From a Ukrainian translator on dating gigs to a matchmaking powerhouse in the heart of the UAE.
By the time you meet Alla Rakhmatullina, she probably already knows your type better than you do.
She doesn’t rely on fate, astrology, or dating apps. She’s not swiping. She’s sorting—by values, personality, culture, and what actually works in a relationship. And after nearly two decades in the business, she’s learned one thing above all: compatibility in dating is rarely what we think it is.
We met Alla in Dubai, where she now lives and works full-time as a matchmaker, dating coach, and the founder of a matchmaking company that spans continents. With over 7,000 registered singles in her personal CRM system—and contact with more than 15,000—her network is as strong as her intuition. That’s how she helps single dating in Dubai.
But how did it all start?
From Summer Job to Global Network
“I didn’t start as a matchmaker,” Alla tells us. “I started as a translator on dates.” Back in Ukraine, she translated conversations between American men and Ukrainian women—early days of international online dating, before apps and algorithms. What started as a side hustle turned into a full-time mission. She realized that behind every awkward silence or mismatched pair was an opportunity to make better connections—real ones.
What followed was natural: helping friends, building networks, growing trust. Her first official company opened in Mexico, where she spent nearly a decade before relocating to Dubai two years ago. And once again, the demand followed her. “The moment I told people what I do, they all said: Oh, I have a sister… a brother… can you help?”
She didn’t plan to launch in the UAE. But as she puts it: “I saw the need. I couldn’t ignore it.”
Dubai: The Perfect Storm for Modern Matchmaking
With nearly 200 nationalities in one city, Dubai offers unmatched cultural diversity—ideal terrain for someone who understands love across borders. But Alla also sees challenges: “We have so much freedom to choose who we want, but no one teaches us how to choose the right person.”
Her mission is to change that. And her approach is refreshingly grounded.
Matchmaking with Alla begins with clarity: a registration process, deep-dive conversations, and sometimes a reality check. “People come with a type in mind—but that ‘type’ hasn’t worked for them so far. That’s why they’re still single.” Her role? To shift patterns, spark new ways of thinking, and offer honest feedback based on real human psychology.
Sometimes all it takes is a single session. “Just talking to me can already trigger change. I’ve had people meet their match right after our first call—before we even officially start. And honestly, I’m fine with that. My goal is to help them, not lock them into a program.”
Matchmaking is not Just for the Ultra-Rich
While matchmaking often carries a luxury-label image, Alla wants to make it accessible. Her services start at AED 5,000 for a three-month subscription—far from the five-figure retainers typical of elite matchmaking agencies. “This isn’t just for high-net-worth individuals,” she insists. “Everyone deserves a chance at love—with real support.”
That said, her methods are meticulous. Clients go through coaching, compatibility tests, and personalized matching. Preferences are discussed, challenged, and adjusted along the way. “It’s not about finding a perfect person—it’s about finding someone who makes sense for you.”
And yes, her system is scalable. With CRM filters by age, religion, nationality, personality traits, and more, her team can quickly generate a shortlist of compatible matches. Still, intuition plays a role. “I know how to read people,” she says. “But I also rely on experience, and feedback after each date.”
From First Dates to Real Relationships
Once a match is made, the process doesn’t end there. Alla follows up. She checks in. And she’s building collaborations with relationship coaches for post-match support—especially for those over 35, who often carry stronger personalities and more complex relationship histories.
“I’m a matchmaker and dating coach. But I’m not a therapist,” she explains. “That’s why I want to offer couples support once they start dating—to make it last.”
And yes, she’s seen everything: couples who seemed impossible, matched by their mutual drama, still happily (and loudly) together. Others who adjusted preferences after three dates and found someone far better than their “ideal” on paper.
Dubai’s Million Singles
According to her reach and metrics, Alla estimates that there are close to a million single people in Dubai. With viral content reaching over 900,000 users on Instagram—nearly all within the UAE—her platform has become a magnet for singles tired of dating apps and ghosting culture.
“There’s a reason people come to me. They want something serious. They want clarity. And most importantly—they want something real.”
What’s Next?
Expansion. More team members. An official office space in Dubai. And new collaborations—like one launching in April with Cocktails and Connections, a popular social community of 27,000 members.
“My goal is to contribute to this city. Dubai is building for families now—not just business. And I want to be part of that. If I help more people create stable, healthy relationships, I’m doing something good. Not just for them—but for this place.”
Three Tips from a Matchmaker Who Knows
Before we leave, we ask Alla for her top three tips for singles looking to meet someone:
- Get out of the house. “You won’t meet your future partner on the couch. Unless you want to marry your food delivery guy.”
- Make friends first. “The best relationships start with common ground—not instant chemistry.”
- Be open. “Try dating someone you wouldn’t normally consider. To have something you’ve never had, you need to do something you’ve never done.”
Alla Rahmatullah isn’t just matching people. She’s shifting mindsets, one date at a time. In a world that’s speeding up, disconnecting, and swiping left too fast, her message cuts through the noise: Connection still matters. Real love still exists. You just need the right guide.
