Harper's Bazaar Arabia (@harpersbazaararabia)

With her Dubai-based production company Pan East Media, Saba Mubarak had one mission in mind: to fight the longstanding misogyny in film. When starting out, there was no such thing as a female director, only a ‘script girl.’ Not one to sit on the sidelines, she was compelled to tackle this inequality head on. “I wanted to create characters for a woman who is 60, a woman who is not conventionally pretty, a woman who is overweight by society’s standards.” Saba has since produced projects about independent mothers and career-driven female leads, never shying away from subjects like domestic violence and the plight of asylum seekers told through the lens of women. At the link in bio, Saba shares why these are the narratives that matter, and why she hopes this will be her legacy. Read the full story at the link in bio. منذ أن افتتحت شركة الإنتاج الخاصة بها ومقرها دبي، بان إيست ميديا، حملت صبا مبارك على عاتقها مهمة واحدة واضحة: مواجهة التمييز المتجذر ضد المرأة في عالم السينما. ففي بداياتها، لم يكن هناك وجود لمخرجة امرأة، بل مجرد ما يُعرف بـ “فتاة السيناريو”. غير أنّها لم تكن ممن يقفون على الهامش، بل دفعتها شجاعتها إلى مواجهة هذا الخلل مباشرة. تصرح:«أردت أن أبتكر شخصيات لامرأة في الستين من عمرها، لامرأة لا تُعد جميلة وفق المعايير السائدة، لامرأة يُنظر إليها على أنها ممتلئة وفق مقاييس المجتمع». ومنذ ذلك الحين، أنتجت صبا أعمالاً تتمحور حول الأمهات المستقلات والنساء الطموحات اللواتي يقدن مسارهن المهني، ولم تتردد في تناول قضايا حساسة مثل العنف الأسري ومأساة طالبي اللجوء من منظور نسوي خالص. اكتشفوا في الرابط عبر البايو سبب إيمانها العميق بهذه الحكايات، ولماذا تأمل أن تكون هذه هي إرثها الذي سيبقى. اقرأوا القصة كاملة عبر الرابط في البايو. Talent: @sabamubarak Group Editor in Chief: @oliviaphillipsbazaar Creative Direction: @marnelenoir Art Direction: @paulsolomons.studio Photographer: @silipman @raybrownpro Stylist: @enolblasco Jewellery: @cartier Looks: @fendi @rabanne @emporioarmani Hair Stylist: @jlamarin Manicurist: @audreycheri Grooming: @miwamoroki @the.tag.agency Senior Producer: @steff.producer Production: @jeanmarcmondelet Talent Management: @kareemsamy @mad_solutions

As the architect of an identity in flux, @sabamubarak is the first to admit she’s still figuring herself out. Gracing the September 2025 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, Saba tells Amanda Randone how she believes that “99 per cent of who we are is shaped by factors outside of our control. What little remains, though, is ripe for our own making.” After more than two decades under the spotlight - embodying myriad characters while also working out who she is off screen - one thing is clear; “In that one per cent is millions of kilometres of space where you can have free will to say that this isn’t going to be my colour, that I can be different,” she explains. “Sometimes you need to reboot, reset, just disappear and find your own voice again.” Read the full story at the link in bio. هي المهنية المخضرمة التي لا تنكر أبدًا أنها في غضون رحلة اكتشاف الذات. تتألق صبا مبارك على غلاف هاربرز بازار العربية لعدد شهر سبتمبر 2025، بينما تكشف لأماندا راوندن إيمانها بأن:«تسعة وتسعين في المئة من ذواتنا تتشكل بفعل عوامل خارجة عن إرادتنا، أما ذلك الجزء الضئيل المتبقي، فهو أرض خصبة لنصنعه بأنفسنا». وبعد أكثر من عقدين تحت الأضواء – مجسدة شخصيات لا حصر لها بينما تحاول في الوقت نفسه اكتشاف من تكون بعيدًا عن الشاشة – توضح أمر واحد جلي: «في ذلك الواحد في المئة مساحات شاسعة، ملايين الكيلومترات، تتيح لك حرية أن تقولي: هذا اللون لا يمثلني، أستطيع أن أكون مختلفة». «أحيانًا تحتاجين إلى إعادة التشغيل، إلى إعادة الضبط، إلى أن تختفي قليلًا لتجدي صوتك من جديد». اقرؤوا القصة الكاملة عبر الرابط في البايو. Talent: @sabamubarak Group Editor in Chief: @oliviaphillipsbazaar Creative Direction: @marnelenoir Art Direction: @paulsolomons.studio Photographer: @silipman @raybrownpro Stylist: @enolblasco Jewellery: @cartier Look: @rabanne @maisonvalentino @louisvuitton Hair Stylist: @jlamarin Make-Up Artist: @_raffaeleromagnoli Words: Amanda Randone Manicurist: @audreycheri @b_agency Grooming: @miwamoroki @the.tag.agency Senior Producer: @steff.producer Production: @jeanmarcmondelet Talent Management: @kareemsamy @mad_solutions

“I wanted to create characters that look like our mothers, our sisters, women we know who really are heroes, who do amazing things.” @sabamubarak graces the cover of the Harper’s Bazaar Arabia; just one of the trailblazers epitomising Arab excellence in our September 2025 issue. We feature Palestinian activist Alana Hadid ( @lanzybear), who shares her ethical fashion manifesto, comedian @moamer who tells us why success means never quitting, and Algerian-French designer @faizabouguessa , alongside emerging Ramallah-born and bred Ayham Hassan ( @ayham_hassan_99), whose debut stole the Central Saint Martins’ graduate show. Meanwhile @zeynabmohamed_ dives into the alarming world of Chat GPT glow-ups, rife with racial beauty bias, and colourism. Welcome to our new season - defined by the voices embodying the region’s wit, creativity and splendour. Find the September 2025 issue cover story at the link in bio. أردتُ أن أقدم شخصيات واقعيه تُشبه أمهاتنا، شقيقاتنا، النساء اللواتي نعرفهنّ حقّ المعرفة، واللواتي يُجسّدن البطولة الحقيقية، ويقمن بأشياء مذهلة”. تتألّق صبا مبارك على غلاف هاربرز بازار العربية لعدد شهر سبتمبر 2025؛ واحدة من الرائدات اللواتي يُجسّدن التميّز العربي بكل معانيه. وبالتوازي، نتحدث مع الناشطة الفلسطينية ألانا حديد عن الاستدامة في الأزياء. فيما يكشف الكوميديان محمد عامر لماذا يعني النجاح الاستمرارية الدائمة. وتنضم فايزة بوقصة إلى القائمة بجانب كلًا من أيهم حسن الذي خطف الأنظار في عرض تخرّج سينترال سان مارتن. أما في عالم الجمال، فتتولّى زينب محمد زمام الحديث لتغوص في عالم تطور شات جي بي تي في الاستشارات الجمالية. مرحبًا بكم في موسم جديد، تصنع ملامحه الأصوات التي تجسّد ذكاء المنطقة، وجمالها، وإبداعها، وتألقها. اقرؤوا القصة الكاملة لغلاف عدد سبتمبر 2025 عبر الرابط في البايو. Talent: @sabamubarak Group Editor in Chief: @oliviaphillipsbazaar Creative Direction: @marnelenoir Art Director: @paulsolomons.studio Photographer: @silipman @raybrownpro Stylist: @enolblasco Jewellery: @cartier Look: @rabanne Hair stylist: @jlamarin Make-up Artist: @_raffaeleromagnoli Manicurist: @audreycheri @b_agency Grooming: @miwamoroki @the.tag.agency Senior Producer: @steff.producer Production: @jeanmarcmondelet Talent management: @kareemsamy @mad_solutions

Architectural lines, fluid textures, playful detailing and the return of the Spy bag shape @fendi’s A/W25 collection, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and spirited charm. Which piece are you adding to your collection this season? Photographer: @ben_cope Stylist: @imogenelegrand Model: @loras.petrovska Hair Stylist: @aida_glow Make-Up Artist: @le.kairouz Senior Producer: @steff.producer Styling Assistant: @margueritachris Special thanks to @mimimeifair.ae

Plain burgundy in 2025 are about balance—grounded yet expressive, polished yet playful… As temperatures drop and wardrobes shift from linen to leather, nails are getting a seasonal upgrade too. This fall, manicures are less about minimalism and more about mood—deep, fashion-forward shades and luxe finishes that feel like an extension of your autumn wardrobe.

@dimaayad unveiled three captivating lines as part of its SS26 collection at @dubaifashionweek this evening—Resort, Evening wear, and a Ramadan collection—each brought to life in uniquely curated spaces. A showcase of craftsmanship and heart.

Shortly before the late designer’s passing, Agata Pospieszynska ( @agatapospieszynska), captured the effortless grace, purity of form and enduring Italian design codes of #giorgioarmani Privé - which recently celebrated two decades in couture. Sasha Slater spoke to the Italian maestro, whose exquisite creations never failed to enthrall Hollywood and dominate the red carpet. “I offer everyone, both actresses and ordinary women, the chance to be themselves, just in a more streamlined and elegant version,” mused the 91-year-old designer. “The emotion is the same.” Find the full story at the link in bio.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Giorgio Armani, at the age of 91. A fashion industry behemoth, Giorgio sculpted the very landscape of contemporary Italian style, founding his label in 1975. “In this company, we have always felt like part of a family. Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication,” read a statement from his employees and family. “But it is precisely in his spirit that we, the employees and the family members who have always worked alongside Mr. Armani, commit to protecting what he built and to carrying his company forward in his memory, with respect, responsibility, and love.”

From sugar-crafted florals to smart planning, wedding cakes can be as much a work of art as the gown itself. The UAE’s Cake Couturier, @thecaketress, shares her expert tips on transforming your cake into an edible masterpiece.

Three days into Dubai Fashion Week, the shows are delivering the region’s signature sparkle. From Chic & Holland’s crystal-strewn silhouettes and Kresha Bajaj’s intricate embroidery, to Hebajasmi’s sculptural gowns, Maison Novague’s modern romance, and Rizman Rizuni’s dramatic flourishes, there is endless inspiration for any bride-to-be. @chicandholland @hebajasmiofficial @rizmanruzaini @kreshabajajofficial

Back-to-school is in full swing, with brands reimagining nostalgic essentials as coveted luxuries—elevated additions that feel both timeless and on-trend. This is one class you won’t want to miss. Take your seat, the lesson in style starts now. Fashion edit: @charlotte.marsh

In an age of endless scrolling and rapid trends, Bazaar Arabia’s September issue is a reminder that attention is the ultimate luxury. A letter from our Editor in Chief @oliviaphillipsbazaar calls for depth over distraction — and celebrates the voices still daring to create against the current.