Who is Chanel Ayan on 'The Real Housewives of Dubai'?

Time for an introduction: model Chanel Ayan is a new Bravo family member, and her time on screen is just getting started

chanel ayan real housewives of dubai
(Image credit: Chris Haston/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

Bravoholics, it's time for an introduction.

Chanel Ayan is one of the newest faces of the network, starring in The Real Housewives of Dubai. The franchise has finally taken a dip into international waters, and though this series has just begun, we can already sense plenty of impending shenanigans. 

How will Chanel factor into it all? You'll have to tune in to find out. (Apparently she and fellow cast mate Caroline Stanbury are off to a shaky start.) 

For those who can't resist TV shows about gossip, now would be a good time to venture to the City of Gold. The surroundings are as lavish as the drama is intense!

All about Chanel Ayan

Born in Kenya, the Somali and Ethiopian socialite started her career as a model. During that time, she's starred in campaigns for luxury brands like Valentino and Cartier. 

Her career only took off once she made her way over to the UAE, where she's lived for 18 years. "I’m the first Black supermodel in Dubai," she revealed during a promotional video for the show. "First person from my village or from my generation to do something really big as this. So I feel so proud!"

But now that she's been in the city for almost two decades her career has expanded. Chanel runs a talent agency and created a cosmetics line, Ayan by Toni Malt and Ayan Skin.

Chanel Ayan net worth

Though nothing has been confirmed, it appears Chanel has a net worth between $1 and $1.5 million, according to various outlets.

Chanel Ayan husband and family

For the past 22 years, Chanel has been married to Luca Salves, an artist and model from—get ready for it—Idaho, whom she allegedlly crossed paths with while in Brazil. Their passports must have plenty of stamps! 

The two share a son, Taj, who's embarked on a modeling career of his own. 

Chanel Ayan age

Chanel is 43 years old, though her birthday remains a mystery. The astrologically-savvy folks will have to keep an eye out on her personality traits to guess her zodiac sign. Perhaps we'll learn more as the season unfolds.

A first look at 'The Real Housewives of Dubai'

The party kicks off June 1, so plan your screen time accordingly! We can expect tears, lavish settings, cattiness and everything you've come to know and love about the franchise. Now, we'll just be across the globe. 

Those in the US can catch Real Housewives of Dubai on Bravo, but folks outside of the states will be able to catch the fun via a VPN. ExpressVPN is rated the best VPN in the world right now by our colleagues at TechRadar.

If you fancy a summer getaway, don't forget about the Ultimate Girls Trip season 2. Dorinda Medley is kind enough to offer up her Berkshires home for the event, so you know she's going to make it nice. And a few faces you might not have expected to see will make a resurgence. 

Andy Cohen, we thank you for your creative vision.

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.


Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 


When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.