Nour Rizk Is The Harper’s Bazaar Qatar Winter 2025 Issue Cover Star

Lebanese-Swiss model Nour Rizk has already lived a big life, walking for the world’s great fashion houses and living in half a dozen countries. Yet, for her, home is not a place but a feeling. On set at Old Doha Port, she talks to Harper’s Bazaar Qatar about wanderlust, women’s empowerment, and where she’s most at peace

They say there’s no place like home. But what if home is both everywhere, and nowhere? Having lived in six countries by the time she hit her mid-twenties, and now travelling almost every week for work, Nour Rizk is intimately aware of what this feels like. And yet, when the plane touched down in Doha, she felt at peace. “Being back in Qatar honestly felt like coming home,” she tells us. “It was a big part of my childhood – I grew up here during some of the most prominent years of my life. I first moved here from Lebanon in 2006 – I lived here for a good seven to eight years. It was a very special place, because there was such a rich blend between locals and international expats. My school was filled with people from all over the world, so I grew up surrounded by different cultures while also embracing the local culture, which is incredibly beautiful. I have so many fond memories from that time that I’ll always cherish.”

Shooting in Qatar for the first time felt like a homecoming. “It makes me so happy,” she says. “The development is incredible, yet it still feels nostalgic. So many beautiful memories came flooding back while driving around as many of the old spots I used to visit as a kid are still there.” She was particularly struck by the transformation of Msheireb and the striking National Museum of Qatar. “It’s such a beautiful country. I’m so grateful I was raised there and got to witness how much it’s evolved while keeping its cultural roots.”

For some being a global nomad might be tricky to navigate but identity isn’t something this self-confident star grapples with, with travel instead becoming a passion. “Even when I have time off, I can’t stay in one place. Whether it’s to Dubai to visit my family (who’ve been based there for 10 years), or to meet friends, discover a new place, or simply travel solo to recharge. It’s part of who I am. I think one of the most beautiful privileges we have as humans is the ability to explore the world.”

Right now, our Swiss-Lebanese cover star’s base is in London – she jokingly calls it her “closet, because that’s where all my clothes are,” adding quickly that “My family is in Dubai, and family is a big part of what defines home for me.” But after moving so much, “I’ve realised home isn’t really a place – it’s who you are and what you make of wherever you are. I live in hotels most of the time, so I’ve learned to ground myself through routines, self-care, and remembering that my body is my home.”

Recent visits to new destinations – like Hawaii and Cape Town – have been eye-opening and cemented her desire to keep roaming. “Everywhere I go, I try to learn from the culture, the people, and the language,” she says. “I have this ritual where I watch the sunrise and sunset in every new country – it helps ground me and reminds me to appreciate the beauty around me. These experiences shape me both as a person and as an artist; they keep my mind open and my heart curious.”

Her worldview has also impacted what she wants to achieve, both personally and professionally. In 2023 Nour graced a Harper’s Bazaar cover in the region, and we prompted her to manifest a headline reflecting her path in five years’ time. Her answer? “Iconic Lebanese Model and Advocate Nour Rizk Hits the Runway Promoting the Launch of Her New Brand.” Just two years later, those words ring truer than ever. Alongside her mother Chahrazad, she has nurtured a community devoted to women’s empowerment, financial independence and entrepreneurship in the Middle East, titled Le Rallye de Grasse. Last year, the pair hosted a women’s business conference and pop-up in Dubai that drew participants from around the world. Nour also directed her first runway show for Brazilian designer André Almeida, whose collection debuted in the UAE, merging her world of fashion with her mother’s network of entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals. “It’s such a beautiful blend of generations and industries – we learn so much from one another,” she smiles.

Nour cites her mum as being “the person who’s inspired me most with all her philanthropy work. She built her career as an interior designer, architect, and contractor while creating, a community focused on women’s empowerment. Watching her taught me a work ethic and she showed me that anything is possible.” The duo has plans to bring the event back next spring – this time in Lebanon, where Chahrazad first launched it years ago. Nour enthuses proudly, “It feels incredible to continue her legacy.”

Her mother also inadvertently provided the impetus for Nour’s future career, with the fashion industry captivating her since childhood. “I remember watching Fashion TV with my mum when I was five or six,” she laughs. “It was my escape – a dream that felt so out of reach.” When she was scouted as a teenager, she entered the industry with equal parts excitement and uncertainty, but has nothing but positivity about her trajectory. “I was lucky to have the best mentors – my agents became like family,” she says. “And my upbringing gave me strong values. You learn, you grow, and eventually you find your rhythm.”

Among the women who she looks up to is supermodel Gisele Bündchen. “Her beauty and confidence are magnetic,” says Nour. “But what I admire most is how she balances an extraordinary career with family life. That’s my ultimate goal – to have both, and feel fulfilled in each.” Her sunny outlook feeds into every facet of her life. When it comes to being a role model, paving the way for others in her field she replies, “I never saw it as pressure. It’s a privilege to represent my culture and my people in this industry.” She mentors aspiring models organically, through real-life connections. “Every encounter is an exchange of inspiration,” she says. “Even after years in the business, I still want to do more – collaborate, tell stories, and open doors for others.”

In an era ruled by social media, Nour remains surprisingly detached. “I’m a private person,” she admits. “Technology can be distracting, so I limit it. I use social media mainly for work – not for constant updates about my life.” Her approach is intentional and in keeping with her overall philosophy: “I choose peace, mental health, and living in the moment over chasing trends. In high fashion, having millions of followers isn’t what defines success – artistry still matters.”

Although balance is something she eventually strives for; there’s a personal project arriving next year will further expand her voice as an advocate and thrust her even further into the spotlight. “It’s very close to my heart and reflects my culture and identity,” she hints. “I can’t wait for people to see it.” Stay tuned for the reveal of her next chapter, which no doubt will be as much of a success as her career thus far.

Lead Image Credits: Silk Top; Cotton Knit Top; Satin Dress; Laced Shoes, POA, all Miu Miu

Photography by Andrés Jimenez. Styling by Nour Bou Ezz. Talent Management: The Lions Management. Hair & Make-Up: Raffaele Romagnoli. Senior Producer: Steff Hawker. Qatar Producer: Narges Raiss. Lighting Assistant: Pablo Suárez. Fashion Assistant: Chelsea Red. Special thanks to Old Doha Port

From the Harper’s Bazaar Qatar Winter 2025 Issue