The Pause Button: What Really Happened To The Real Housewives Of Dubai And Where The Cast Is Now

The Real Housewives of Dubai (RHODubai) has hit a major roadblock, with executive producer Andy Cohen confirming the show is officially on "pause" after just two seasons. This news, which circulated widely in late 2024 and was confirmed by cast members in early 2025, marks a sudden halt for Bravo's first international Housewives franchise and leaves a massive void in the network's glitzy schedule. For fans who were captivated by the opulence, drama, and high-stakes business ventures of the cast, the question remains: why the sudden stop, and what are the Dubai divas doing now that the cameras have stopped rolling? The show’s second season, which premiered on June 2, 2024, and concluded in September 2024, saw a new dynamic with the departure of Nina Ali and the introduction of 'friend of' Taleen Marie Khanoyan, maintaining the franchise's signature blend of lavish parties and intense confrontations. However, despite the drama, the series failed to secure an immediate renewal for a third season. The cast, known for their entrepreneurial spirit, has since pivoted back to their ultra-successful businesses and current projects, proving that life in the UAE’s most glittering city continues to move at a breakneck pace, even without Bravo's cameras.

The Glamorous Cast: Full Biography and Current Status (2025)

The ensemble cast of *The Real Housewives of Dubai* is a powerhouse of international business acumen and high-fashion luxury. Here is a complete look at the main cast, their backgrounds, and their latest ventures in 2025.

• Chanel Ayan (Ayan Beauty Founder)
  • Full Name: Ayan Abdirahman (known professionally as Chanel Ayan)
  • Nationality: Somali-Ethiopian (Resides in Dubai)
  • Career: Supermodel, entrepreneur, and the first Black supermodel in Dubai.
  • Key Business: She is the founder of Ayan Beauty and Ayan Skin, a makeup and skincare line developed in collaboration with makeup artist Toni Malt. She also runs a successful model management company.
  • Current Status: Ayan remains a fixture in the Dubai fashion and beauty scene, actively promoting her product lines and continuing her high-profile modeling career.
• Caroline Stanbury (Podcast Host & Entrepreneur)
  • Full Name: Caroline Stanbury (formerly of *Ladies of London*)
  • Nationality: British (Resides in Dubai)
  • Career: Socialite, reality TV personality, entrepreneur, and podcast host.
  • Key Business: Stanbury hosts the popular podcast "Uncut and Uncensored with Caroline Stanbury" which features new episodes in 2025, discussing her personal life, marriage to Sergio Carrallo, and celebrity guests. She also runs a luxury brand and lifestyle blog.
  • Current Status: She is focused on her podcast and luxury brand partnerships, maintaining a high social media profile and frequently appearing at high-profile events, as seen in her Bravocon 2025 behind-the-scenes content.
• Caroline Brooks (The Glass House Owner)
  • Full Name: Caroline Brooks
  • Nationality: Kenyan-American (Resides in Dubai)
  • Career: Real estate director, beauty salon owner, and social commentator.
  • Key Business: Brooks is the founder and owner of The Glass House, a luxury salon and spa in Dubai.
  • Current Status: Brooks is actively managing her bustling salon business and has been vocal about the RHODubai "cancellation" or "pause" in early 2025. She also made headlines in late 2025 for her social media comments, including a notable slam against *RHOP* star Gizelle Bryant.
• Lesa Milan (Mina Roe Designer)
  • Full Name: Lesa Milan Hall
  • Nationality: Jamaican-American (Resides in Dubai)
  • Career: Fashion designer, entrepreneur, and mother of three.
  • Key Business: She is the founder and head designer of the luxury maternity brand Mina Roe. The brand has expanded its offerings to include an organic skincare line.
  • Current Status: Milan is focused on the global expansion of Mina Roe, with her website showing a 2025 copyright, indicating active business development and product launches.
• Sara Al Madani (Serial Entrepreneur & Speaker)
  • Full Name: Sara Al Madani
  • Nationality: Emirati (Resides in Dubai)
  • Career: Serial entrepreneur, motivational speaker, former fashion designer, and public figure.
  • Key Business: Al Madani is involved in multiple ventures, including a tech company partnership and a creative consultancy. She is well-known for her motivational speaking engagements.
  • Current Status: She continues her work as a high-demand motivational speaker, notably appearing at the SiGMA Central Europe 2025 event to share her philosophy on business success.
• Taleen Marie Khanoyan (Friend of the Housewives)
  • Full Name: Taleen Marie Khanoyan
  • Nationality: Armenian-American (Resides in Dubai)
  • Career: Socialite, wife, and mother.
  • Current Status: Taleen, who appeared as a 'friend of' in Season 2, continues to live a private life in Dubai with her husband, Rafael Khanoyan, and their two children.

The Unexpected Halt: Why Bravo Put RHODubai on ‘Pause’

The news that *The Real Housewives of Dubai* would not be returning for a third season in 2025 came as a shock to many dedicated Bravo viewers. This decision, confirmed by executive producer Andy Cohen, was not a definite cancellation but rather a "pause," a term often used in the entertainment industry to gauge future interest and re-evaluate production strategy. The primary reason for the halt appears to be a combination of factors, including ratings performance and the complexity of producing an international franchise. While the show brought the unprecedented glamour of the Dubai luxury lifestyle and stunning Dubai fashion to the network, the ratings for Season 2 reportedly did not meet the high expectations set by other long-running franchises. The show was a significant production undertaking, being Bravo's first original international entry into the Housewives universe.

The Legacy of Bravo's First International Franchise

Despite its short run, *The Real Housewives of Dubai* carved out a unique space in the Bravo landscape. It successfully introduced a new level of opulence and cultural flair that had never been seen before. The show was a masterclass in showcasing the lives of successful, ambitious women who had built empires in a city known for its rapid growth and extreme wealth. The cast became instantly iconic, particularly the breakout star, Chanel Ayan, whose eccentric fashion and quick wit made her a fan favorite. The intense rivalry between Ayan and Caroline Stanbury also provided the foundational drama that the franchise is built upon. The show's legacy will be defined by its bold representation of the UAE’s business landscape and the diverse, global backgrounds of its stars.

What's Next for the Dubai Divas and the Franchise?

For now, the cast members are thriving in their respective careers, turning the "pause" into an opportunity to focus on their core businesses. Caroline Brooks is expanding The Glass House, Lesa Milan is growing the Mina Roe brand globally, and Caroline Stanbury is dominating the podcast charts. While the show is currently off-air, a "pause" does not mean a permanent end. The door remains open for a potential return. Given the success of the format and the high-profile nature of the cast, Bravo may revisit the franchise in the future, perhaps with a re-tooled approach or a new cast dynamic. Until then, fans can follow the Dubai divas' luxury lifestyle and personal updates through their active social media presence and various entrepreneurial ventures, which continue to showcase the wealth and ambition of the Dubai social scene.