You’ve seen her on billboards in Downtown Dubai, scrolling past her face on Instagram feeds from Abu Dhabi to Riyadh, maybe even spotted her walking the runway at Dubai Fashion Week. She’s not just a face-she’s a brand, a billion-dollar asset, and the highest paid model in the world right now. But who is she? And more importantly, why does it matter to you?
Who’s the Highest Paid Model in the World?
The top spot in 2025 belongs to Gigi Hadid. According to Forbes’ latest earnings report, she pulled in an estimated $42 million over the past 12 months. That’s more than double the next highest earner. She’s not just modeling for Victoria’s Secret or walking for Chanel-she’s got exclusive deals with Maybelline, Tommy Hilfiger, and a massive equity stake in her own skincare line, Hadid Beauty, which sold over $300 million in its first year.
What makes her stand out isn’t just her face. It’s how she turned modeling into a business empire. While other models take gigs, Gigi builds brands. She’s in Dubai more than most locals-filming campaigns for luxury malls, attending private launches at Burj Al Arab, and even advising local designers on global appeal. Her Instagram? 78 million followers. Each post? Worth an average of $250,000 in brand value.
Why Dubai Is the New Powerhouse for Top Models
Dubai didn’t always lead the modeling world. Ten years ago, Paris and Milan were the kings. But things changed fast. The UAE’s luxury market exploded, and with it came a demand for models who could bridge East and West. Brands needed someone who looked global but felt local-someone who could wear a burqa in one shoot and a bikini on Palm Jumeirah in the next.
Dubai became the testing ground for high-value campaigns. A single photoshoot here can cost $1 million-double what you’d pay in New York. Why? Because the ROI is insane. A model’s image in Dubai reaches 120 million high-net-worth viewers across the Gulf, India, and Russia. That’s why Gigi spends six weeks here every year. She doesn’t just work here-she invests here.
What Makes a Model Earn This Much?
It’s not just about looking good. To hit $40M+ in a year, you need five things:
- Global brand deals-not just one or two, but five or six long-term contracts. Gigi has six exclusive partnerships.
- Own equity-she doesn’t just model for a brand, she owns part of it. That’s where real money is made.
- Massive social reach-over 50 million followers across platforms, with engagement rates above 8%.
- Media control-she controls her image. No tabloids. No scandals. Just polished, intentional content.
- Location leverage-Dubai, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi pay 3x more for exclusivity than Western markets.
Most models make $1M-$3M a year. Gigi makes $42M because she turned modeling into venture capital.
Who Else Is in the Top Tier?
Here’s who’s chasing her:
| Rank | Name | Estimated Earnings | Key Brands | Dubai Presence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gigi Hadid | $42M | Tommy Hilfiger, Maybelline, Hadid Beauty | Regular campaigns, owns property |
| 2 | Bella Hadid | $28M | Calvin Klein, YSL, Revlon | Seasonal shoots, frequent visits |
| 3 | Adriana Lima | $21M | Savage X Fenty, L’Oréal | Brand ambassador since 2022 |
| 4 | Kendall Jenner | $19M | Estée Lauder, Nike, Balmain | One major campaign per year |
| 5 | Amal Clooney | $17M | Dior, TAG Heuer | Appears at luxury events |
Notice something? Only Gigi has a product line. That’s the real differentiator. The rest? They’re still selling looks. She’s selling identity.
Why You Should Care (Even If You’re Not a Model)
Maybe you’re not planning to walk a runway. But here’s the truth: Gigi Hadid’s success isn’t just about beauty. It’s about strategy. She didn’t wait for brands to find her-she built systems. She hired agents, lawyers, marketers, and a content team before she turned 25. She turned every photoshoot into a marketing asset.
If you’re in Dubai, you’re surrounded by people doing the same thing-turning their presence into profit. A local influencer with 100K followers can earn $15K per post. A photographer who knows how to shoot in the desert at golden hour can charge $5K a day. The model economy isn’t just about glamour. It’s about leverage.
Dubai doesn’t pay for talent. It pays for scalability.
How to Spot a Real Top Model in Dubai
Not everyone with a big Instagram is a top earner. Here’s how to tell the real deal:
- They’re invited to private brand dinners at Armani Hotel-not just public events.
- They’re not tagged in every party photo. Their content is curated, not chaotic.
- They work with local Emirati designers like Rami Al Ali or Elie Saab, not just international brands.
- You’ll find their faces on billboards in Dubai Marina, not just on Instagram.
- They don’t do discount sales. Their campaigns are always luxury, never clearance.
If you see someone on a yacht in Jumeirah with a $20,000 watch and a $500,000 contract with a Dubai-based brand? That’s the real thing.
What’s Next for the Modeling Industry in Dubai?
Dubai is pushing to become the modeling capital of the Middle East. The government launched the Dubai Model Talent Initiative in 2024-offering visas, tax breaks, and studio space to top international models who commit to 3+ months of work per year.
Local models are rising too. A 20-year-old Emirati model named Layan Al Maktoum just signed a $10 million deal with a regional beauty brand. She’s not a household name yet-but she will be. Dubai’s next top earner might not be from New York. She might be from Sharjah.
The future? Hybrid models-people who can model, create content, and launch products. Gigi Hadid didn’t just become rich. She became a blueprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the highest paid model in the world in 2025?
As of 2025, Gigi Hadid is the highest paid model in the world, earning an estimated $42 million in the past year. Her income comes from global brand deals, her own skincare line Hadid Beauty, and exclusive contracts with major fashion and beauty companies. She’s also one of the most active models in Dubai, where luxury campaigns pay significantly more than in Western markets.
Why do models earn so much in Dubai?
Dubai pays premium rates because it’s a gateway to 120 million high-net-worth consumers across the Gulf, South Asia, and Eastern Europe. Brands here aren’t just selling products-they’re selling status. A single campaign in Dubai can reach audiences in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and India, making the ROI far higher than in traditional markets. Plus, the UAE offers tax-free earnings, so models keep nearly all of their income.
Is Gigi Hadid the only model making over $40 million?
No other model has reached $40 million in a single year. The closest is her sister Bella Hadid at $28 million. What sets Gigi apart is her ownership stake in Hadid Beauty, which generates passive income. Most models earn from gigs alone. She earns from products, licensing, and equity-making her more like a CEO than a model.
Can a local Dubai model become the highest paid?
Absolutely. The Dubai Model Talent Initiative is actively recruiting and funding local talent. Emirati models like Layan Al Maktoum are already signing $10 million deals with regional brands. With the right team, global exposure, and a product line, a local model could surpass international names within five years. Dubai doesn’t care where you’re from-it cares what you can build.
How do models get discovered in Dubai?
Most top models in Dubai are found through agencies like IMG Models Dubai or Storm Model Management. But increasingly, talent is scouted on Instagram or at luxury events like Dubai Fashion Week. The key? High-quality, consistent content, a strong personal brand, and connections with local photographers and designers. Many models start by working for free on creative shoots to build a portfolio-then leverage that into paid gigs.
Final Thought
The highest paid model isn’t just the most beautiful. She’s the one who turned her face into a business. And in Dubai, that’s not just possible-it’s the norm. If you’re watching from the sidelines, ask yourself: What’s your version of Hadid Beauty? What’s the one thing you can build that outlasts a photoshoot? Because in this city, the real models aren’t the ones on the runway. They’re the ones building empires.
