Marwa Ghassan: From Dubai to the Global Stage – The Syrian Designer Turning Elegance into a Brand and Ambition into Success

The founder of MG Maison discusses her journey in fashion and luxury perfumery, her brand’s expansion across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, her international recognition, and her ambition to build an Arab luxury house with global appeal.

DUBAI – Exclusive Interview

In an industry where trends change rapidly and fashion houses compete relentlessly for attention, Syrian fashion designer and entrepreneur Marwa Ghassan has chosen to carve out a distinctive path, bringing together creativity and entrepreneurship, Arab identity and contemporary luxury.

Her journey began with a childhood fascination with colours and fabrics, and a natural curiosity for creating clothes. What started as a personal passion gradually developed into a professional venture bearing her own signature. Dubai, the city that nurtured her education and ambitions, became the launchpad for MG Maison, a brand whose presence has extended beyond fashion into luxury fragrances and across Gulf markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Her creative interests extend well beyond evening gowns and bridal couture. They encompass abayas, kaftans and perfumery, with a fragrance portfolio reportedly comprising approximately 45 perfumes, including six exclusive niche fragrances. The expansion reflects her vision of building a luxury brand that transcends conventional fashion boundaries.

Throughout her career, Ghassan has participated in fashion shows and international events, attracting recognition in the UAE and overseas. Among the distinctions reported in 2025 was recognition in Washington, DC, alongside a group of influential women from around the world, acknowledging her contribution to entrepreneurship and the fashion industry.

Alongside running her business, Ghassan has established a substantial digital presence. Yet she is keen to demonstrate that influence should extend beyond visibility, translating into economic value, creative enterprise and sustainable growth.

In this exclusive interview, Marwa Ghassan reflects on her beginnings, her relationship with Dubai, the philosophy behind her designs, her move into luxury perfumery, the recognition she has received and her ambitions for the future of MG Maison.

The Beginnings: Where a Dream Took Shape

Looking at what you have achieved today, it is difficult to imagine that everything began with a little girl fascinated by drawing and fabrics. How did your journey begin?

My relationship with fashion began in childhood. I loved drawing, colours and fabrics, and I was always fascinated by the smallest details of clothing. It was never simply a passing hobby. I constantly felt the desire to create something different.

I grew up in a family with close ties to the fashion industry. My father owned a company in the sector, which gave me an early opportunity to understand how the business worked.

My family’s encouragement was instrumental in developing my talent, but I later realised that passion alone is not enough. It takes education, experience and consistent hard work to transform a creative gift into a successful business.

Do you remember the very first design you made yourself?

Absolutely, and it still makes me smile.

I was very young when I took one of my mother’s shirts and began cutting it up, trying to turn it into something completely different. I knew very little about the technical principles of dressmaking, but I loved experimenting and discovering new possibilities.

I remember my father’s surprise when he saw what I had done. He began asking how I had worked out certain cutting and sewing details.

Looking back, perhaps that was the first real indication that fashion design would become such an important part of my life.

When did you decide to turn your natural talent into a professional career?

When I moved to Dubai, I began thinking much more seriously about my professional future.

My academic background includes specialised training in the fashion industry, culminating in a diploma in Fashion Studies from Cambridge College. I was determined to develop my understanding of design, fabrics and brand management.

I have always believed that a successful designer must combine artistic sensitivity with commercial understanding. Creating beautiful clothes is not enough on its own to establish a brand capable of competing and growing sustainably.

Dubai: The City That Changed Everything

You often describe Dubai as your second home. What has the city contributed to your personal and professional development?

Dubai will always be a city I feel deeply connected to. It is the city that embraced my education and ambitions, and witnessed some of the most important stages of my personal and professional life.

What makes Dubai exceptional is its ability to provide creative individuals and entrepreneurs with an environment in which they can develop, while opening doors to learning, business and international opportunities.

I am grateful for everything I have experienced here, and I am particularly proud to have received the UAE Golden Visa.

I also deeply appreciate the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which has helped establish Dubai as a global centre for creativity, innovation and enterprise.

Do you believe MG Maison would have followed the same trajectory had you launched it in another city?

Every city offers its own opportunities and challenges, but Dubai gave me something particularly valuable: the ability to think internationally from the outset.

When you work in a city that brings together so many nationalities, cultures and markets, you naturally become more open to different perspectives and more conscious of the importance of quality and innovation.

Dubai was not simply the place where I established my business. It became an integral part of my professional identity.

MG Maison: From Fashion Design to Building a Luxury Brand

How was MG Maison born, and what did you originally want the brand to represent?

I wanted to establish a brand that reflected my own vision of elegance.

I was not interested merely in creating beautiful dresses. I wanted to design pieces that would give women a sense of confidence and individuality.

I began developing collections of eveningwear and bridal gowns, gradually expanding into designs that combine luxury with contemporary sophistication.

For me, MG Maison is far more than a commercial name. It is a project built around a clear philosophy: genuine elegance begins with a woman’s personality, and fashion should complement her presence rather than overwhelm it.

Your brand has reached Dubai Mall and established a presence in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. What does this expansion mean to you?

Every stage in the development of MG Maison represents both an achievement and a responsibility.

Our presence at Dubai Mall, our reach into the Saudi market through Riyadh and Kingdom Centre, and our expansion into Doha, Qatar, reflect the ambition that has guided the business from the beginning.

However, I do not measure success simply by the number of markets we enter.

What matters most is preserving the brand’s identity and the quality of its products, while delivering an experience that earns the trust of our customers.

I want MG Maison to be associated with luxury, elegance and attention to detail wherever it is represented.

Saudi Arabia’s fashion sector is undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as an increasingly influential force in the global fashion landscape. How do you view Saudi women and the opportunities emerging in the Kingdom?

Saudi women have a distinctive sense of style and a strong appreciation of quality, identity and detail.

I am proud to have presented my designs in Riyadh, including collections of abayas and kaftans that combine traditional Eastern influences with contemporary touches.

The transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia’s fashion and creative industries is creating significant opportunities for Arab designers.

I believe the Kingdom will become an increasingly influential market in shaping the future of fashion across the region.

And what about Qatar? Are the preferences of Qatari women different from those in other Gulf markets?

Every market has its own character, and that is one of the aspects that makes working in fashion so interesting.

Qatari women have a refined sense of style, with a particular appreciation of luxurious fabrics, craftsmanship and detail.

They also demonstrate an ability to preserve their cultural identity while embracing contemporary fashion.

I always try to understand the needs of women in each market while maintaining the essential spirit of my designs.

The World of Fragrance and the Niche Collection

You have moved beyond fashion into luxury perfumery. What inspired that decision?

I believe elegance is not simply about a dress or an outfit. It is a complete experience, encompassing all the details that express an individual’s personality.


When designing a dress, you consider how it will make a woman feel. The same principle applies to perfume.

That thinking inspired me to develop a fragrance collection under the MG Maison name, offering an experience that brings together luxury, identity and emotion.

Your fragrance portfolio reportedly includes approximately 45 perfumes, six of which belong to the niche category. What distinguishes this particular collection?

Niche perfumery follows a different philosophy. It is built around individuality, craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.

It appeals to people who are searching for a distinctive olfactory signature rather than a conventional fragrance.

I wanted this collection to reflect the personality of MG Maison, offering sophisticated compositions with their own character and presence.

I believe a fragrance can express a woman’s identity just as powerfully as fashion can.

Every woman deserves a scent that feels uniquely hers and leaves a lasting impression.

Do you envisage MG Maison becoming a fully fledged luxury lifestyle house rather than remaining primarily a fashion label?

My ambition is for MG Maison to develop into a comprehensive luxury brand with its own distinctive approach to elegance.

Fashion remains our foundation, but perfumery has opened an exciting new avenue for creativity.

There are always ideas for developing other products connected with style and luxury living.

What matters to me is that every expansion is carefully considered and remains faithful to the quality and identity associated with the brand.

The Language of Colour

Colour plays a particularly prominent role in your designs. Could the way society views her appearance shape a woman’s confidence and sense of self-worth?

Absolutely. For me, colour is much more than a decorative element. It is a means of expressing emotion and personality.

Some colours create a sense of calm and confidence, while others convey strength, vitality and boldness.

When selecting a colour for a particular design, I think about the woman who will wear it, the occasion and the feeling I want the garment to inspire.

If a woman asked you to create an outfit that communicated strength and confidence, which colour would you choose?

It would depend on her personality, but I particularly like deep blues and navy tones when creating an elegant, composed and confident look.

Gold conveys a sense of grandeur and presence, while earthy shades and warm pinks can create a softer, more feminine aesthetic.

I do not believe there is one colour that suits everyone. The most important thing is for a woman to choose something that reflects her personality and makes her feel comfortable and confident.

One of your collections drew inspiration from gold and ancient Egyptian civilisation. What attracted you to that concept?

Ancient Egyptian civilisation is extraordinarily rich in visual symbolism and artistic detail.

Gold has long been associated with grandeur, strength and status, and I wanted to capture that feeling in a collection interpreted through a contemporary perspective.

I believe the most beautiful designs are those that tell a story, combining artistic inspiration with the ability to create something a woman can wear with confidence and elegance.

Fashion Shows and International Exposure

You presented a collection of 22 designs at a fashion show in Dubai and have participated in international events. What does the runway represent to you?

Behind every garment are countless hours of thought, experimentation and careful decisions about fabrics, colours and details.

When I see my designs moving along the runway, I feel that an idea which once existed only in my imagination has finally come to life.

I value all my fashion show experiences, including presenting 22 pieces in Dubai, because each has helped me refine my approach and strengthen my confidence as a designer.

You have also participated in modest fashion events in Malaysia, including MIHAS 2025. How important are these international experiences?

I am particularly proud of those experiences because they have allowed me to present my vision of modest fashion to an international audience.

I participated in MIHAS for the second consecutive year, and it was inspiring to meet designers from different cultures and witness the growing interest in fashion that combines modesty, luxury and innovation.

I firmly believe Arab fashion has enormous potential to compete internationally, and that cultural identity can be a source of creative strength rather than a limitation.

International Recognition and Awards

In 2025, media reports highlighted your recognition in Washington, DC, reportedly associated with the US Congress, alongside 20 influential women from around the world. What did that milestone mean to you?

I value every form of international recognition connected with my professional journey, because behind each achievement lie years of hard work, challenges and difficult decisions.

The recognition I received in Washington in 2025 represents an important milestone for me, not only personally but also because it reflects the ability of Syrian and Arab women to establish successful businesses and gain recognition on international platforms.

I believe genuine success should not be measured by awards alone, but by the impact we make and our ability to continue growing and improving.

You have also been recognised in the UAE among 50 distinguished figures in entrepreneurship. How meaningful is it to receive such recognition in the country where your business journey began?

Recognition in the UAE holds particular significance for me because Dubai was the starting point for my business and the place where I experienced so many of my challenges and achievements.

When appreciation comes from the environment that nurtured your ambitions, it carries a different meaning.

I see these honours as a responsibility to continue developing my brand and to serve as a positive example of a woman combining creativity, management and entrepreneurship.

You were also associated with the title “Woman of Vision” at the Golden Excellence Awards in Dubai. What does that distinction represent to you?

I particularly appreciate that title because it reflects the importance of vision, which I consider fundamental to building any successful enterprise.

Someone may possess talent or an excellent idea, but without a clear vision, a business strategy and the ability to make decisions, transforming that idea into a sustainable venture becomes extremely difficult.

I regard the title “Woman of Vision” as recognition of my approach to business, rather than simply the results I have achieved.

Your career has also been associated with honours in Spain, Paris and Malaysia, including reports of a distinction linked to the Queen of Malaysia. How do you view this international recognition?

Every international experience contributes something valuable, whether through new knowledge, professional relationships or exposure to different cultures.

I feel proud when my work attracts attention beyond the Arab world because I believe Arab designers possess the talent and creativity needed to succeed internationally.

These experiences also provide an opportunity to present Arab fashion in a way that combines heritage with modernity.

Between Influence and Entrepreneurship

You have built a substantial social media following, with your digital presence reportedly exceeding one million followers. How do you balance content creation with running a business?

Social media has been an important tool for introducing my work to a wider audience and building relationships with people, but it has never been a substitute for my core profession.


I try to ensure that the content I share reflects my values and the business I am developing.

Numbers matter in terms of reach and visibility, but the real value lies in transforming that exposure into trust and long-term relationships with customers.

I believe content creation has become an integral part of the modern economy, offering creators and entrepreneurs significant opportunities to reach new audiences and markets.

However, success cannot be defined by follower numbers alone.

Credibility, authenticity and the ability to offer genuine value are far more important.

For me, a digital presence should be an extension of professional work and should reflect the personality and vision of the brand.

What has been the greatest challenge in moving from fashion designer to entrepreneur and brand owner?

The greatest challenge has been learning to think from two different perspectives at the same time.

As a designer, I focus on beauty, creativity and artistic expression. As a businesswoman, I must also consider management, quality, costs and expansion.

There are countless details the public never sees, from sourcing fabrics and overseeing production to managing teams and navigating different markets.

I have learnt that success requires a balance between passion and discipline, as well as the courage to make decisions while understanding the risks involved.

Do you find competition in the Gulf fashion market particularly challenging, especially with new brands emerging all the time?

Competition exists everywhere, and I see it as something positive because it encourages us to improve.

However, I do not want to build my business by imitating others or following every passing trend.

I prefer to maintain a clear identity, so that people can recognise my signature in the designs I create.

I believe a brand with a distinctive personality and a genuine commitment to quality can establish its place, however competitive the market may be.

Syrian Identity and Global Ambition

As a Syrian designer who has built a business in Dubai and reached several international markets, what does your Syrian identity mean to you?

My Syrian roots are an integral part of who I am, and I carry my heritage with deep respect and gratitude. It is an essential part of who I am.

Syria has a rich history of art, craftsmanship and creativity, and I believe Syrian women have tremendous potential to succeed when they are given the right opportunities.

I would love my experience to serve as a positive message to every Syrian and Arab girl who dreams of building her own business.

Ambition should never be limited by geography.

What advice would you give young women hoping to enter the fashion industry?

I would encourage every young woman to believe in her talent, but never to rely on talent alone.

Education, training and practical experience are essential, as is understanding the market and developing a distinctive identity.

Do not be afraid to start small, and do not compare your journey with someone else’s.

Everyone has different circumstances and experiences. True progress comes from embracing every challenge, growing through each experience and staying focused on the future you want to create.

The Future: Ambitions Beyond Borders

With MG Maison present in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are you considering further expansion into Europe and other international markets?

Absolutely. Ambition is always part of the journey, and I would love to see MG Maison establish a broader international presence.

However, I believe successful expansion requires careful planning and research, rather than simply opening new locations.

My priority is to preserve the quality and identity of our products and to deliver an experience worthy of the brand wherever we operate.

Are you currently developing new projects in fashion or perfumery?

I am constantly working on new collections, both in fashion and fragrance, and I want each one to bring a different idea or perspective.

I enjoy experimenting, exploring new sources of inspiration and finding ways to develop creatively.

I believe a brand must evolve over time without losing its identity.

My ambition is to continue building MG Maison into a name associated with contemporary Arab elegance, luxury and quality.

Finally, if you could summarise your journey in one message to every woman who dreams of success, what would you say?

I would tell her that success does not happen overnight, and that the greatest dreams often begin with small steps that nobody notices.

Believe in yourself, keep learning, work hard and never allow fear to prevent you from trying.

For me, elegance is not simply about appearance, just as success is not merely about fame or recognition.

What truly matters is creating something you believe in and leaving a positive impact on the lives of others.

From a childhood fascination with colours and fabrics to establishing a brand spanning fashion and luxury perfumery, Marwa Ghassan’s journey illustrates the intersection of creative talent, education and entrepreneurship.

Dubai provided the foundation for her ambitions, while expansion into Gulf markets and participation in international events have helped broaden her professional horizons.

As she continues to develop MG Maison, her approach remains rooted in the belief that luxury is not simply a matter of appearance. It is an identity shaped by craftsmanship, confidence and the courage to innovate.

In an industry defined by constant change, Ghassan is placing her faith in something more enduring: the power of women to express their individuality, embrace their ambitions and create a presence that is entirely their own.