From the bustling media rooms of Dubai to the intimate circles of women she has helped empower, Maya Mohammed Bazarbachi’s journey is one of constant evolution guided by purpose. Arriving in the city in 2005 as a young bride with ambition and curiosity, she found in Dubai a place that not only welcomed reinvention but encouraged it. Over the years, Maya has moved fluidly between worlds—journalism and PR, corporate communication and entrepreneurship, fashion design and community leadership—shaping a career rooted in storytelling, cultural sensitivity, and human connection.
In this conversation, Maya reflects on the milestones that defined her path: the lessons journalism taught her, the confidence she gained navigating diverse Gulf markets, the maternal love that sparked her fashion label Tulip By Dolmar, and the deeply personal mission behind Dalilouki, her women-focused community built on empowerment and support. A proud mother, creative entrepreneur, and advocate for Arab women, she speaks candidly about ambition, identity, and the power of building success that lifts others along the way.
You’ve lived in Dubai since 2005 and built your career there. How has the city shaped you personally and professionally?
Dubai has been the city where my life truly flourished. When I moved here in 2005 with my husband as a new bride, far from my family and home country, I came with hope, ambition, and a desire to build something meaningful. Dubai responded with opportunities. It shaped my confidence, my resilience, and my professional versatility.
Dubai encouraged me to grow without limitations, shifting from journalism to PR, from corporate communication to entrepreneurship, and later into fashion design and women empowerment leadership. On a personal level, Dubai helped me evolve into a stronger woman, a proud mother, and someone deeply committed to uplifting her community. Dubai did not just shape my identity—it allowed me to redefine it again and again.
Your journey began in journalism at Dar Al Sada. What did that chapter teach you?
Journalism, which is my passion, taught me the power of human stories. At Dar Al Sada, I interviewed celebrities, covered society events, and explored the layers of people’s lives. The lesson that stayed with me is that every story holds emotion, a truth, and a lesson. Working in an editorial magazine trained me to listen with empathy, observe deeply, communicate with authenticity, and discover unexpected stories. This foundation shaped every chapter that followed, especially in PR and content creation.
What motivated your transition from media into PR?
My transition into PR was a natural evolution. After years of writing stories, I wanted to start shaping them. PR offered a more strategic platform where communication influences perception, reputation, and brand trust, but I never stopped writing and creating content, as it is my forever passion. It was faster, more analytical, and more demanding, but it suited my strengths. It challenged me to think not only as a writer, but as a strategist and communicator with purpose.
How did your experience in Saudi Arabia deepen your understanding of the Gulf market?
I moved to Saudi Arabia with my husband as he shifted his work there. It was a new country with new traditions and a lifestyle very different from Dubai. It came with challenges and fear, especially learning how to integrate comfortably. Saudi Arabia opened my eyes to the richness and diversity within the Gulf.
At KAS Investment Group, I learned how culture and communication expectations vary across the region. It pushed me to adapt, refine my messaging, and approach corporate communication with deeper cultural sensitivity. This experience gave me regional insight that later became crucial as I worked with clients across the UAE, Lebanon, Italy, and beyond.
You’ve worked with major companies across regions. Which projects felt most meaningful to you?
Every project taught me something, and every client trusted me with their voice. The most meaningful projects are those where I saw direct impact—whether supporting MasterCard, Abu Dhabi Ports, Chalhoub Group, or creating multilingual content that elevated brands internationally. What made these collaborations special was not the scale, but the trust. Delivering results that helped companies grow is what made each project rewarding.
In 2015, you launched Tulip By Dolmar. What inspired this creative leap?
Tulip By Dolmar was born from pure maternal love. The brand’s name was created from my daughters’ names. I wanted them to feel unique on their special days, so I handmade outfits carrying their innocence and joy. Soon, other mothers noticed. Each outfit is designed with love, allowing girls to feel special on birthdays and celebrations. Seeing photos of children wearing our designs and enjoying the quality and colors is incredibly touching.
How did motherhood shape your creative vision?
My daughters were the inspiration, motivation, and reason behind every design. Their excitement when trying on dresses I created made me realize how powerful fashion can be for a child’s confidence. Every detail carried the same love and care I gave my own children. Tulip By Dolmar is truly a piece of my motherhood.
What moment with Dalilouki made you most proud?
Dalilouki began in 2018 as a way to challenge my own shyness and fear of meeting new people. I wanted to discover the world of interaction and networking through small women’s gatherings. The proudest moments come when women tell me Dalilouki changed their path—when they find clients, grow their business, or simply feel supported and seen through our community, social platforms, and events.
Dalilouki is not just a consultancy or event platform. It is a community built on empowerment, collaboration, and support. Seeing women connect and flourish reminds me why this mission matters.
Giving back is central to your work. Why is this so important to you?
Giving back is part of my identity. I believe success has no value if it does not uplift others. Creating job groups, business support communities, and guidance networks allowed me to offer hope to people who needed it. Supporting others is not charity; it is gratitude, humanity, and purpose. One good intention offered to help others always returns in unexpected ways.
What message would you share with Arab women balancing ambition, family, and identity?
You are capable of achieving your dreams without losing your roots, values, or identity. Believe in yourself. Take care of yourself, because only you can make a difference in your life. Balancing ambition and family is not easy, but it is possible with belief, strength, and a supportive family.
My husband has always been and continues to be my greatest source of support, standing beside me through every step I take and every goal I set. My mother is my constant backbone, empowering me whenever I hesitate, and my daughters are my driving force and my inspiration to overcome challenges and achieve success.
Celebrate your heritage, honor your responsibilities, and never underestimate the power you hold as a woman, a mother, and a passionate dreamer. Your story matters, and the world is ready to hear it.
Text by Victor Gee.
