Early Life and Education
- Birth: Diala Makki was born on September 17, 1981, in Tehran to a Lebanese father and an Iranian mother.
- Upbringing: She was raised in Tyre, Lebanon, and began her modeling career at the age of 16.
- Education: Makki studied media at the Lebanese American University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts with a focus on Radio, TV, and Film. She pursued further studies in International Affairs while working as a presenter at Future Television.
Career Highlights
- Future Television: Makki started her career as a presenter at Future Television and was part of the launch of the youth channel Zen TV. Here, she hosted a weekly fashion show.
- Dubai TV: In 2004, she joined Dubai TV, where she and her team launched Studio 24, a weekly entertainment show.
- Film Festivals: Makki covered major international film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, and Berlin.
- Najm Al Khaleej: From 2009 to 2011, she hosted two seasons of Najm Al Khaleej, the Gulf version of American Idol.
- Taratata: Makki also hosted Taratata, one of the biggest Arabic music talk shows.
- Film Career: She ventured into acting with roles in two films: La Tahkom Ala Mowdao Min Khelal Al Sora in 2013 and Rise in 2014, both directed by Ali F. Mostafa.
- Mashaheer: Currently, Makki hosts a fashion documentary lifestyle prime-time show on Dubai TV called Mashaheer.
Recognition and Achievements
- 100 Most Powerful Arabs Under 40: Makki was named in Arabian Business magazine’s feature list of the 100 Most Powerful Arabs Under 40 for the years 2015 and 2016.
Philanthropic Work
- Campaign Against Domestic Violence: Makki launched a campaign against domestic violence through her social media platforms. She follows up on cases to provide support and links individuals to regional NGOs in their respective countries.
- Collaboration with Marie Claire Arabia: She collaborated with Marie Claire Arabia on a campaign to raise funds for local NGOs in Dubai, particularly through luxury shoe sales.
- UN Women Campaign: Makki attended the CSW62 organized by UN Women at the United Nations Headquarters in New York after being part of their campaign to raise awareness about violence against women.
Diala Makki’s career spans television hosting, journalism, acting, and philanthropy. She has been recognized for her work in media and her efforts to address social issues such as domestic violence. Through her shows and campaigns, she continues to make an impact in the media industry and in social causes.