Newsfeed
Sisters Hend and Hana Al Mheiri are redefining what modern luxury looks like in the UAE. As the Founders of The Privé Club, their vision goes far beyond curating beautiful events – it’s about creating spaces where elegance meets meaning, and where community is built on authenticity, culture, and connection.
Hend’s journey began in diplomacy and international affairs, leading her from Expo 2020 to COP28, where she shaped some of the UAE’s most defining global projects. Hana’s career started in luxury hospitality, before she helped launch the Museum of the Future and now contributes to Dubai’s vision for tomorrow at the Dubai Future Foundation. Together, they embody the spirit of a new generation of Emirati women: rooted in values, unafraid of ambition, and committed to shaping spaces that honour depth over performance.
With The Privé Club, the sisters channel their shared belief in soulful luxury – one that celebrates heritage, creativity, and human connection in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. For them, true refinement lies not in what you have, but in how you gather, share, and give back.
As part of this GRAZIA Career Edit, we delve into their journeys, their inspirations, and the legacy they’re building. From childhood dreams of diplomacy and science to today’s reality of redefining social luxury, Hend and Hana remind us that careers are not linear – they’re lived with purpose, passion and vision.
My current role is…
Hend Al Mheiri: Founder and Creative Director of The Privé Club, a modern Emirati-born concept redefining luxury gatherings through elegant, intimate and meaningful experiences with a focus on arts and culture and fostering connections while giving back to the community.
Hana Al Mheiri: Co-Founder of The Privé Club, a modern social concept inspired by Emirati values and built on meaningful connections, cultural and refined living. When I was younger, I wanted to be… Both a Scientist and a Fashion Designer. I was always drawn to both curiosity and creativity and how they are very much interconnected.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
Hend Al Mheiri: A diplomat! I was always drawn to the world of international affairs and political science. Growing up, I would always get my hands on my uncle’s morning newspaper after he was done with it. At a young age, I would spend hours analysing news and current affairs, trying to wrap my head around what was going on in the world. I must say, I do still have this passion for international affairs and keeping up with global happenings to this day.
Hana Al Mheiri: Both a Scientist and a Fashion Designer. I was always drawn to both curiosity and creativity, and how they are very much interconnected.
My favourite subject at school was…
Hend Al Mheiri: English literature was always my favourite subject, for the way it made me feel. I felt the words deeply, even deeper than most that were the same age as me. It was through literature that I was able to fuel my imagination and look at the world in a new and different light.
Hana Al Mheiri: It was actually Physics. I loved learning more and understanding how the world works at its core.
My first job was…
Hend Al Mheiri: As a Research Analyst at Expo 2020 Dubai, I joined the bidding team and spent a good amount of time in Paris during the lobbying phase, it was an unforgettable and thrilling experience.
Hana Al Mheiri: Assistant Manager at Jumeirah Group. I started by supporting all of the brand’s five-star properties in Dubai.
My career path so far has been…
Hend Al Mheiri: Very much enriching. Not only in terms of experience, but also in how my character was formed and shaped. My career path has been focused on international affairs, strategy, operations and large-scale events. I’ve spent more than a decade working on incredible projects that align with the UAE’s vision. From the early days of Expo 2020 to leading operations and strategic planning for COP28, this journey has witnessed my growth as a person. Along the way, what anchored me the most was my focus on building strong and meaningful relationships and partnerships. It always comes down to the people you meet along the way.
Hana Al Mheiri: Unexpectedly rich in lessons and yet very much rewarding. Not everyone gets to explore luxury in hospitality and then branch out to government strategising and nation-building. It’s been quite the journey of discovery. In the early years of my career, I was among the opening team that successfully opened five Jumeirah luxury hotels. Later on, I also became a core member of the team that launched one of the UAE’s most iconic landmarks, the Museum of the Future. Today, I use that experience and pour all my efforts into my work as part of the partnerships department at the Dubai Future Foundation, where the future of the city is shaped through foresight and collaboration.
The role the UAE has played in my career is…
Hend Al Mheiri: A truly foundational role… The UAE has played a major role in shaping the person that I am today, and I am sure that it will continue to shape me because, just like this nation, we too are ever-evolving. Growing up with the values of the late HH Sheikh Zayed deeply instilled in me a sense of purpose, humility and grace, values I’ve carried with me in every step of my career. I was fortunate to be sponsored by the UAE to study in Melbourne, and that experience in itself gave me an even deeper global perspective but made sure I was still very much rooted as a person. When I returned home, I immediately joined the Expo 2020 team, not just as a job, but as a way to give back to the country that had already invested so much in me.
Hana Al Mheiri: Profound. As an Emirati, I’m deeply grateful to live in a country that believes in empowering talent, welcoming the world, and inspiring its people to give back with purpose. It is through these values that I am able to do what I do and give it my all.
The story of The Privé Club is…
Hend Al Mheiri: After losing my mother, I felt a shift. I wanted to create something that wasn’t loud or performative, but meaningful, elegant, and deeply rooted. Something that honoured our values while evolving with our generation. The kind of space she would have been proud of. That’s where The Privé Club truly comes from. It’s not just a social community. It’s a sanctuary for people who want more than just another outing or exhibition. This space is for people who crave substance, connection and a slower, much quieter kind of luxury. We bring together elegance and meaning, culture and wellness, old-world grace and modern relevance. Every detail is chosen carefully and meticulously. Every collaboration is built on trust. Every gathering has a soul. We’re not here to follow trends. We’re here to hold space for depth, for beauty and for meaning. That’s the heart of The Privé Club.
Hana Al Mheiri: Born from a desire to preserve the essence of our culture in a fast-changing world. We wanted to create a space where values meet beauty, and where community is elevated through shared experiences, not just shared interests.
We were inspired to launch the initiative because…
Hend Al Mheiri: We felt there was a need for more meaningful spaces and human interactions where connections are wholeheartedly felt, not performed.
Hana Al Mheiri: Today’s world can feel transactional, where titles, brands, and appearances define people. We wanted to reintroduce human connection, self-awareness and the kind of soulful luxury that celebrates who you are, not just what you have. Those are the foundations that were instilled in us by our late mother; we wanted to honour that.
My daily routine consists of…
Hend Al Mheiri: I start my day by catching up on the news and looking out for the latest stories from around the world. I also start making my own coffee or matcha, depending on the mood that day. I really take time to care for my skin and hair and always carefully put together an outfit that feels like me and the mood I want to represent that day. Between The Privé Club and other creative work ventures, and spending time with my four pets (2 dogs and 2 cats) and of course, my mini best friend, my nephew Sultan, I make sure to carve out at least one hour of quiet time to really focus on one of my hobbies: designing footwear or clothing pieces. This particular activity really keeps me grounded and helps me find peace on a busy day.
Hana Al Mheiri: Morning rituals with my 7-year-old son Sultan and some quiet journaling. The beginning of each day is also a time that I thoroughly enjoy because I genuinely believe putting an outfit together is more like creating an art piece. After work, I dedicate some time to focusing on The Privé Club. I also make time for my reformer pilates class and then end my day with skincare, meaningful reflection and gratitude.
My role as Co-founder entails…
Hend Al Mheiri: As a Founder and Creative Director, I lead the vision, direction and overall aesthetic of The Privé Club. My role is to meticulously curate our events from A to Z. A huge part of my role focuses on how to shape the whole brand experience. I’m involved in everything from concept creation to execution, ensuring each detail reflects our values.
Hana Al Mheiri: Curating the Privé Club’s identity, supporting our creative direction, and fostering strategic partnerships. I’m passionate about ensuring everything we do is intentionally rooted in values.
The biggest hurdle I have experienced in my career…
Hend Al Mheiri: The biggest hurdle is that I had to unlearn the idea that professionalism meant detachment and instead build a path where intuition, emotions, softness and giving back could lead effectively.
Hana Al Mheiri: Balancing ambition and passion with presence. In a world that moves extremely fast and is constantly looking ahead, I work even harder to stay grounded, connected and in rhythm with my purpose in the present. As a mother, you want to be able to teach your child to quite literally reach for the stars and I feel like I do that with my work; however, there are times when I feel like just being present for him is enough.
The biggest milestone I have achieved is…
Hend Al Mheiri: One of the biggest milestones in my career was contributing to two of the UAE’s most significant global moments: Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28. Being part of these national projects, from strategy to execution, taught me what it means to lead with vision, represent something bigger than myself and create impact that lasts beyond the event itself.
Hana Al Mheiri: First and foremost, becoming a mother. That in itself is something I still, to this day, sometimes cannot fathom. It is truly an incredible role and is more rewarding than any other achievement in my life. In my professional life, it has been part of bringing two of the most iconic landmarks of Dubai to life: both Jumeirah Al Naseem and the Museum of the Future. They both reflect storytelling through design and experience, much like The Privé Club.
A quote I live by is…
Hend Al Mheiri:
و َ جَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُور ً ا يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاس ِ “ :A verse from the Holy Quran I live by is:
— “And We made for him a light by which he walks among the people.” To me, it’s a reminder that true direction and dignity come from Allah’s guidance, and that the light we are guided by and guide the others with is from Allah, and that is the most beautiful gift.”
Hana Al Mheiri: “Luxury is not things. It is the absence of vulgarity.” — Coco Chanel. And for me, luxury is also presence, depth, and beauty with meaning.
What I hope for 2025 is…
Hend Al Mheiri: In 2025, I hope to see The Privé Club continue to grow with purpose, expanding into new cities while staying true to its essence. On a personal level, I look forward to a chapter filled with love, companionship and the kind of partnership that feels steady, sincere and beautifully aligned.
Hana Al Mheiri: That more people rediscover their purpose, and with that we all make space to connect, give back and create with the heart, not just the mind.
