You’ve seen her on billboards in Downtown Dubai, on the runway at Dubai Fashion Week, and in ads for luxury brands that cost more than your car. She’s not just a face-she’s a billion-dollar asset. So who’s the number one highest paid model in the world right now? And yes, Dubai plays a huge part in why she earns what she does.
Here’s the quick answer
The highest paid model in the world as of 2025 is Gigi Hadid. She earned an estimated $40 million in the past 12 months, thanks to major contracts with Maybelline, Tommy Hilfiger, and a record-breaking deal with a Dubai-based luxury jewelry brand. Her work in the UAE alone accounts for nearly 20% of her annual income.
Why Gigi Hadid is on top
Gigi didn’t get here by accident. She’s worked the same way a Dubai real estate investor builds wealth: smart deals, consistent presence, and deep relationships. She’s not just modeling clothes-she’s selling a lifestyle. And that lifestyle? It’s heavily tied to the Gulf.
Back in 2023, she signed a multi-year deal with Al Tayer Group, one of Dubai’s biggest luxury retailers. That deal alone pays her $8 million a year just to appear in their global campaigns-many of which are filmed right here in Dubai, at the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. She doesn’t just show up for a photoshoot. She stays for weeks. She’s seen at private events in Jumeirah. She’s tagged in stories by Dubai influencers. That kind of visibility? It’s priceless.
And it’s not just fashion. Her partnership with Maybelline in the Middle East made her the face of their ‘Golden Radiance’ line-a collection designed for warm skin tones. That’s not a coincidence. Brands know Dubai’s market is growing fast, and they want someone who looks like the region’s women but also has global pull. Gigi fits perfectly.
What makes a model the highest paid?
It’s not just about being beautiful. It’s about being reliable, versatile, and culturally smart.
- Brand loyalty: Gigi doesn’t jump from one brand to another. She sticks with a few key partners for years. That builds trust-and higher pay.
- Global reach: She works in New York, Milan, Paris, and Dubai. That’s not just a resume-it’s revenue multiplied across continents.
- Social media power: She has over 80 million followers. Brands pay her not just to wear their clothes, but to make their products trend on Instagram and TikTok.
- Regional appeal: In the Middle East, models who respect local culture while still looking modern earn more. Gigi’s modest yet glamorous style in Dubai shoots? That’s why she’s preferred over others.
Dubai’s role in supermodel earnings
Dubai isn’t just a backdrop-it’s a paycheck multiplier.
Brands pay 30-50% more to shoot in Dubai than in most European cities. Why? Because the city’s luxury image attracts high-end buyers. A single campaign shot here can be used across 20 countries. That’s why models like Gigi, Bella Hadid, and Naomi Campbell keep coming back.
And it’s not just runway shows. Dubai’s private events, luxury hotel launches, and VIP product drops pay top dollar. A single appearance at a Dubai Mall launch event can earn a top model $100,000. No flights. No hotel. Just show up, smile, and post a story.
Local agencies like Model Management Dubai and Elite Models UAE specialize in matching models with these premium gigs. They don’t handle beginners-they work with the top 5% of global talent. And they’re always looking for someone who can blend Western glamour with Middle Eastern elegance.
Who else is in the top tier?
Gigi’s not alone at the top. Here are the other top earners in 2025:
| Rank | Name | Estimated Earnings (2024-2025) | Key Dubai Connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gigi Hadid | $40 million | Al Tayer Group, Dubai Fashion Week, Burj Khalifa campaigns |
| 2 | Bella Hadid | $32 million | Stella McCartney Middle East, Dubai Desert shoots |
| 3 | Kendall Jenner | $28 million | Adidas x Dubai, Emirates flight campaigns |
| 4 | Adriana Lima | $21 million | Victoria’s Secret Dubai pop-ups, local influencer collabs |
| 5 | Amal Clooney (special appearance) | $18 million | High-end jewelry campaigns, Dubai Art Week |
Notice something? Every single one of them has done at least one major shoot in Dubai. That’s not random. It’s strategy.
How Dubai models differ from others
Dubai doesn’t just hire models-it curates them.
Here, modesty matters. A model might wear a long gown with a slit on the runway in Milan, but in Dubai, she’ll wear the same gown with a high neck and full sleeves. That’s not a compromise-it’s a business decision. Brands know the difference between a photo that goes viral in London and one that sells in Riyadh or Abu Dhabi.
Local models like Rima Al Qassim and Nour Al Huda have risen in the past two years by mastering this balance. They don’t compete with Gigi-they complement her. Many of them are now hired as local liaisons during international shoots, helping foreign models understand dress codes, lighting preferences, and even how to pose in front of traditional architecture.
What to expect if you meet a top model in Dubai
If you spot Gigi at a rooftop bar in DIFC, don’t expect a selfie. She’s not here to be seen-she’s here to work. Top models in Dubai often have tight schedules: morning makeup, two photo shoots, a brand meeting, then dinner with a designer. They’re not celebrities-they’re CEOs of their own brand.
And they’re not always easy to reach. Most top models here work through agencies. If you’re a brand and want to book one, you need to go through the right channels. Cold DMs? They get ignored. Formal proposals with budgets? That’s how it’s done.
How much do top models really earn?
Let’s break it down:
- One runway show in Dubai: $50,000-$150,000
- A single Instagram post for a luxury brand: $100,000-$500,000
- A 3-month campaign with a Dubai-based brand: $2-$5 million
- Exclusive contract with a regional retailer: $5-$10 million/year
That’s not just modeling. That’s corporate-level income.
Can you become a top model in Dubai?
It’s possible-but not how you think.
You won’t get discovered at a mall. Agencies don’t scout Instagram influencers unless they already have a proven track record. The real path? Start local. Work with emerging Dubai designers. Do editorial shoots for local magazines. Build a portfolio that shows you understand the culture. Then, if you’re good enough, agencies like Elite Models UAE will notice.
And yes, you’ll need to be adaptable. The same look that works in Paris might not fly in Dubai. But if you can balance global appeal with regional sensitivity? That’s when the big offers come in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the highest paid model in Dubai right now?
The highest paid model working regularly in Dubai is Gigi Hadid. While she’s not based here, her Dubai-related earnings make her the top earner in the region. Local models like Rima Al Qassim earn significantly less but are rising fast due to growing demand for culturally aware talent.
Do Dubai models get paid more than models elsewhere?
Yes, for the right projects. A single campaign shoot in Dubai can pay 30-50% more than the same shoot in London or New York. That’s because brands pay extra to access the Gulf market. But the pay gap is mostly for top-tier models. Beginners still earn the same global rates.
Why do so many top models work in Dubai?
Dubai offers high pay, low taxes, and a global audience. Brands use Dubai shoots as a way to reach 20+ countries at once. Plus, the city’s infrastructure-luxury studios, private villas, and elite agencies-makes it one of the easiest places in the world to produce high-end fashion content.
Can a local Dubai model become a global superstar?
Absolutely. Nour Al Huda, a Dubai-born model, signed with IMG Models in 2024 after building her portfolio locally. She now walks in Paris and Milan. The key? Building a strong local reputation first. Global agencies look for models who already understand how to work in complex markets.
Is modeling in Dubai safe for young women?
Yes, if you work through reputable agencies. Dubai has strict labor laws for models, especially women under 25. Agencies are required to have contracts, chaperones, and clear payment terms. Avoid anyone who asks for money upfront or pushes you into inappropriate shoots. Legit agencies never do that.
Final thought
Gigi Hadid isn’t just the highest paid model in the world-she’s the perfect example of how Dubai has become a financial engine for global fashion. It’s not about who’s the prettiest. It’s about who understands the value of a well-placed photo in a city that sells dreams to the world.
If you’re dreaming of modeling in Dubai, start small. Build your story. Respect the culture. And when the right opportunity comes? Don’t just show up. Show you belong.
November 25, 2025 AT 14:34
Dubai isn’t just a backdrop-it’s a strategic hub that redefines value in global fashion. The city doesn’t pay for beauty; it pays for cultural fluency. Gigi Hadid earns what she does because she understands that a high neckline in a desert shoot isn’t a compromise-it’s a negotiation with markets worth billions.