So you’ve decided to become a model in Dubai and are looking for a quick and easy way to achieve your goal. We created this simple guide to assist you on your journey! Grab a cup of coffee or a steaming chai-latte, a pen, and some paper, and let’s get started!

BEFORE YOU START

Get An Evaluation Before You Begin: Okay, so the first step sounds tedious, but it can save you a lot of time, energy, and emotional response to rejection. Getting an evaluation from a photographer, agency, or another model who is familiar with the industry can be a good place to start. It is not required, so don’t be concerned if you don’t know anyone in the industry. Continue reading to learn how to get started modeling in Dubai.

What Kind Of Model Are You Looking For?

The first thing you should think about is what kind of model you want to be. There are numerous models available, but one of the most common and widely used in Dubai is

  • Fashion models – The world is your playground, from Vogue to Bazaar and Cosmopolitan.
  • Magazine and Catalogue Model – Debenhams’ new magazine features only you! Catwalk Models – Walking the latest designs and clothing lines from famous designers on the catwalk Magazine and Catalogue Model – Debenhams’ new magazine features only you!
  • Commercial/Promotional Model – Cavalli Club Brand Ambassador? Vero Moda’s New Face?
  • Plus-Size Model – A few extra kilogrammes don’t matter; the plus-size category is expanding!
  • Glamour Model – Do photoshoots in hotels, spas, and luxury resorts sound appealing?

If you are a female model, keep in mind that to be successful in fashion and catwalk modeling, you must be at least 6feet (182cm) tall. Investigate the various types of models and determine what you want.

Examine a Model: Examine your favourite models in the genre you want to enter. Everything from movement, angles, poses, and features to how they think, act in public, and, most importantly, how they got to the top. Being a model is a full-time job for many, and agencies see a large number of people who want to be models every day. You must approach this as if it were a task. Always, always, always study!

Photographs: Headshots do not have to be expensive professional photographs that cost thousands of dirhams. A few quick shots in natural well-lit settings in both colour and black/white will suffice. Remember that the headshots should be taken with minimal makeup, natural hair, and casual clothing. Don’t overdo it, and make sure the photos look exactly like you in broad daylight on any regular day.

Dimensions: Body measurements are required for you to make it; if you are unsure how to measure it, you can always seek professional assistance. I know models who had their body measurements taken by a fitness trainer, but you can easily do it yourself. You will need the following items whether you are a man or a woman:

  • Bust measurement – Place the tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms, with your arms at your sides.
  • Waist measurement – Wrap the tape measure around your natural waistline while standing.
  • Hips measurement – Measure your hips by wrapping the tape measure around the fullest part of your body between your waist and your knees while standing with your feet together. This is about 8 inches below your waist.
  • Neck circumference – Take a measurement around your Adam’s apple and just above the base of your neck.
  • Arm/sleeve measurement – Run the tape measure across the top of your shoulder, down to your elbow, and finally to your wrist.
  • Chest Measurement – Standing with your arms at your sides, wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms.
  • Inseam Measurement –  the inseam of a pair of pants that fits you well. Measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the pant along the seam with a measuring tape.

You will also need standard information such as weight, height, age, skin tone, hair colour, hair type, and so on.

Checklist for Modeling

  • You now understand your model type.
  • You have set this as a goal and are willing to put in the effort required to achieve it.
  • You’ve prepared a few good headshots. You’ve studied a model and know which poses to strike and how to be at ease in front of a camera.
  • You have a complete measurement of every aspect of your body.
  • You are now ready to begin working with your material and gaining exposure in order to land your first job!

HOW TO BECOME A MODEL IN DUBAI

Becoming a model in Dubai is similar to becoming a model in many other cities and places around the world, though it should be noted that because Dubai is a small city in comparison to others, and the actual industry is small as well, you will need a bit more exposure in front of the right people to get noticed.

Should I go with a Dubai Modeling Agency?

There are a few larger and smaller agencies in Dubai, but they all allow people to contact them for casting/test screening. You can easily contact them all and send them your measurements and headshots. Choosing the right Agency can be difficult, and you should consider the following factors:

  • Large agency – You will most likely be another fish in the sea and will never get noticed by large agencies because they will focus on their super-stars, and your headshots will most likely end up in a very large pile they have from the other 1000 aspiring models who contacted them the previous week.
  • Medium agency – Starting small is sometimes better; a medium-sized agency will have more time for each model and may be able to get you into more challenging shoots where you are a perfect fit.
  • Small agency – This is where I would begin. “Why?” you may ask. Unless your looks are a mix of Tyra Banks and Candice Swanepoel, you will most likely have a better chance of getting a good connection with a smaller agency.

Dubai Freelance Model

While you wait for model agencies to respond with work, you must promote yourself, and there is no better way than to begin your career as a Freelance Model. CNT is the best modeling agencies in Dubai.

Here are our recommendations:

  • Investigate the modeling agencies to see if there is a good fit.
  • Make a model portfolio on Mixfame.com and post your best photos.
  • Organize a few test shoots (see below for how to get them free of charge)
  • Begin by practising poses and moods/expressions.
  • Attend industry gatherings.
  • Make friends with producers and freelance bookers (yes, it’s perfectly ok to add them on Facebook and linkedin)
  • Find friends with similar interests and help each other Take opportunities to work in the industry, even if they are unpaid, and keep pushing for it even if things don’t seem to be moving quickly

Dubai Photoshoots – The Free Photoshoot

Photographers who are honing their craft frequently require models to photograph. You can find listings from photographers looking for models on Dubizzle and Mixfame.com; this is a great way to practise your skills while also receiving free photographs.

Never pass up an opportunity like this if you want to be a model; any experience you gain will help you achieve your goal of becoming a model in Dubai.

HOW TO FIND A WORK?

There are plenty of talent booking platforms available where you can share your portfolio and register yourself as a model. CNT.ae, Freelancers, and many other platforms are available online where you can register yourself as a model and get enquiries from the different businesses. Many businesses hire hostesses for the event as well as hire models online for a product launch or other events and they prefer the talent booking platforms first. So make sure you register yourself there.