Kristan ‘Kris Fade’ Fahd’s ascent to fame in Dubai started with a bold decision. Tired of the limitations in his radio career in Sydney, Australia, Kris sought fresh prospects in the burgeoning city of Dubai. “At 25, I was working in radio in Sydney, having been in the field for three years. I was at a decent station, but not the top one, and I felt stuck. My boss connected me with Ian Grace, the CEO of Virgin Radio International, who presented me with options between Kuala Lumpur and Dubai,” Kris recounted to Khaleej Times, looking back on his early career.
Arriving in Dubai in 2008, the city was far from the glamorous metropolis it is now. Opting for Dubai was a gamble, given the scant information available about the city then. “Being Lebanese and only a few hours away from Lebanon, I saw it as a chance to frequently visit and improve my Arabic. Thus, I packed my bags to help launch the first Virgin Radio in the Middle East for Sir Richard Branson,” he reminisced.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, the Lebanese-Australian radio host, who recently clinched the Reality Personality of the Year award in London for his role in Netflix’s Dubai Bling, discussed his transition to the UAE, his struggles with financial and mental health issues, the authenticity of reality TV, and his path to international recognition.
Kris originally planned to stay in Dubai for just two years, but the initial 14 to 15 months were tough. “I had always lived in Sydney and moved to a new city alone, without family. It was hard, but after about a year and a half, I began to adjust and fell in love with Dubai and the UAE.” The pivotal moment was his role at Virgin Radio. Hosting the Kris Fade Show transformed from a job into a weekly connection with millions of listeners. “The feedback we get shows we’re genuinely affecting people’s lives. We’re changing lives, and they’re changing ours. It’s a fulfilling job that keeps me here,” he emphasized, pointing out the opportunities in the region.
“Dubai, and the UAE broadly, is a land of opportunity. If you come here, work hard, be smart, and network, you can find those opportunities.” Participating in Dubai Bling catapulted Kris to international fame, showcasing the luxurious lifestyles of Dubai’s elite, the city’s opulence, drama, and vibrant social scene. Recently, he won the Reality Personality of the Year award at the National Reality TV Awards in London on July 31, a moment he described as both surprising and gratifying.
Despite his increased global recognition post-Dubai Bling, Kris remains grounded. “I’ve never lived a ‘bling’ life,” said the 44-year-old. “Do I have more money now than when I moved to Dubai? Definitely. Did I work hard for it? Absolutely. When I arrived, I had very little money—just about Dh4,000 or Dh5,000 in my account,” he disclosed. “My starting salary was Dh13,900 a month, which I used to support my kids. I lived in an old home, and there were times when I couldn’t pay the Dewa bill and had to take out a loan for my rent,” Kris shared, reflecting on his early financial struggles in Dubai.
Despite the challenges, he persevered. “Was there luck involved? Definitely. I think everyone who finds success has a bit of luck, but you have to create your own luck and your own opportunities,” he added. “Some people only see the Kris Fade of today—driving a nice car, living in a beautiful home, and traveling the world. But it took me a long time to get here.” From his lowest lows to his highest highs, Kris has openly shared his battles with depression, anxiety, and weight gain on social media, aiming to offer insight into his journey by showcasing both the highs and lows he’s experienced.
“I remember weighing 128 kilos and having days when I couldn’t even get out of bed,” he said, reflecting on how these experiences have shaped him. “These are the experiences that shape you up. I’m a different person now, with a deeper understanding of others and their struggles.” However, he turned these low points into a source of strength and inspiration, founding Fade Fit, a successful snack company. “From the lowest moments of my life, I founded Fade Fit, which has become one of the fastest-growing snack companies in the Middle East,” said Kris. “If I hadn’t faced those challenges, I wouldn’t have discovered this business, improved my health, or created my own healthy snacks. Sometimes, the greatest achievements come from the toughest times in life.”
The radio presenter also acknowledges the difficulties of staying true to oneself in the world of reality TV. “It’s challenging because I’m juggling a radio show, running a company, and filming for the show. I wake up around 4.30am for my morning show, and the time commitment is intense. Filming can stretch over many hours on many days,” he explained. “So, even if you don’t want something filmed, you’ve signed away your privacy, allowing them to capture everything. Some people might think what they see on screen is staged, but it’s not; it’s real. It genuinely happens,” said Kris.
Despite these challenges, he aims to remain authentic both on and off-screen. “I wouldn’t change a thing because it’s my life and who I am. My wife, Brianna Fade, and I tried to keep it as genuine as possible. I wasn’t there trying to live a lifestyle that I don’t live in real life.” For Kris, the goals remain 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,” he added. “Even after 16 years of being on the show, I still have the urge 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 ambition, but I’m going to try,” said Kris. But above all, he prioritizes his role as a husband and father. “My baby, little Kruz, has opened up my heart again. Not that it was closed, but man, I'm so in love with him. I want to be a good human being, be a good dad, be a good husband, and do the best I can do.”
