Author: Alina Ali

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Alina Ali grew up in Dubai and has spent the last ten years watching the UAE's fashion and lifestyle scene transform into one of the most dynamic in the world. As a writer, she was documenting UAE sneaker culture, high fashion, and luxury lifestyle before most outlets realised it was worth covering.She joined What's Hot in UAE as Fashion, Lifestyle & Sneaker Culture Writer after years of running her own fashion blog and building a following among Dubai's style community. Her network includes boutique owners, brand representatives, stylists and resellers across the UAE — which means her release guides, stockist lists, and fashion coverage are sourced from people with actual access, not copied from brand press kits.Alina covers everything from Nike and Jordan regional exclusives to high fashion, couture, luxury brands, beauty, and the UAE's homegrown streetwear labels making noise internationally. Lifestyle at What's Hot in UAE is her domain — and that means anything fashion, from the runway to the street.She is based in Dubai Marina and collects Air Maxes.Follow Alina's work on Muck Rack, Substack, Vocal, and Medium.

Dolce & Gabbana is an Italian luxury house founded by designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, whose first runway collection appeared in Milan in 1985. Its history is not a neat rise from small studio to global fame. The same brand that made Sicilian black lace, corsetry and leopard print instantly recognisable has repeatedly damaged its own reputation through provocative advertising and public statements. The important new chapter is corporate, not creative. In April 2026, the company confirmed that Stefano Gabbana had left his board and chairman roles with effect from 1 January, while continuing his creative work. Alfonso Dolce,…

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You’ve seen them on TikTok and Instagram: vibrant, potent-looking ginger shots downed in one gulp, promising to wipe out an oncoming cold, cure bloating, and soothe aches and pains. But in a world of wellness fads, it’s natural to ask: Are these spicy elixirs a legitimate herbal remedy, or are they just too good to be true? Ginger Shot Benefits are here. The truth lies somewhere between the hype and the history. While a single shot isn’t a miracle cure, the science behind its core ingredient—ginger—is robust and compelling. This guide moves beyond the social media trends to deliver an…

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Jordan Brand still hasn’t made it official, but retailer sightings have narrowed the window: the Air Jordan 9 Space Jam (SKU HV4794-106) was originally pencilled in for August 29, 2026, then pushed to September 19, 2026 according to the latest retailer listings. Either way, it lands this fall to mark the 30th anniversary of the original Space Jam movie. The Global Sneaker That Never Hit the Hardwood Designed by Tinker Hatfield during Michael Jordan’s first retirement in 1993, the Air Jordan 9 represented the superstar’s global reach. Its outsole carried multilingual inscriptions — “dedication”, “freedom”, “intense” — mirroring Jordan’s worldwide…

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The UAE sugar tax is about to get smarter. From 1 January 2026, the country shifts from a blunt, flat-rate excise system to a tiered model that actually looks at what’s inside the bottle. More sugar means more tax. Less sugar means less tax. It’s that simple, and it’s long overdue. This isn’t just bureaucratic tweaking. It’s a calculated move to nudge both producers and consumers towards healthier choices without scaring off investment or triggering inflation. The Ministry of Finance has confirmed the framework, and it’s already causing a quiet scramble across the beverage industry. Companies are reformulating. Retailers are…

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On 20 September 2025, Jordan Brand released its El Vuelo footwear collection, a tribute to Mexico’s lively Lucha Libre culture. The collection creates an authentic connection between sneaker enthusiasts and wrestling fans worldwide, blending Michael Jordan’s legacy of flight with the artistry of luchadores. A Cultural Celebration The El Vuelo collection embodies the bravery, skill, and transformation of Mexico’s iconic masked wrestlers. Just as luchadores launch themselves into the air with fearless acrobatics, Michael Jordan defied gravity on the basketball court. The name El Vuelo—meaning “the flight”—captures this shared spirit of strength and elevation. Lucha Libre is more than sport;…

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BAPE COMME des GARÇONS Osaka is the latest instalment in an ongoing, semi-secret collaboration between the two Japanese houses that has quietly recurred since 2020 – most recently with a fresh capsule in April 2026 – and it’s still causing quite the stir in fashion circles. Two Japanese powerhouses have joined forces again, creating something unexpectedly restrained yet utterly covetable. This isn’t your typical streetwear collaboration—it’s fashion diplomacy at its finest. The collection strips away everything you’d expect from a BAPE drop. Gone are the rainbow camouflages and cartoon apes. Instead, we get pure monochrome minimalism that would make even…

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A luxurious gold watch with a detailed face showing a moon phase indicator and multiple dials, featuring a link bracelet and an engraved clasp.

The Swiss watchmaking giant marks a historic milestone. Audemars Piguet celebrates its 150th anniversary with new perpetual calendars and flying tourbillons, expanding its two flagship collections — the Royal Oak and Code 11.59. This landmark release underscores AP’s enduring legacy of innovation, fine finishing, and bold design. A milestone year for Audemars Piguet Founded in 1875, Audemars Piguet remains one of the few Swiss manufactures still owned by its founding families. Over 150 years, it has become synonymous with technical brilliance and artistic expression. This anniversary launch celebrates that heritage by pairing iconic designs with new calibres, reduced case sizes,…

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A sneaker with a beige and white body, red swoosh logo, and red pull tabs, displayed on a round table against a dark background. Tom Sachs Mars Yard 3.0

The Tom Sachs Mars Yard 3.0 (SKU DA6676-100) released globally on 19 September 2025 at $275 (roughly AED 1,010), following a limited I.S.R.U. drop through Tom Sachs’ own channel two weeks earlier. It respects craft over noise, blending Studio discipline with real-world utility rather than gallery-piece precocity — the same logic that has driven the Mars Yard line since 2012. Nike hasn’t confirmed an official UAE retail run, so most buyers here are securing pairs via SNKRS international shipping or resale platforms once the initial raffle window passes — expect resale to sit meaningfully above retail given how fast the…

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Six gray injectable pens with purple caps labeled "Mounjaro," each indicating different dosage strengths ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg.

Mounjaro weight loss results demonstrate unprecedented effectiveness with 20% average weight reduction over 72 weeks. This breakthrough medication outperforms leading alternatives whilst offering genuine hope for UAE residents struggling with obesity-related health challenges. Medical supervision remains absolutely essential for optimal outcomes and comprehensive safety monitoring. The tirzepatide compound targets dual hormone pathways regulating blood sugar and appetite control simultaneously. Clinical trials consistently show remarkable weight reduction across diverse patient populations including Middle Eastern demographics. For UAE residents facing diabetes and obesity complications, Mounjaro represents a genuine breakthrough in modern medical weight management. Healthcare professionals across Dubai and Abu Dhabi increasingly…

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It’s official: one of streetwear’s most celebrated partnerships has run its course. Jerry Lorenzo, the visionary behind Fear Of God, confirmed in a December 2025 interview that his Fear Of God Athletics collaboration with adidas will officially wrap up after the Holiday 2025 season, with industry sources confirming that there will be no contract renewal. This news marks the end of an era for the luxury sportswear scene, and sneaker fans are eager to see how Lorenzo plans to close out the partnership with a bang.Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy…

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