Real Housewives of Dubai on Pause: What Really Happened

When The Real Housewives of Dubai premiered in June 2022, it promised a glamorous peek into the lives of Dubai’s elite women. With its luxurious settings, exotic locations, and high-profile cast, the show quickly garnered attention both locally and internationally. As Bravo’s first international installment in the ever-growing Housewives universe, expectations were high—and for a time, the show delivered. However, after just two seasons, Bravo surprised fans with an announcement in November 2024 that the series was being put on pause. This move sparked widespread speculation about what really went wrong behind the scenes.

RHODubai

A Glitzy Beginning

RHODubai opened with a diverse and compelling cast including Chanel Ayan, Caroline Stanbury, Lesa Milan, Sara Al Madani, Caroline Brooks, and Nina Ali. The show aimed to blend the traditional Housewives drama with Dubai’s cultural richness and luxury lifestyle. Viewers were drawn to the lavish events, eye-popping fashion, and emotional storylines that brought both glamour and depth. The first season laid a strong foundation, giving audiences a taste of the friendships, feuds, and fragile alliances that define the Real Housewives franchise.

Meet the wives

Season 2: Rising Tensions

The second season, which aired between June and September 2024, brought new cast members Taleen Marie and Saba Yussouf, injecting fresh energy and perspectives. However, the season took a turn toward heavier drama, particularly involving long-time castmates Chanel Ayan and Lesa Milan. A voice note controversy involving Sara Al Madani led to major crisis, trust issues, and explosive confrontations. The season finale ended with a dramatic argument between Ayan and Milan that left their friendship in ruins and viewers talking.

RHODubai

Behind the Scenes: Cast Discontent

In January 2025, Caroline Brooks gave fans a glimpse into the off-camera reality. On social media, she expressed her frustrations with the show’s direction, calling it “toxic” and “overly orchestrated.” She condemned the lack of authenticity from some cast members and emphasized that reality TV works best when it’s raw and real. “Housewives should be genuine, not forced,” she said.

There were also rumors that the show’s pause had something to do with Dubai’s strict cultural or legal constraints. Brooks quickly shut that down, clarifying that every episode had to be approved by Dubai authorities before airing, and that nothing was released without clearance. In her view, creative and interpersonal issues—not legal ones—were to blame.

Network Decisions and Future Prospects

Bravo’s decision to pause RHODubai is part of a broader shift across its reality slate. Other shows like Winter House and Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard were also shelved. Though the network has not officially canceled   RHODubai, calling it a “pause” has left the door open for a possible return in the future.

Despite the uncertainty, the cast has moved on to new ventures. Chanel Ayan, for example, is set to appear in Season 3 of The Traitors, showcasing her charisma on a new platform.

Conclusion

The pause of The Real Housewives of Dubai reflects both the pressures of reality TV production and the challenges of creating original content in a highly curated environment. While it gave viewers a rare glimpse into the high life of Dubai’s elite women, internal friction and questions about genuine storytelling may have ultimately stalled its momentum. Whether the show returns with a rebrand or fades into franchise history—its impact on its fans remains undeniable.

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