The Real Housewives of Dubai

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    The Real Housewives of Dubai: Stars respond to criticism surrounding the show

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    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    After months of anticipation, The Real Housewives of Dubai officially premiered back in June.
    Starring six Dubai-based women – Caroline Stanbury; beauty entrepreneur Caroline Brooks; lifestyle content creator Nina Ali; Dubai’s first black supermodel Chanel Ayan; fashion designer Lesa Milan; and Emirati-Bahraini entrepreneur Sara Al Madani – the reality show explores their lives in the emirate, growing businesses, romantic lives and catty drama.
    While there were many fans eagerly awaiting the first international rendition of the franchise produced by Bravo, the show has sparked a slew of controversy, with many criticising it saying it “does not represent Dubai”.
    However, now the show has been on the air for over six weeks, two of the show’s main protagonists, Sara Al Madani and Nina Ali, responded to the backlash in an exclusive interview with Emirates Woman, clarifying exactly what The Real Housewives of Dubai is meant to represent.

    Al Madani believes a lot of the initial criticism came from many not understanding the show’s roots. “A lot of people didn’t understand that this is a franchise name, while another group of people thought how this is a representation of how women are a housewife in Dubai,” she said, adding that’s she’s never claimed to be representing anyone else but herself.
    “There are numerous shades of the rainbow and similarly different types of Emirati women, hence, I cannot represent them or my country, I am simply representing myself,” she continued.
    However, despite the controversy, Al Madani does hope she can empower other women to “break the mould”.
    “I want women not to be controlled of what others would think of them, or seek validation or meet their expectation from others,” she said. “I want to break the mould for a woman to be anything and everything she wants.”

    Meanwhile, Ali echoed a similar sentiment as her co-star when it came to the show’s critics, highlighting some may have simply taken the name the ‘Real Housewives’ too literally. Ali socially known as Lipstick Mommy on Instagram, referred to herself as a ‘Bravo-holic’ as she first started watching the franchise in 2006, thereby starring on the show.
    “This title simply comes from a franchise that has been around for over 18 years,” she said. “It’s not a show portraying the typical housewife that sits at home and cooks, it’s about women that run their own businesses.”
    After being on the air for a few weeks now, Ali believes people are now beginning to “understand” what the show is actually about.
    “It represents Dubai being a melting pot of cultures,” she said. “Overall, it’s a fun reality entertainment show, it’s now a documentary.”
    The Real Housewives of Dubai is currently streaming on OSN. 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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      The internet’s best reactions to The Real Housewives of Dubai so far

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 minute ago

      Even before premiering, The Real Housewives of Dubai sparked some strong reactions.
      So, this is why it’s come as no surprise conversation surrounding the show following its premiere has been somewhat heated, to say the least.
      With an unfiltered side to the protagonists now on show for all to see, viewers couldn’t help but react to all the controversial elements that this show had to offer.
      The entire cast features six ‘housewives’, that include Caroline Stanbury; beauty entrepreneur Caroline Brooks; lifestyle content creator Nina Ali; Dubai’s first black supermodel Chanel Ayan; fashion designer Lesa Milan; and Emirati-Bahraini entrepreneur Sara Al Madani, whose strong personalities clash at some given point during the show.
      From Ayan’s oh-so-fabulous outfits to Milan’s hilarious comments to seeing some of the best spots in Dubai, this reality TV show has come with a series of unexpected moments leading to a slew of reactions from viewers globally.
      After already garnering a massive audience a few days after releasing, Emirates Woman has curated the most interesting reactions recorded so far from the show.

      “i’m rihanna. nina’s mashed potatoes.” – @chanelayan i’m obsessed #RHOD
      — pool (@chenbot420) June 14, 2022

      Idk I feel like ever since I saw the wealth with #RHOD, Beverly Hills looking a little poor 🥴🤭#RHOBH
      — Mary’s Bible (@Marysfavorite) June 9, 2022

      Ayan brought a goat. Iconic #RHOD #RHODubai
      — Joanne Robertson (@revjospa) June 9, 2022

      Who is the hair stylist for the Real Housewives of Dubai?? These wigs are horrible. Bravo knows better!!! #RHOD #BravoTv
      — DentalDiva (@FlossyHygienist) June 9, 2022

      Is Ayan wearing fur in the desert? I’m sweating just watching #RHODubai #RHOD
      — Kerra Tener Wellington (@Holla_AtCha) June 10, 2022

      While the show came with some severe backlash, a host of people are enjoying RHOD and it’s had a slew of positive feedback.

      The Dubai ladies are GORGEOUS. Lesa is STUNNING. 🤩 #RHOD
      — S (@SMagnificent10) June 9, 2022

      Sara’s son…just adorable and we need more of him on our screens. That is all. #RHOD
      — DeeBee (@DWilliamsss) June 14, 2022

      Lesa Milan is the prettiest housewife EVER #RHOD
      — Kevin (@ATasarov) June 9, 2022

      With all these comments, we already can’t wait for season 2.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Everything to know about the cast of the Real Housewives of Dubai

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 minute ago

      The Real Housewives of Dubai has officially landed.
      The newest instalment of one of the most drama-fuelled reality franchises, premiered on Bravo TV in the US on June 1 and June 2 in the Middle East on OSN+ highlighting Dubai and all its glamour.
      While the premiere highlighted Dubai in all of its glamour, it begs the question: how much do we all really know about these leading ladies?
      Get to know the six key protagonists of the show – Caroline Stanbury, Caroline Brooks, Dr. Sara Al Madani, Nina Ali, Chanel Ayan and Lesa Milan – below.
      Caroline Stanbury

      Known for living life unapologetically, Caroline Stanbury has nothing less than a lavish life in this concrete jungle with her husband, former Real Madrid player Sergio Carrallo.  she certainly shows her hawk-eyed fans, that one can fall in love once again, especially after her divorce. With an international presence, Stanbury previously starred in three seasons of Ladies of London and is a podcast host on the series Divorced Not Dead. The star was previously married to Turkish financier Cem Habib, with whom she has three children. As a brave-hearted woman with a strong personality, she’s sure to bring some enticing drama to the table.
      Caroline Brooks

      Caroline Brooks is a proud first-generation American and Afro-Latina. Regarded as a real-estate guru, she’s self-made, driven and only focused on achieving more. Originally from Newton, Massachusetts, Brooks has made Dubai her home for the last 11 years and has lived a life nothing less than luxurious ever since. As her journey was filled with challenges, she had to work herself up after being left with nothing from her divorce. Her experiences have made her a woman of grit and she’s certainly a force to be reckoned with.
      Dr. Sara Al Madani

      This Emirati entrepreneur and public speaker is a combination of both modern and traditional. Having started her business at an early age, Dr Sara Al Madani has made a mark in the UAE as the youngest board member of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, a renowned fashion designer and entrepreneur. With her forward-thinking approach to life, she’s on a mission to break the cultural barrier and social stigma that surrounds single working women who can balance both their personal lives and career.
      Nina Ali

      Nina Ali is a well-known content creator in the Middle East. Originally hailing from Lebanon, Ali lived in the USA with her husband, Munaf Ali, before relocating to Dubai together. Known as Lipstick Mommy on Instagram, the mum-of-three is consistently sharing her daily life with her 521,000 followers.
      Chanel Ayan

      As the first Kenyan origin model from the UAE, Chanel Ayan has been featured in a host of beauty and fashion campaigns in the Middle East. Ayan has been modelling since the age of 18 and has worked with a host of luxe fashion brands throughout the years including Rami Al Ali, Valentino, Tiffany & Co. and more. She continues to wear many hats, which include being a mum, owning her own makeup brand, running a talent agency and now will soon add reality TV star to the mix.
      Lesa Milan

      Lesa Milan is a fashion designer and entrepreneur who has been living in Dubai with her husband and three sons for many years. She has previously won the title of Miss Jamaica in 2010. By balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, Milan proves that everything is possible. As a high-maintenance woman and an over-achiever, we’re eager to see how she fits into the show.
      So mark your calendars, as this popular reality TV show airs on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, on Bravo TV.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied/Instagram More

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      Here’s where you can watch the Real Housewives of Dubai in the UAE

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      1 minute ago

      After months of build-up and anticipation, The Real Housewives of Dubai is set to officially premiere this week.
      It was announced by Bravo TV back in late 2022 that this would be the first international version of the Real Housewives franchise produced by the network themselves.
      While the show is set to air in the US on Bravo, not to worry, we’re also going to be able to watch it right here in the UAE.
      Where can I watch the Real Housewives of Dubai in the UAE?
      The Real Housewives of Dubai will be streamed exclusively in the MENA region on OSN+, with the new episodes being dropped weekly on the platform.
      The first season of the Dubai instalment of the show will air at the same time as the US.
      [embedded content]
      When does the show premiere?
      The show is set to premiere later this week on June 1, 2022 in the US and June 2, 2022 on OSN+ in the Middle East.
      The first teaser for the show was released back in April and the first full-length trailer was released a few weeks ago.
      Who are the Real Housewives of Dubai?
      Taking centre stage in the Real Housewives of Dubai is Caroline Stanbury, who previously starred in the Bravo-produced show Ladies of London.
      Starring alongside the reality television alum is beauty entrepreneur Caroline Brooks; luxury lifestyle content creator Nina Ali; Dubai’s first black supermodel Chanel Ayan; fashion designer Lesa Milan; and Emirati-Bahraini entrepreneur Dr Sara Al Madani.
      OSN+ is available to download across all iOS and Android devices for only $9.50 USD per month, with a complimentary seven-day trial.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Real Housewives of Dubai teaser sparks criticism in the UAE

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      5 hours ago

      The Real Housewives of Dubai trailer has sparked controversy in the region.
      Following the release of the full-length trailer last week, some have spoken out condemning the show, highlighting that it does not accurately represent the emirate of Dubai.
      Leading the conversation surrounding the criticism of The Real Housewives of Dubai is Emirati commentator Majid Alamry.
      Last week he took to Instagram to share a video with his 86.6k followers denouncing the show in its entirety saying that it “does not represent Dubai”.
      “The housewives of my country are our mothers, our sisters, our daughters,” he said in his video. “They are the backbone in helping give our children the proper upbringing.”

      However, he described the ‘housewives’ in the show as “women using the nastiest language you can ever think of and they’re presenting themselves as gold diggers”.
      Alamry went on to explain that while the UAE is “a tolerant country… that does not mean that other can walk all over our morals and values”.
      Since posting the video, Alamry has garnered over 260,000 views, over 10,000 likes and over 1,000 comments, with many sharing a similar sentiment to him.
      Popular fashion content creator Fatma Husam commented saying, “Thank you for speaking our thoughts.”
      Meanwhile, others commented saying Alamry’s words were “well said” and they “fully agree” with his statements.
      The first international instalment of the Real Housewives franchise was announced back in November and is set to premiere on June 1, 2022 on Bravo TV.
      The reality show is set to follow the lives of Dubai residents Caroline Stanbury, Caroline Brooks, Dr. Sara Al Madani, Nina Ali, Chanel Ayan and Lesa Milan.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      Watch: The Real Housewives of Dubai first full trailer unveils a lot of drama

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      May 18, 2022

      It’s just a few weeks until the premiere of The Real Housewives of Dubai and to up the anticipation, the first full-length trailer has dropped.
      Following the lives of Dubai residents, Caroline Stanbury, Caroline Brooks, Sara Al Madani, Nina Ali, Chanel Ayan and Lesa Milan, it appears the first international version of the franchise is set to deliver in the entertainment and drama departments.
      In fact, according to the franchise’s executive producer Andy Cohen there’s a lot that will be seen that many “didn’t expect to see in Dubai”.
      “I think people are going to be very surprised how much Dubai plays into things and the rules of Dubai and what’s allowed for women there and what’s not, and I think it’s going to blow a lot of stereotypes out of the water,” he recently told Entertainment Tonight. “You’re going to see a lot of things that you didn’t expect to see in Dubai.”
      While a teaser was released at the beginning of last month, the newest trailer gives fans more of an insight into what to expect from The Real Housewives of Dubai.
      From arguments to lavish dinners to weddings, to fashion shows and more, there’s a lot to digest from the three-minute trailer. So, here’s what stood out to us.
      [embedded content]
      Drama, drama, drama
      As with any of the Real Housewives franchises, the drama is set to come in its masses. From relationship woes to gossiping to friendship fallouts, we can’t wait to see it all unfold on-screen. 
      Luxury & lavish lives take centre stage
      All of the Real Housewives series’ are known for showcasing the opulent lives of the protagonists and Dubai will be no different.
      Branded the ‘City of Gold’ by Bravo, the trailer shows a scene where housewife Nina Ali is shocked by a license plate selling for Dhs33 million.
      You’ll see some iconic Dubai hotspots

      For those who know Dubai, it’ll be fun to see which hotspots the franchise has chosen to film at. So far in the trailer, we’ve seen the housewives dining at the Palazzo Versace Hotel and the world’s largest observation wheel Ain Dubai. The cast also parties at Miss Lily’s and takes part in a photoshoot in the desert with camels.
      The women aren’t playing games
      It’s clear all of The Real Housewives of Dubai protagonists are booked and busy. In the trailer, entrepreneur Caroline Brooks discusses her new venture with her fellow castmate – which interestingly has input from two of her exes – and Lesa Milan is seen going through the motions of hosting her first fashion show.
      As Caroline Stanbury says in the trailer: “In Dubai, women are far from submissive. Most of the women are running this town.”
      Things get real

      While there’s a huge amount of glamour in the trailer, things are also set to get real and personal with the housewives. Chanel Ayan opens up about finding love and Nina Ali breaks down in tears with her cast members.
      There’s wedding bells

      Fans are set to get a look inside Caroline Stanbury’s lavish wedding to Sergio José Carrallo Pendás which took place back in December at Raffles The Palm Dubai.
      Well-known faces appear

      Some well-known faces from the Real Housewives are set to appear in the first international edition of the franchise. In the trailer we see Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks sitting down for a catch-up with Caroline Brooks.
      “Give me the tea, honey, I’m very thirsty today,” she says.
      Just like Parks, we cannot wait to see and hear about all of The Real Housewives of Dubai tea.
      The show is set to premiere on June 1, 2022. 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images/Media: Bravo TV Instagram/YouTube More