigns and big brands: 10,000 AED and above — my best was a tourism campaign that paid me 17,000 AED and gave me incredible experiences on top

The bigger the brand and the wider the usage, the better the pay — commercials and tourism campaigns are where the real money usually lies.

The Side of Modeling You Don’t See on Instagram

Of course, it’s not all glamorous. Here are the realities newcomers should know:

No unions or regulations. Agencies often take high commissions, and models don’t have much protection.
Different pay scales. The same commercial in Europe could pay four times as much — UAE is a lot more saturated but it makes up for it with more frequent opportunities and international exposure.
Delayed payments. It’s common to wait months before getting paid — sometimes three or four months, even when agencies have already been paid by clients. Kudos to Paekar Models though — on my first job with them, they made sure I was paid on time, even before the client settled. For me, that showed real professionalism and respect.
Not getting paid at all. Sadly, this has happened to me three times. It’s not the norm, but it does happen, which is why you need to be careful who you work with.

These challenges can be frustrating, but they also teach resilience — and the importance of standing up for your worth.

Freelance Freedom vs. Agency Stability

I’ve tried both, and here’s my honest take:

If you’re here for just a few months, signing exclusively with an agency may help you get work faster.
If you’re building a long-term career, freelancing is the best option. It takes time to establish yourself, but it gives you freedom and more control.

One rule I live by: I don’t accept jobs that only pay in “exposure.” If I don’t feel valued and respected, I won’t take the booking. Respecting yourself is key in this industry.

What I’d Tell Anyone Starting Out

At first, Dubai can feel overwhelming — new market, no connections, and tough competition. But once you find your footing, it gets easier. People begin to recognize you, opportunities flow, and the city starts to work in your favor.

Most importantly, don’t set your goals low. Dream big, because Dubai really is full of opportunities. If you put in the work and keep your energy focused, the rewards — both financial and personal — will follow.

And one last thing: get attached to a legit agency. From my limited experience, Paekar Models has been a good example of how things should be done.