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Dubai: It’s not easy to walk away from a stable, well-paying corporate job—especially one that comes with power suits and boardroom clout. But Dalia El Ali did it anyway. The Lebanese-Palestinian fashion designer, entrepreneur, and art collector left her investment banking career to pursue her passion for fashion design.
Watch the video interview with Dalia El Ali on leaving finance and reinventing herself in Dubai What followed wasn’t a dramatic reinvention—it was a series of smart, intentional shifts that shaped a new kind of success story in Dubai, a city that doesn’t just reward ambition, it thrives on it. “I did love investment banking. I was very happy,” she says, recalling her early days in finance after studying at the American University of Beirut.
“But of course, I got married and I got my kids, and it was a bit too much pressure with my two lovely boys and to have a full-time job, especially investment banking—it’s very demanding.” That decision to pause wasn’t a detour—it was a recalibration. “I decided to take courses with London College of Fashion, because it’s always been my passion.
And after that, I really enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t go back to banking.” Her fashion label took off quickly, with a showroom in Dubai Design District, a runway debut at London Fashion Week, and a growing reputation. “That brand was extremely successful—until COVID came.
That year, it was very hard to maintain any small business, so I decided to downsize.” But even then, her influence didn’t wane. “Many brands reached out to me to collaborate.
And from that, I became an entrepreneur.” Today, she runs a company with multiple arms: brand collaborations, luxury event hosting, warehouse, and Circle— a project where she spearheads a curated exhibition that features 40 regional designers every two months. “After being a regional designer and knowing how hard it is to be in that field, I wanted to give back.
” While art isn’t a business pursuit, it’s become a grounding presence. “Art became part of just a hobby, but I love collecting. I’m part of The Art Saloon, a small group from Art Dubai—we travel the world for art.
” Leaving a solid banking career wasn’t without doubts. “Honestly, I loved investment banking, so I was scared that I’m missing out on a big opportunity. Sometimes I still say, I wish I didn’t leave corporate life.
I like to talk to different nationalities and meet people from different backgrounds.” But she’s clear: both worlds come with their own rewards. “No one can say creative world is better than corporate world.
They give you totally different kinds of satisfaction.” Her biggest advantage? Balance. “For me, as a mother, I wanted to be part of my kids’ lives, and I knew corporate world would take a lot of that.
I work hard for my business, but at the same time, I have the flexibility to be at home every day by 3pm.” Being your own boss comes with its own demands. “There’s no one paying your salary at the end of the month, right? It’s a business that you need to decide what you want from it—money, creativity, or just entertainment.
” How does she stay motivated? “Every time I feel demotivated or uncreative, I try to get a new project—something totally new. Personally, I go on trips. That’s how I get inspired to work again.
” It was on these art trips that she found clarity. “Art trips were the ones that made me feel comfortable and inspired. I come back refuelled, refreshed.
” Of course, not everything is as glossy as it appears online. “What you see on social media is a fake. Everyone knows it’s not reality.
We’re grown-ups. With grown-ups, you have problems—sick parents, raising teenagers. It’s very difficult.
” But she doesn’t let the tough parts dim her breezy aura. “I’m a very cheerful, smiley person. I always give cheerful energy, even if I’m a bit down.
” Even with success, there’s a sense of grounded gratitude. “We are more fortunate and luckier than a lot of people in the world. Alhamdulillah.
We have amazing homes, health, our kids. But of course, life has its challenges.” Her advice to anyone standing at a crossroads? “Have a goal in your mind in everything you do.
Reaching that goal is the best feeling in the world—and it will help you aim for the next one.” Her eventful life proves that in Dubai, success isn’t always linear—and Dalia El Ali wouldn’t have it any other way. Reinvention isn’t her backup plan.
It’s her signature move..
