Meet Lara Tabet: An influential voice in Media, Fashion, and Luxury in Dubai

Dubai, UAE: An entrepreneur, a fashionista, a mum, and so many roles - it’s hard to find just one word to describe Lara Tabet, whose name is synonymous with influence and connection in the UAE.

As senior producer and TV presenter, Lara boasts a rich history in television. She has conducted over a thousand insightful interviews with global icons including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, US President Donald Trump, Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, Actor Richard Gere, and numerous other prominent figures in government, business, and entertainment.

As a successful entrepreneur, she manages her own influential brand, Luxury with Lara, with over 400,000 followers. Through this platform, she acts as a brand ambassador for prestigious European brands in watches, jewelry, and skincare, as well as top fashion designers from around the world.

Her expertise extends to the fashion industry, where she served as a Board Member and official spokesperson for the Arab Fashion Council and Arab Fashion Week.

Awarded the prestigious 2018 Global Influencer Award, Lara isn't just another personality; she's a seasoned professional who has shaped trends and facilitated connections for years. From judging high-profile events like Mr. Dubai and Miss Philippines to representing the beauty of Sochi, Russia, and the medical advancements of Seoul, Korea, Lara's global impact is undeniable.

Beyond the glamour, Lara is deeply committed to giving back. She is a Board Member of the Friends of Emirates Red Crescent Society and the Rashid Centre for the Disabled, actively organising charity events.

Additionally, she has held the position of Business Development Manager for G-Hospitality, a group owning award-winning restaurants in Dubai.

In this exclusive interview, Lara shares her journey, insights on the evolving landscape of influence and fashion in the Middle East, and her unwavering commitment to authenticity and sustainability.

Question: Lara, for those just getting to know you, can you share a little about your journey?

Lara: I'm originally Lebanese, born and raised in Dubai. I majored in Hospitality Management in Switzerland and returned to work in our family's hotel chain in Dubai, Lebanon, and the UK for many years. Then, I was headhunted by Dubai's first English language TV station to be a presenter. Initially, I thought it was a mistake and hung up! They called back, saying everyone recommended me. I auditioned, and a few years later, I had nine shows, producing and presenting over 7000 interviews with global celebrities who visited Dubai. It was the most enjoyable career. Later, as my children entered the IB program, I took a break from television to be a hands-on mom. This led to luxury brands from Europe and beyond approaching me to be their brand ambassador and handle business development.

This evolved into my own brand, Luxury with Lara, where I represent various brands, handling everything from product launches to events, helping them meet their targets and connect with the right people. I also do a lot of charity work with UNHCR and Friends of Emirates and Crescent. Additionally, I was on the board of the Arab Fashion Council, the former Arab Fashion Week, for many years as their spokesperson. That's me in a nutshell.

Question: Coming from a strong media background, what key skills do you apply to your work with brands today?

Lara: The core skills are understanding people and communicating effectively. Whether it was in hospitality, television, or now with luxury brands, building relationships, being organized, and respecting people's time are fundamental.

Coming from hospitality, a service industry dealing with diverse people daily, and television, which is similar, the love for people and strong communication skills are key. This applies to my work with luxury brands from different countries wanting to enter Dubai. Other crucial skills include discipline, organisation, and punctuality. Respect for people, communication, punctuality, and a disciplined approach to achieving targets are skills I've carried from hospitality to media and now to luxury brands.

Question: You're often described as an influential personality. How do you see this role, and what responsibilities come with it?

Lara: Having grown up in Dubai, I've built a deep trust with people here. So, my recommendations carry weight. I was honoured to receive the "Influencer of the Year" by ATP in 2018, which was a memorable 24-hour celebration across Dubai. Since then, I've received numerous awards. Social media is evolving, and it's crucial to trust the influencers you work with, as there are some unreliable ones.

Due diligence is necessary to find credible individuals who can deliver results. Personally, I only promote brands I genuinely believe in, prioritising honesty and transparency with my audience.

Question: With your experience on the Arab Fashion Council, how is the fashion scene in the Gulf evolving?

Lara: Having grown up in Dubai, I've witnessed the tremendous evolution of the fashion industry, especially in the last 25 years. We used to travel abroad for collections, but now Dubai Mall hosts every major brand. Interestingly, the collections here often differ and are, in my opinion, preferable. The industry has evolved significantly, with incredible fashion and emerging local designers gaining global recognition.

Question: As a luxury brand ambassador for many global brands, what qualities do you look for in a brand, and how do you ensure authenticity?

Lara: I research brands thoroughly, understanding their history, target audience, and goals. If I believe I can contribute and deliver results, we proceed. We typically start with a launch event in Dubai, inviting the right audience and media to generate impactful coverage, often preceding global launches. Synergy with the brand is crucial; even if a brand is excellent, I won't proceed without it.

Question: Dubai is a hub for ambitious women. What advice would you offer to those starting their careers?

Lara: Dubai and the UAE truly empower women, with initiatives like the UAE Gender Balance Council ensuring equality and offering benefits like extended maternity leave and flexible hours. There are even funds for women's startups. The leadership here is incredibly supportive of women's empowerment, evident in the numerous women in significant leadership roles.

Question: Balancing your roles as an influential figure, TV presenter, and mother, what skills were required, and what challenges did you face?

Lara: It all comes down to time management. I wake up early, plan my day meticulously, and my schedule is set in advance. I prioritize family time while balancing work, including selective TV presenting and managing my luxury brands. Effective time management, early starts, a clear mindset, and strong organizational and discipline skills are essential.

Question: Have you ever experienced burnout, and if so, how did you tackle it?

Lara: Yes, I do sometimes. When I feel burnt out, I switch off for a day or two to spend time with my kids and family. This re-energizes me. Even 24-48 hours of this break, often without needing to travel, helps me get back on track.

Question: With so many responsibilities, how important is mental health to you?

Lara: Mental health is key. Without mental peace, you can't achieve anything. Clarity and peace of mind are essential, requiring stability in your surroundings. It's a top priority for achieving success in life.

Question: What drives your passion for philanthropy, and what impact do you hope to make?

Lara: I feel very blessed and privileged, and I believe it's important to give back. Knowing I can help those in need, especially witnessing starvation and poverty, motivates me deeply. This has driven my involvement in charity for the past decade. If you have the means, you should give back.

Question: How do you view the evolution of fashion trends in the Gulf region and their interaction with global trends?

Lara: Fashion trends here are evolving, with a lot of amazing emerging local and international designers based in Dubai creating breathtaking designs. Sustainability is increasingly important. Many designers are using environmentally friendly fabrics, which is crucial given the fashion industry's pollution impact. We're seeing local talent grow and participate in global fashion weeks, gaining international recognition.

Question: What's your take on fast fashion, especially in a fast-paced city like Dubai where online shopping is prevalent? How can people avoid this cycle?

Lara: In Dubai's hectic lifestyle, online shopping is very common, with a significant majority shopping online for convenience, sometimes even getting deliveries within hours. To address the pollution aspect of fast fashion, we should aim for sustainability by using eco-friendly fabrics, recycling unwanted clothes, and limiting purchases. Mixing and matching existing outfits and supporting designers who prioritize sustainability are important steps.

Question: Could you share the inspiration behind founding Luxury with Lara and your vision for its future?

Lara: Luxury with Lara was established when numerous luxury brands approached me for ambassadorship and business development. As the number grew, I created this umbrella brand to house them all. It has been growing tremendously over the years. I work with various high-end brands, from stem cell clinics to jewelry and watch manufacturers. My reputation for over-delivering leads to long-term client relationships and repeated collaborations. Integrity and ensuring client satisfaction and long-term success in the market are my priorities.

Question: Looking ahead, what are your future aspirations and the legacy you hope to create in fashion and media?

Lara: I'm currently involved in several growing fashion weeks in the region, with more in the pipeline. I plan to launch my own fragrance soon, hopefully followed by skincare and makeup lines, expanding on a makeup line I previously put on hold. We're also launching a significant brand from Russia soon, and I'm working closely with Russian real estate developers focused on sustainable and healthy living concepts, a first for the region, using unique materials and technologies. Sustainability is key in all my ventures. It's crucial to act now to protect the environment, and I'm doing what I can to promote this in every business I'm involved in.

Question: How important do you see sustainability in Luxury with Lara and your other activities?

Lara: Sustainability is key. It's time we wake up and act to protect the environment. Given the global environmental issues, we must take it seriously. I'm committed to doing whatever I can to promote sustainability in every business because the environment ultimately looks after us.