From becoming a hit radio jockey to hosting his own television show, it all started with a big jump for the mine superstar, Kristan ‘Kris Fade’ Fahd in Dubai. Desiring more than a dead-end radio position in Sydney, Australia, Kris aimed at finding a way out to such a rather or comparatively smaller city as Dubai.
“When I was 25, I was working in radio in Sydney after three years of experience and I was at a good station albeit not the biggest and I felt like I have hit a ceiling, my boss introduced me to Ian Grace the CEO of Virgin Radio International, who offered me a choice between Kuala Lumpur or Dubai,” recalled Kris to the media.
“As an ambitious individual, Lebanese and living only three hours away from Lebanon, I thought that it could be a good opportunity to visit more often and practice my Arabic Therefore, I prepared my documents, and left to set up the first Middle Eastern Virgin Radio brand for Sir Richard Branson,” he said.
Interviewing with the media, the Lebanese-Australian radio presenter, host of ‘Reality Personality of the Year’ award in London, shares his experience in the UAE, financial difficulties, depression and his way to worldwide popularity.
Discovering home in Dubai
What a lot of people do not understand is the fact that Kris had only planned to be in Dubai for only 2 years. However, as he was honest as to say, the first 14 to 15 months of operation were small tough. “I have been living in Sydney all my life and decided to leave all my family members behind, move to an absolutely new city on my own It was not easy, though, after around 1.5 years, I started to get used to the new place and even fell in love with it.”
The break though he said came with the position he took at Virgin Radio. The Kris Fade Show is not just an ordinary job for me anymore, it became a way to talk to millions of people each week.
“Of course, it is a well-known fact that Dubai, and the UAE in its turn, is a truly land of opportunity.” As what Kris in one of our interviewees said, “This is what you can get if you come here, work for it, study hard, and network.”
Triumphant in London
Dubai Bling helped put the radio star on the map when he took part in the show. In essence, the show gives viewers an illusion of the luxurious life in Dubai and its raw social life.
Recently, he enriched his successful experience, becoming the laureate of the Reality Personality of the Year title of The National Reality TV Awards in London on July 31. In the light of the recognition the man has stated the following: ‘Of course, I was stunned when I received the nomination for the show. Tens of thousands of people vote for these global awards within a few months, and the show selection encompasses reality shows worldwide.”
Kris was moved by the recognition given to the show since it showcased a Middle Eastern show in a global platform. “For Dubai Bling to even be nominated was a matter of pride especially for the city, it was exciting to see that a show originating from the Middle East is being compared to similar shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”
Traversing fame and family
While Kris was already a popular figure in his native country, the popularity has risen even higher after Dubai Bling. “I am accosted by people in the streets all over the world, whether in LA, Sydney, New York or London,” he said; although this kind of reception was relatively new even to a one with radio-celebrity like the host.
However, Kris agrees that the show led to numerous new opportunities in his life but was not enthusiastic about joining Dubai Bling. “It was a fear of the unknown I guess,” Said Kris About his decision of doing the show “When I got the chance to host the show, I was not even told that it was for Netflix, I want to know what I am getting myself into and plan my future”.
“When you shoot reality show you do sign your life away. Whatever one does is recorded, and what is produced is for the public domain,” he said when asked on the repercussions of shooting the reality show, considering his family was featured on the show as well.
Even my wife came in the show because she is not in media like me My children have shot few scenes and most of the scenes in season one have my parents I have said no to many things at first and that is why I said no to this probably is too much But after discussing with my family I decided to go ahead with the show.
Hidden sweat that goes into the shine
Nevertheless, he does not forget the fact that all the glamour linked to Dubai Bling stems from the Shark, remaining humble and a workaholic. ”I have never lived the sort of ‘Hey, look at me, I am rich’ kind of life.” “
“Would one say I have more cash now than when I first relocated to the emirate? Sure I do. Was I able to sweat for the money? Indeed, I did. Having relocated to this city, I had almost no cash, probably about Dh4,000 or Dh5,000 to my name,” he said.
Dh13,900, that was my initial salary per month, and I was using it to fend for my kids back home, I resided in a dilapidated house, there were instances I could barely pay the Dewa bill, and I had to borrow to pay for my rent, Kris states the difficult moments he faced during his initial years practicing law in Dubai.
This journey was very challenging, but he was determined and did not look up; he stayed on course. “Was there luck involved? Definitely. I believe everyone has some luck in life when it comes to reaching the levels that you want as a person, as a professional, and as an individual; but at the same time you must make your own luck, you have to pave your own way. “
“There are those who only see and know the new Kris Fade who drives a shiny car, owns a glamorous house, and tours different parts of the world. But it did not take me very long to get here,” he said as he let out a laugh.
From the lowest depths to the highest peaks
Kris has explicitly shared his struggles with depression, anxiety, and weight gain on social media, aiming to extend awareness into his journey by showcasing both the highs and lows he’s lived through.
“I recall weighing 128 kilos and having days when I couldn’t even get out of bed,” he said, echoing on how these experiences have influenced him.
“These are the experiences that shape you up. I’m a different person now, with an immersed understanding of others and their struggles.”
“If I hadn’t tackled those tasks, I wouldn’t have discovered this business, improved my health, or created my healthy snacks. Sometimes, the greatest achievements come from the toughest times in life,” said the 44-year-old.
Genuineness in Reality TV
The radio presenter also admits the difficulties of staying true to oneself in the world of reality TV.
“It’s tricky because I’m juggling a radio show, running a company, and filming for the show. I wake up around 4.30 am for my morning show, and the time obligation is intense.”
“Filming can stretch over many hours on many days. So, even if you don’t want something filmed, you’ve signed away your privacy, allowing them to capture everything,” he explained.
“Some people might think what they see on screen is staged, but it’s not; it’s real. It genuinely happens.”
Despite these challenges, he intends to remain genuine both on and off-screen.
In Future for Kris Fade
For Kris, the goals remain loud and clear: continue his successful radio show and expand Fade Fit. “I want to continue having the number one radio show in the country on Virgin Radio.”
“Even after 16 years of being on the show, I still have the inclination to keep pushing. I never want to stop. And I also want to make Fade Fit the largest snack company in the world, coming out of the Middle East. It’s a huge goal, but I’m going to try,” said Kris.