Faryal Makhdoom carries herself with a natural pull that draws people in without effort.
Raised in Staten Island, New York, shaped by years building a life in the UK, and now settled in Dubai, she has spent her adult life turning reinvention into strength. Each move across continents meant starting over in a new city, new rhythm, new version of home and each time, she came out sharper and more herself.
Behind the campaigns is someone naturally introverted, someone who spent years learning how to hold her ground in the public eye while staying true to a private and reserved nature underneath. She became a wife and mother while still young and used those early years to lay the foundation, building from her own instincts, a platform built from ture to herself.
Faith anchors everything she does. Her days are structured around family, prayer and small rituals of self-care that keep her grounded no matter how busy her schedule gets. She chose Dubai deliberately, prioritizing privacy and stability for her children over the pull of the spotlight and built a close circle of friends and a genuinely peaceful life there.
Years of scrutiny has given her a resilience that shows in everything she does now….she moves through the industry with clarity, purpose, and no interest in proving herself to anyone. Faryal Makhdoom builds steadily, leads with faith, and lets her results do the talking.
In this issue of Faryal Makhdoom opens up to Grazia’s International Beauty Editor, Kaniz Ali speaking on everything she adores.
Kaniz: Talk to us about your background
Faryal Makhdoom: I grew up in New York in a Pakistani household. My father is businessman in New York. I lived half of my life there before moving to England and now currently in Dubai. I have one older brother who ended up becoming a doctor.
Kaniz Ali: How did you and Amir meet ?
Faryal Makhdoom: Amir and I met in New York, he was shooting with Prada sunglasses. I was an intern there. We both very young when we met. I was 18 years of age and he was 23. The spark in our relationship came from me not realising who he was, he was big star at the time and everyone knew who he was except me and it all rolled on from there.
Kaniz Ali: You are a wife and a mother what aspects of motherhood do you look the most?
Faryal Makhdoom: For me, the most beautiful part of motherhood is watching my children grow into their own little personalities. & Being their safe place and guiding them through life is something I treasure the most.
Kaniz Ali: Having grown up in the USA then living being married and moving to England and now currently based in Dubai. How do you feel travelling has shaped you as person?
Faryal Makhdoom: I think travelling and living in different parts of the world has shaped me immensely. Growing up in America, then moving to England after marriage and now living in Dubai has given me a real appreciation for different cultures, traditions and ways of life. It’s made me more open-minded, adaptable and independent, and I think every place I’ve lived has given me a different perspective on who I am and what truly matters to me.
Kaniz Ali: What’s the best advice you would give to someone getting married ?
Faryal Makhdoom: Marriage is a very big decision, and I genuinely believe people should take their time and really think it through before making that commitment. It’s not just about loving someone when everything is good; it’s about knowing you want to stand beside that person through the difficult seasons too. You have to choose someone whose values, character and vision for life align with yours, because marriage is a lifetime commitment in my eyes. There will be ups and downs, but if there is love, respect, loyalty and a willingness to grow together, you can build something incredibly strong.
Kaniz Ali: If Faryal was not an influencer what would she be ?
Faryal Makhdoom: If I wasn’t an influencer, I think I’d probably be a housewife and a very hands-on mum. As much as I love fashion, beauty and the lifestyle that comes with what I do, I’m also very traditional and family-oriented. I genuinely love being a wife and a mother, and there’s something very fulfilling to me about creating a beautiful home, raising my children and being there for my family. I think I’d still have my own passions and interests, but my family would always be at the heart of it.
Kaniz Ali: What’s your life motto ? And the rules you swear by ?
Faryal Makhdoom: My biggest life motto is to have faith in Allah and trust that everything happens for a reason. My faith is my foundation, especially through the difficult chapters of my life, and it’s what has given me the strength to keep moving forward.
My number one rule is to always protect my family and do everything I can to keep my family together. I’ve learned that life will test you in ways you never expect, but strength is choosing to keep going, to stay grounded and to never lose yourself in the process. I believe in loyalty, protecting your peace, staying true to your values and, above all, putting your faith in Allah.
Kaniz Ali: Being married to a well know boxer how do you think this has shaped your life ?
Faryal Makhdoom: Absolutely. Being married to someone as well-known as Amir has shaped my life in so many ways, both positively and negatively. We basically met as kids, but by the time I came into his life, Amir was already a huge name in boxing and a superstar in his own right. So I was very young, stepping into a world of fights, fame, travelling and incredible experiences that most people my age could never imagine.
I had only just turned 18 when we got engaged at 19, and married at 21. In many ways, Amir has been part of half of my life, so we’ve experienced so many different chapters together.
Of course, there was another side to it. Being in such a public marriage meant dealing with opinions, scrutiny, pressure and challenges that came with living your life in the public eye. There have been trials that I never expected, but ultimately they shaped me into the woman I am today. They made me stronger, more resilient and taught me to protect my peace and my family.
So yes, being married to Amir has absolutely shaped my life. But more than his fame, I think growing up and going through life together has shaped me the most. We’ve experienced so much side by side, and that journey has made me who I am today.
Kaniz Ali: How do you maintain your physical and emotion well being whilst working on demanding projects ?
Faryal Makhdoom: For me, it really comes down to balance and knowing when to slow down. Physically, I try to stay active, eat well and make time for myself, even when life gets busy. Emotionally, my faith is my biggest source of strength. I pray, stay close to my family and try not to let outside noise consume me.
I’ve learned that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish.
Take care of yourself allows you to be the best version of yourself for your family, your work and the people you love. Protecting my peace has become just as important to me as achieving my goals.
Kaniz Ali: How do you balance home life and work life with your demanding schedule ?
Faryal Makhdoom: My schedule isn’t as demanding as it once was because I’m much more selective about the projects I take on now. I’ve learned to be intentional about what I commit to and to make sure there’s a good balance.
Usually, one half of the year can be quite busy with filming reality shows, events and different projects, but I make sure the other half is much slower. I love taking that time off to just be at home, switch off and spend quality time with my kids. Honestly, being at home with my children, doing absolutely nothing sometimes, is my favourite thing in the world. It keeps me grounded and reminds me what matters most.
Kaniz: You are currently starring in an upcoming reality tv reality show Dubai Bling, how did that come about ?
Faryal Makhdoom: Could just say working on something big should be able to announce soon so watch out
Kaniz Ali: What is the best advice you would give to someone starting new in the world of influencing ?
Faryal Makhdoom: My biggest advice would be to stay true to who you are and never lose yourself trying to keep up with what everyone else is doing. Social media can be amazing, but it can also be overwhelming, so you have to learn not to take everything personally and not let other people’s opinions define you. Build something that feels authentic to you, be consistent, but also know your worth and don’t feel pressured to share every part of your life. Your audience will connect with you for who you really are, not for who you think they want you to be.
Kaniz Ali: What are 3 favourite make up products and why ?
Faryal Makhdoom: My three must-have makeup products would be mascara, concealer and lip balm. Mascara because I feel like it instantly opens up your eyes and makes you look more awake. Concealer is a must for covering dark circles and making me look more fresh and put together. And lip balm because I absolutely hate having dry, crusty lips! ( Faryal laughs) .
Kaniz Ali: What do you love doing in your spare time ?
Faryal Makhdoom: In my spare time, I honestly love spending time with my kids and creating memories with them. They’re my favourite people to be around, and I really cherish those moments.
I also love going out shopping. I genuinely think I have a slight addiction to shopping (Faryal laughs)
I’m also very spiritual and close to my deen, so I spend a lot of time praying and trying my best to strengthen my relationship with Allah and become a better person.
Kaniz Ali: If Faryal could disappear to any country in the world which country would it be ?
Faryal Makhdoom: I honestly wouldn’t choose anywhere other than Dubai. I know it might sound obvious, but Dubai really has everything I could ever want.
the safety, the weather, the lifestyle, the incredible restaurants, shopping and beautiful places to go. I love how family-friendly it is, how convenient everything is and, most importantly, how safe and comfortable I feel here.
Dubai has genuinely become home to me, and I don’t think I could disappear anywhere else. Even if I had the whole world to choose from, I’d still choose Dubai.
Kaniz Ali: What is your most favourite moments in life ?
Faryal Makhdoom: My favourite moments in life will always be the moments I gave birth to my children. There really are no words to describe that feeling. The moment you meet your baby for the first time, after carrying them for nine months, is something that stays with you forever.
Each birth was completely different, but the feeling was the same. In those moments, nothing else in the world mattered. It was just me and my baby, and I remember thinking, “This is what life is all about.”
Becoming a mother three times has been the greatest blessing of my life, and those moments will forever be some of my most precious memories.
Kaniz Ali: What is the most misunderstood perception the world has of you ?
Faryal Makhdoom: I think one of the most misunderstood perceptions people have of me is that I’m a bit of a bitch or stuck-up. The truth is, I’m actually quite introverted and can be very shy, especially when I’m around people I don’t know.
I can come across as reserved or like I’m in my own little bubble, but once you get to know me, you’ll see a completely different side. I’m actually a very loving and caring person, especially towards my family, my friends and the people who support and admire me.
I think my quietness can sometimes be mistaken for arrogance, when really, I’m just a little shy and very much in my own shell. That’s probably one of the biggest misconceptions about me.
Kaniz Ali: What’s your favourite beauty routine ?
Faryal Makhdoom: I’d say my favourite beauty routine is definitely skincare. I love that fresh, clean, hydrated skin feeling. I’m big on keeping my skin moisturised, using SPF, and staying consistent with my products. And no matter how tired I am, I’ll never sleep with my makeup on I feel like good makeup always starts with good skin.
Kaniz Ali: Talk us through a week in the diary of Faryal Makhdoom ?
Faryal Makhdoom: No two weeks are ever exactly the same for me. My life is a real mix of being a mum, work, filming, events, beauty, and trying to find a little time for myself in between!
My mornings always start with spending time with my kids over breakfast before they head off to school. I really cherish that time with them because once the day gets going, everyone has their own little routine. After that, I’ll have some time for myself whether that’s catching up on emails, meetings, appointments, a little shopping, or just having a quiet moment at home.
If I’m filming, those days can be really full-on and long, especially when we’re shooting a reality show. Other days might involve a photoshoot, content, an event or travelling for work. I’m lucky that my schedule isn’t as demanding all year round anymore, so when I’m not working, I genuinely love just being at home.
I also try to make time during the week for self-care skincare, beauty appointments, a little exercise and, of course, shopping… probably more shopping than necessary!
My evenings are much more family-focused. I love being home with my kids, having dinner together and just enjoying normal family time. My faith is also a huge part of my everyday life, so I always make time for my prayers and to reconnect spiritually.
Weekends are when I like to let my hair down a little and spend time with my friends. We’ll either have a fun night out and go for dinner, or sometimes it’s literally just chilling at a local café, having a coffee and venting to each other about life! I’ve made some really lovely friends here in Dubai who have become such a huge part of my life. It’s nice having that circle where we can laugh, talk about everything and just be ourselves.
Kaniz Ali: What’s the best advice you would to someone moving new to a different country and starting all over again ?
Faryal Makhdoom: I’d say give yourself time and don’t expect a new country to feel like home overnight. I’ve actually done it a few times in my life. At a young age, I moved from America to the UK and, at first, I found it really difficult. It was a complete culture shock for me and took a lot of adjusting. But slowly, the UK became home for many years, and I absolutely loved my life there.
Eventually, I reached a point where I wanted a change and, more importantly, greater security and privacy for my children, which is what brought me to Dubai. I built a new life here, found an amazing circle of friends and decided to make Dubai my final home.
So my advice would be to embrace the change, give it time and be open to starting again. What feels unfamiliar and scary in the beginning can eventually become the place you never want to leave
Kaniz Ali: What’s your favourite movie ?
Faryal Makhdoom: I’d probably say A Bronx Tale. I love movies that have a deeper meaning behind them, and that one has everything love, loyalty, family, choices and life lessons. It’s one of those classics I could watch over and over again.
Kaniz Ali: You face a very high level of controversies, how do you manage your emotional wellbeing ?
Faryal Makhdoom: I think after being in the public eye for so many years, I’ve definitely developed a thicker skin. Earlier in my life, controversies and people’s opinions affected me a lot because I was young and still figuring myself out. But the biggest mistake I made was constantly feeling like I had to justify myself, explain myself and prove my side of the story.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that not everything needs a response. People will believe what they want to believe, and you can exhaust yourself trying to change that. Now I protect my peace, keep my circle small, lean on my family and friends, and most importantly, my faith keeps me grounded.
Kaniz: What are 3 things the world does not know about Faryal Makhdoom ?
Faryal Makhdoom:
1. I’m actually really introverted. Because of the way I look or come across on social media, people sometimes assume I’m super confident or even a little stuck-up, but I’m actually quite shy and reserved until I’m comfortable with someone.
2. I’m a lot more spiritual than people probably realise. My faith is a huge part of my life. I pray a lot, speak to Allah privately and really rely on my deen to keep me grounded through both the good and difficult times.
3. I’m actually happiest doing really normal things. People see the glamour, travelling, fashion etc etc , but I genuinely love being at home, spending time with my kids, chilling with my close friends and just having a normal, peaceful life.
Kaniz: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time ?
Faryal Makhdoom: I became a mother and a wife very young, so a lot of my younger years were naturally dedicated to my family and raising my children. Now that my children are getting older, I finally feel like I have a lot more time for myself, and I’m really enjoying rediscovering that side of me.
In five years, I see myself being even more settled and content with life. My children will be older and more independent, and I think I’ll have an even better balance between being a mum, being a wife and also having my own identity and time for myself.
I also hope I’m a lot closer to my faith and that, as I get older, I lean towards my deen even more. With age, you realise that so many things in this world are temporary, but your faith, your character and the good deeds you leave behind are what truly matter and carry you a long way. Ultimately, I just hope to be healthy, happy, at peace and surrounded by the people I love.
Kaniz: Where’s your favourite hang out spots in Dubai ?
Faryal Makhdoom: My favourite hangout spots in Dubai are actually quite normal and chilled. I love going to Saddle on a Sunday with my friends, especially during the Dubai winter when the weather is beautiful. We’ll sit outside, sip our coffees, watch the cars go by and just enjoy being normal for a few hours.
CEO: Zahra Saifullah
Editor-in-Chief: Nashmia Amir Butt
Creative Director: Kaniz Ali
Photography: Ahmed El Nahal
Make Up & Styling: Kaniz Ali
Wardrobe: Rosy Pirani & Frontier Raas Dubai
Jewellery: Jewellery Trunk
Location: Vida Hotel, Dubai UAE
