From Dubai to Beverly Hills, Sarah Hariri has become a trusted name in international business, media, and strategic networking.
In this exclusive conversation, she shares the lessons, values, and experiences that continue to shape her remarkable journey.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and the journey that has brought you to where you are today?
My name is Sarah Hariri, and I am an international business strategist, global connector, entrepreneur, podcast host, and media personality. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside members of the UAE leadership, high-profile government officials, international investors, business leaders, celebrities, and entrepreneurs across the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.
My professional journey began in executive leadership and special projects, where I supported senior decision-makers in high-level governmental and private-sector environments. Those experiences gave me an exceptional understanding of diplomacy, protocol, strategic partnerships, and the importance of building relationships based on trust and integrity.
Today, I bridge industries through international business development, media, investment, and strategic networking. Through my platform, Be Magnetic with Sarah, I interview global leaders, innovators, founders, investors, celebrities, and changemakers, creating meaningful conversations that inspire, educate, and connect people across borders.
Beyond the Middle East, I have also expanded my work into Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, collaborating with entrepreneurs, luxury brands, media professionals, and members of the Hollywood community. Being recognized as an ambassador for prestigious international communities has further strengthened my mission of connecting remarkable people while creating opportunities that transcend industries and continents.
At the heart of everything I do is one simple belief: relationships create opportunities, and opportunities create impact.
When you look back, was there a moment that made you realise this was the path you wanted to follow?
Looking back, I don’t believe there was one defining moment. Instead, there were many moments that gradually revealed my purpose.
Whether I was coordinating high-level meetings for UAE leadership, introducing international investors to promising ventures, or interviewing inspiring entrepreneurs on my podcast, I realized I was always happiest when I was creating value for others.
I discovered that my true passion wasn’t simply business, it was bringing people together, opening doors that might otherwise remain closed, and building bridges between industries, cultures, and countries. Once I recognized that gift, I committed myself to turning it into my life’s work.
Your work brings people together from many different backgrounds. What do you enjoy most about building those connections?
Every successful connection begins with understanding people.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with royalty, government officials, Fortune 500 executives, founders, investors, Hollywood professionals, media personalities, and emerging entrepreneurs. While their industries may differ, they all share one thing in common: they value authentic relationships.
I genuinely enjoy discovering how two people or organizations can create something greater together than they could individually. Watching partnerships develop from a single introduction is incredibly rewarding because those relationships often lead to innovation, investment, and long-term success.
What has been one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned along the way?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that your reputation is your most valuable currency.
Opportunities come and go, industries evolve, and markets change but integrity, professionalism, and consistency never lose value.
Working in environments where confidentiality, diplomacy, and excellence were expected taught me that trust is earned over years but can be lost in seconds. That philosophy guides every business relationship I build today.
You meet and work with inspiring people from around the world. Has anyone had a lasting impact on the way you think or lead?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from extraordinary leaders throughout my career from members of the UAE leadership and distinguished business executives to internationally recognized entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and influential figures in media and entertainment.
Rather than one individual shaping me, I’ve been inspired by a collection of remarkable people who demonstrated that true leadership isn’t measured by status or titles it is measured by humility, vision, discipline, and the ability to elevate others.
Those experiences have shaped my own leadership philosophy: create opportunities, lead with integrity, and always leave people better than you found them.
Every journey has its challenges. Can you share a time that tested you and what it taught you about yourself?
Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve experienced moments where I had to rebuild both personally and professionally.
Starting over in a new country while expanding my international network challenged me in ways I never expected. It required resilience, adaptability, and unwavering belief in myself.
Those experiences reminded me that success isn’t defined by how many times life goes according to plan, it’s defined by how gracefully you rise when it doesn’t.
Today, I embrace challenges because they’ve become my greatest teachers.
You also support women through your work. What advice would you give to a woman who is trying to build her career with confidence?
Never underestimate your own value.
Too many women wait for permission before stepping into leadership. My advice is simple: prepare yourself, continue learning, invest in your personal growth, and let your work speak louder than your doubts.
Confidence isn’t about being fearless, it’s about moving forward despite fear.
Build genuine relationships, stay authentic, and remember that success achieved with integrity always lasts longer.
Giving back is an important part of what you do. Why do you think it matters to use success to help others?
Success becomes meaningful when it creates opportunities beyond yourself.
Throughout my career, many incredible people believed in me, opened doors for me, and trusted me with opportunities that changed my life.
I believe it’s now my responsibility to do the same for others, whether through mentoring, creating business connections, highlighting entrepreneurs on my podcast, or helping someone gain visibility they may never have had otherwise.
Real success is measured by the number of lives you positively influence.
Your work keeps you very busy. How do you make time to slow down and look after yourself?
I believe balance is essential for sustainable success.
I enjoy spending quality time with family and close friends, attending inspiring events, traveling, reading, and taking quiet moments for reflection. Living in Dubai has also given me an appreciation for peaceful walks by the waterfront, where I can disconnect from the pace of business and reconnect with myself.
Those moments allow me to return to work with greater clarity, creativity, and purpose.
If someone met you away from work, what part of your personality do you think would surprise them the most?
People often expect me to be serious because of the environments I work in.
In reality, I’m very warm, approachable, and enjoy meaningful conversations filled with laughter and positivity. I love discovering people’s stories, learning from different cultures, and creating genuine friendships.
No matter someone’s title or background, I believe everyone deserves to feel respected and heard.
Is there a daily habit, a favourite place, or a simple routine that helps you feel happy and grounded?
Every morning begins with gratitude.
Before checking emails or taking calls, I take a few quiet moments to reflect on everything I’m grateful for and to set my intentions for the day.
It’s a simple practice, but it reminds me that while ambition drives success, gratitude gives it meaning.
Before we finish, what message would you like to share with women who are working towards their dreams, even when the road feels uncertain?
Never allow temporary setbacks to define your future.
Every challenge is preparing you for a greater opportunity, even if you can’t see it yet.
Believe in your vision, invest in yourself, surround yourself with people who inspire you, and never be afraid to start again.
Success isn’t reserved for the luckiest people, it belongs to those who remain resilient, continue learning, and refuse to give up.
Remember: your story has power, your voice has value, and your greatest chapter may still be ahead of you.
