Chic Dubai Magazine - Polina Makunina — Founder of the International Women’s Club EVA, Host of a Women’s Show

Editorial: Polina, today the EVA women’s club is considered one of the most prominent female communities in Dubai. How did it all begin?

Polina Makunina:
When I moved to Dubai, I realized that despite the scale and glamour of the city, it is very easy to feel lonely here — especially as a woman. I was missing meaningful communication, depth, and genuine female support. That’s when the idea was born to create a space where women could feel a sense of belonging, find friends, gain inspiration, and receive inner support.

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Editorial: EVA is more than just a social club. What is its philosophy?

Polina Makunina:
For me, EVA is about environment — the kind of surroundings that influence your mindset, emotional state, and even your destiny. I have always believed that women grow and раскрываются faster and more deeply when they are surrounded by other women. Here, you don’t need to fit in or prove anything — you can be different: strong, tired, ambitious, happy, or unsure. We accept you exactly as you are. That is our greatest value.

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Editorial: Who is the club’s audience today?

Polina Makunina:
Primarily women aged 25 to 45. Many of them are entrepreneurs, bloggers, and experts, but there are also women who are still searching for themselves. What unites them is the desire to grow, to connect with inspiring women, and to be part of a supportive and aesthetically beautiful environment. Many live in Dubai, some come for the winter season, and others travel here specifically to attend our events.

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Editorial: What formats do your club meetings take?

Polina Makunina:
We intentionally moved away from having a single format. We host lectures and business meetups, sports and wellness activities, creative workshops, elegant dinners, trips, and parties. It’s important for a woman not only to develop, but also to rest, reset, and feel inspired. In addition to offline events, we are developing a YouTube show where we speak with some of the most interesting women in the city about life, business, and self-realization in Dubai.

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Editorial: EVA actively collaborates with brands. Why do you think it’s important for businesses to be part of women’s communities?

Polina Makunina:
Because today women are not just an audience — they are a driving force. They make decisions, shape trends, and build businesses. Our collaborations are always organic: we work with brands that value quality, aesthetics, and genuine communication. This is not direct advertising — it’s about trust and authentic experience.

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Editorial: What inspires you to continue developing this project?

Polina Makunina:
People. When I see women finding friends, partners, clients, and self-confidence within the club, it gives me incredible energy. Sometimes a single meeting can change the direction of a life. Realizing that you’ve become part of that transformation is a powerful motivation.

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Editorial: How do you see the future of EVA?

Polina Makunina:
International. I want EVA to become a global women’s community with representation in different cities, offering various formats and projects. At the same time, we will always preserve what matters most — the atmosphere of warmth, beauty, and support. Growth should never come at the cost of soul.