Author: Alina Ali

Alina Ali's avatar

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.

Who are the top MENA influencers in 2026? There is no defensible single ranking that compares a footballer, beauty founder, musician, gamer and family creator on one scale. This guide therefore presents 25 notable profiles in alphabetical order, with their main market, niche, platform and the reason each may matter to a reader or brand. It is a discovery shortlist, not a claim that one person is “more influential” than another. Every name links to a public profile checked on 29 July 2026. We deliberately do not order the list by follower count or publish unsourced rates, engagement figures or…

Read More

Acqua di Parma Gelsomino A Freddo represents perfumery at its most exquisite. This remarkable eau de parfum showcases centuries-old craftsmanship through modern luxury. The fragrance emerges from the prestigious Signatures of the Sun collection. Italian artisans employ the ancient cold enfleurage technique to capture jasmine’s purest essence. This meticulous process creates something extraordinary in contemporary fragrance. The Ancient Art Behind Modern Luxury Cold enfleurage dates back to ancient Egypt and medieval France. Master perfumers place freshly picked jasmine blossoms onto purified shea butter. The delicate flowers remain undisturbed for precisely 48 hours. Craftsmen repeat this cycle multiple times to achieve…

Read More

Meet the first headline colourway of LeBron’s 23rd signature, now out in the wild: the Nike LeBron 23 “40K Gold.” This is the celebratory pair that marks King James becoming the first player to pass 40,000 career points. Below you’ll find everything that actually helps: confirmed price, the release recap, what the materials feel like in hand, how the shoe is likely to fit compared with the LeBron 22, packaging extras, and smart buying tactics for SNKRS. We also convert the price to AED for UAE readers and keep the key details at the top for quick reference.Related: check our…

Read More

Action Bronson turned up to the Caught Stealing red carpet in a pair of unreleased New Balance 992s, and the internet noticed before any press release did. That impromptu debut is now history: the pair released officially on 22 October 2025 under the name “Digitalis Purpurea” (SKU U992AC1) — sneaker media had been calling it “Cosmic Rose” during the teaser phase, and the nickname stuck even after New Balance confirmed the official title. The design: pigskin suede in a rose that means business Premium pigskin suede wraps the upper in a rose tone that reads more sophisticated than sweet —…

Read More

The keto diet has been one of the most polarising health conversations of the past decade. For some, it’s a miracle solution that curbs appetite, stabilises blood sugar, and sheds stubborn fat. For others, it feels restrictive, unsustainable, and perhaps even outdated in a world that has moved on to intermittent fasting, plant-forward eating, and weight-loss injections. But does the keto diet still work in 2025? Can this nearly century-old eating method adapt to modern lifestyles, or is it destined to fade into the background of diet history? After speaking to medical professionals, nutritionists, and functional medicine experts, a clear…

Read More

Part of our complete guide to Fashion in the UAE. When I think of Louis Vuitton, I think of Parisian elegance fused with adventure — a brand that began with a teenager walking 400 kilometres on foot and grew into a global symbol of status and craftsmanship. The ultimate history of Louis Vuitton story is not just a corporate timeline; it’s the tale of a stubborn dreamer, a family that never settled for “good enough”, and a vision of travel that redefined luxury. I’ve spent years researching fashion history, and in the world of designer heritage, few stories are as…

Read More

“Did summer even happen?” As the heat begins to fade and alarm clocks slowly reclaim their place from beach playlists, there’s no denying it — the academic year is around the corner. But just because holiday vibes are winding down doesn’t mean your sense of style should follow suit. With adidas stepping up once again, your return-to-campus fit could be your most iconic yet. The adidas back to school collection has got collectors looking up.Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic releases and avoid fakes. From school corridors to city sidewalks,…

Read More

Vans OTW’s latest creative capsule dives deep into gritty, post-industrial textures as SR Studio returns for the third chapter in its boundary-pushing collaboration. Arriving just in time for Fall 2025, the upcoming collection sees the Authentic 44 and Old Skool 36 silhouettes reworked through Sterling Ruby’s artistic lens, bringing back that iconic blend of high-visibility tonality and underground flair. A Leaner, Sharper Creative Vision After previously rolling out a four-pair collection with Vans at the tail end of 2024, SR Studio LA CA — led by multidisciplinary artist Sterling Ruby — trims the fat for this follow-up. The 2025 edition…

Read More

Creatine cognitive growth is no longer a fringe idea — it’s now a powerful, evidence-backed tool for sharpening your brain. In 2025, cognitive scientists and neurologists are united in praising creatine’s role beyond the gym. Originally known as a muscle-building supplement, creatine is now emerging as one of the most reliable nootropics for mental clarity, memory, and resilience under pressure. Where caffeine may jolt you awake and leave you crashing, creatine supports the brain’s energy cycle. It’s consistent, long-lasting, and safe for daily use — helping you stay mentally sharp whether you’re burning through exam notes, leading boardroom strategy, or…

Read More

✅ Updated June 2026 — Balenciaga fragrances are available at Harvey Nichols Dubai, Bloomingdale’s UAE, Sephora UAE, and the Balenciaga boutique in Mall of the Emirates. The collection’s aesthetic was set during Demna’s tenure, but Balenciaga is now under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, who took over in July 2025 — the fragrance line remains architectural and unconventional, a fitting bridge between two very different creative eras. The house of Balenciaga has finally returned to its roots in scent. After decades of silence and years of speculation, the Balenciaga fragrance collection has arrived — ten distinct perfumes that reclaim…

Read More