L'Officiel Arabia: What inspired you to start Emirates World Club, and how has the UAE, particularly Dubai, shaped your entrepreneurial journey?
Romika Fazeli : Dubai’s rise as a global hub for luxury, innovation, and connectivity was the catalyst for Emirates World Club. In 2008, as the city became a magnet for global leaders and visionaries, I saw an opportunity to create a platform that connects decision-makers and Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) across industries. My experience organizing exclusive networking events taught me that meaningful connections drive both personal and professional success.
Dubai’s progressive vision and unparalleled dynamism provided the perfect foundation. From its world-class infrastructure to its ability to attract the elite, Dubai enabled Emirates World Club to flourish. One of our early milestones was hosting exclusive events that brought together CEOs and UHNWIs, transforming the way luxury brands engage with their most valued clients. Today, with a network of 6,000 CEOs, GMs, and Vice Presidents from diverse industries and regions, the club mirrors Dubai’s spirit, offering a gateway for luxury brands to connect with influential audiences and create extraordinary opportunities.
Emirates World Club has its head office in Dubai, but your events and gatherings extend far beyond the UAE. How do you describe the club’s unique concept as a “portable” private members’ network?
Emirates World Club is not a physical club tied to a single location. Instead, it’s a dynamic and flexible platform that adapts to the needs and movements of its VIP network. Our events take place in carefully selected venues across the globe, reflecting the exclusivity and sophistication that define Emirates World Club.
This portable concept ensures that we’re always able to create meaningful connections, no matter the location. Whether in iconic global destinations or hidden gems, each event is uniquely tailored to the preferences of our members. It’s never about the venue itself, but about the strength of the network—the 6,000 CEOs, GMs, and Vice Presidents, as well as Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), who form the core of the club.
Our members’ trust and referrals also help drive this flexibility. Many introduce us to their peers and like-minded individuals in other regions, creating opportunities for us to expand our reach and deliver exceptional experiences in new locations. This adaptability allows Emirates World Club to remain a trusted and influential network, regardless of where we are in the world.
Your database of 6,000 top executives is one of your strongest assets. How do you maintain and nurture such valuable relationships over time?
Our network of 6,000 CEOs, GMs, and Vice Presidents represents a uniquely curated group of leaders who value authenticity, trust, and exclusivity. Maintaining and nurturing these relationships requires a combination of personal connection, tailored experiences, and a deep understanding of our members’ aspirations.
We achieve this through highly personalized communication, bespoke events, and strategic collaborations. For example, a recent initiative involved hosting a private event for a select group of UHNWIs, where they were introduced to a luxury brand in an intimate and engaging setting. This resulted in immediate conversations about exclusive opportunities and strengthened long-term loyalty between the brand and our members.
Members often describe Emirates World Club as a trusted circle where influence and opportunity intersect. This blend of trust, exclusivity, and measurable outcomes ensures that our network remains not only valuable but also unparalleled in its impact.
With luxury becoming increasingly niche, how is Emirates World Club positioning itself to meet these evolving demands?
Exclusivity, personalization, and excellence are at the heart of Emirates World Club’s positioning. We’ve refined our network to include only the most prominent CEOs, GMs, and Vice Presidents from industries such as finance, luxury, and technology. Every member is carefully selected to ensure alignment with our values and those of our brand partners.
For example, one of our recent collaborations involved hosting a bespoke event for a luxury brand, where UHNWIs experienced a private presentation of exclusive offerings in a carefully curated setting. The event led to increased client engagement and strengthened brand loyalty.
We also embrace emerging trends such as sustainability and digital innovation to stay ahead of the evolving luxury landscape. By maintaining the highest standards of excellence and adapting to niche demands, we ensure Emirates World Club remains the preferred platform for luxury brands to connect with both industry leaders and UHNWIs.
If you could sum up Emirates World Club in three words, what would they be?
Connection. Opportunity. Legacy.
At Emirates World Club, every connection is meaningful. For Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), the value lies in meeting like-minded people who share their ambitions, interests, and vision for the future. Our platform is carefully designed to facilitate these introductions, creating a space where trust and influence grow naturally among France’s elite and global leaders alike.
The opportunities we provide go beyond introductions—they are bridges to shared goals, new ventures, and enduring partnerships. Whether it’s connecting UHNWIs in France with industry leaders across Europe or curating bespoke networking experiences in iconic locations, Emirates World Club is more than a network—it’s a catalyst for success.
Ultimately, the legacy we help create isn’t just about individual achievements but about shaping a future defined by collaboration, innovation, and enduring relationships. Our members know that their next connection through Emirates World Club could change everything.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a business in the luxury sector?
To succeed in the luxury sector, I believe three principles are essential:
1. Authenticity and Trust: Luxury is built on credibility. Every interaction must reflect the highest standards of integrity and excellence to establish lasting trust.
2. Attention to Detail: Bespoke experiences define the luxury market. Every detail matters when creating something that resonates deeply with Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs).
3. Long-Term Vision: Luxury isn’t about quick wins. Foster loyalty through meaningful connections and maintain a clear strategy for sustainable growth.
These principles have guided Emirates World Club’s success and are essential for anyone entering the luxury market.
What role do you see Emirates World Club playing in the future of luxury networking globally?
Emirates World Club is poised to shape the future of luxury networking by redefining how leaders connect in an increasingly global and dynamic world.
Our vision is driven by the evolving needs of UHNWIs and industry leaders. As sustainability and innovation become cornerstones of the luxury market, we are at the forefront of integrating these values into our experiences. For instance, we are exploring partnerships that blend technological advancements with bespoke events to create meaningful interactions that resonate with the next generation of leaders.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to remain the gold standard in luxury networking, connecting 6,000 of the world’s most influential individuals with opportunities that not only inspire but also create a lasting legacy. Emirates World Club is not just about connections—it’s about shaping the future of influence and luxury.
For luxury brands, partnering with Emirates World Club is more than an opportunity—it’s a privilege. With access to 6,000 of the world’s most influential leaders and Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), our network offers a platform to engage directly with decision-makers who shape industries and define luxury. Every event, every connection, and every collaboration is designed to elevate your brand and deliver measurable impact. Join us in creating the future of luxury networking.
