How Farhana Bodi of ‘Dubai Bling’ Built Her Empire

If you’ve been keeping up with Dubai Bling, you already know that Farhana Bodi is more than just a pretty face draped in couture on every red carpet from Cannes to Capri. She’s got the hustle, the glam, and the tea—and she shared it all on Uncut with Caroline Stanbury. 

How Farhana Bodi of ‘Dubai Bling’ Built Her Empire

From Makeup Brushes to Millionaire Moves

Before the diamonds, the designer labels, and the VIP invites, Farhana started as a makeup artist in London. But makeup wasn’t the endgame: “I wanted to do something different. I didn’t want to do makeup anymore. I wanted to make money.” And oh, did she ever.

She dabbled in real estate, consultancy, and events, but Instagram truly changed the game. Starting as a private account, she eventually went public; the rest is history. With an eye for luxury and an appetite for business, she built her personal brand one post at a time. “I worked my way up in fashion. I worked with many luxury brands,” she said, addressing the shade some high-end labels throw at reality stars. “I don’t understand why, because we give them so much exposure.” And she’s not wrong. A single red carpet look from Farhana gets more eyes on a designer than half of their ad campaigns.

When Dubai Bling Went Global

Farhana admitted she had no idea how big Dubai Bling would be: “I thought it would just be for the Arab region… and then suddenly, I was everywhere.” The Netflix effect, darling! And while the fame has been fabulous, it’s come with its share of drama—especially in the ultra-glitzy, ultra-competitive world of Dubai’s elite. But the biggest surprise? How it’s changed her perception of herself.

Caroline pointed out that while Farhana has always been perceived as the untouchable fashion icon, and Dubai Bling gave fans a deeper look: “This season, I really, really enjoyed it. And I actually think it made you more human.” And that’s where we get to the heart of the matter…

The Mother Behind the Bling

For the first time, Farhana opened up about her son, Aiden, who is on the autism spectrum. This wasn’t a story she initially wanted to share, but she realized how important it was. “I was in complete shock when they told me. I didn’t even know what autism was. I had to educate myself,” Farhana revealed.

She recalled how she first noticed changes in Aiden after a doctor’s visit when he was two. He had been verbal, but then something shifted: “My mom noticed it before I did. She said, ‘He’s not talking as much anymore.’” And like many mothers, she went through the emotional rollercoaster of denial, confusion, and finally, fierce determination.

“I’m not going to wait. I immediately started therapy—speech therapy, ABA therapy. It was really difficult in the beginning, but he has come such a long way.” And through it all, she’s been raising him as a single mother, navigating co-parenting with an ex who, according to her, “is a great father but leaves everything to me.”

Love, Marriage, and Birkins

While we’re talking about love (or the lack thereof), Farhana admitted she’s ready to date again, but it will take a powerful man to stand beside her. “I need someone who can take me to the next level,” Farhana said. YES, GIRL. 

And before you start sliding into her DMs, note: “I thought I wanted a man in the same social circle, but now I just want someone strong, who can inspire me.” 

And speaking of leveling up, Caroline tried (and failed) to convince Farhana to stop buying Birkins for five minutes and focus on real estate instead. “Michael Costello, if you’re listening, cut her off!” she joked, referencing Farhana’s designer dress hookup.

The Queen of Cannes

If you’ve seen any Cannes Film Festival coverage, you’ve seen that yellow dress. You know the one. It made global headlines, dominated the best-dressed lists, and solidified Farhana’s place as the red carpet queen. “When you Google Cannes Film Festival, the yellow dress still comes up,” she bragged. Rightfully so.

But walking that red carpet wasn’t just about a pretty dress. It was the culmination of years of manifesting. “I’ve always said: Go big or go home. And I wanted to be a L’Oreal girl. Years later, I was,” Farhana said.

What’s Next for Farhana Bodi?

With Dubai Bling season four possibly on the horizon, Farhana Bodi set her sights on even bigger things: “I would love to be in a movie—Bollywood or Hollywood, either one.”

She’s also launching a business inspired by her son, though she’s keeping the details under wraps for now. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s hopefully manifesting a new home (after cutting back on Birkins).

Farhana Bodi may be all about the glitz and glamour, but as this interview showed, there’s so much more beneath the diamonds and designer gowns. She’s a mother, a hustler, and a woman who refuses to be underestimated. And whether it’s in Cannes, on Netflix, or in the business world, one thing’s certain: She’s just getting started.