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.

Get ready, streetwear fans! Two of the biggest names in the game—Supreme and Jordan—are back together. Their latest collaboration is set to drop on October 3rd. Known for creating some of the most sought-after items in street culture, this Supreme x Jordan Collaboration is sure to make waves once again. The upcoming collection features a mix of apparel and accessories. These items perfectly blend Supreme’s iconic style with the legendary Jordan brand. Sneak Peek: New Footwear on the Horizon? While the collaboration is primarily focused on apparel, eagle-eyed fans may have spotted a potential footwear release hidden in the promotional…

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Two basketball players wearing yellow Lakers uniforms pose for photos; one is holding a basketball while the other stands with arms crossed.

As the 2024-2025 NBA season approaches, one of the most exciting sub-plots is the progression of Bronny James’ rookie year with the LA Lakers. He will play alongside his legendary father, LeBron James. This interaction between Bronny and LeBron James is eagerly anticipated. The involvement of LeBron and Bronny James makes this a moment fans and analysts are looking forward to. The day he plays alongside his father will be historic. Basketball enthusiasts surely won’t want to miss it. At the recent Lakers Media Day, both the King and the Prince offered a glimpse into what’s sure to be a…

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Pair of white high-top sneakers with blue and orange accents, featuring the word 'Ewing' and a basketball logo on the tongue, and an orange basketball keychain with the number 33 attached.

Ewing Athletics, founded by NBA legend Patrick Ewing in 1989, had a massive influence in the basketball and sneaker world during the 1990s. The brand was known for its high-top, chunky designs, specifically the Ewing 33 Hi. After dominating the market in the ’90s, the brand saw a decline in the 2000s as trends shifted towards more sleek and minimalist designs. What Happened to Ewing Sneakers? However, in 2012, Ewing Athletics made a comeback with re-releases of its most popular models, including the 33 Hi, targeting nostalgic sneakerheads and a new generation of consumers interested in retro styles. The brand…

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According to sources, a total of six Air Jordan Retros, originally planned for release in the final quarter of the year, have been cancelled under the label Jordan Retro Cancelled. This surprising move suggests that Jordan Brand may have either scrapped the releases entirely. Alternatively, they may have postponed them until 2025. Given the declining popularity and diminishing sales of Air Jordan Retros, the models were likely permanently shelved. This decline specifically concerns those that are not original colorways or valuable retro models from the 2000s. When Jordan Cancels Retro Re-Issues for 2024, we take notice of such cancellations. The…

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Part of our complete guide to Sneakers in the UAE. Nike has become synonymous with performance, innovation, and style. Its rise to prominence is a story of grit, determination, and relentless innovation in the sportswear industry. What started as a small business venture between a former track athlete and his coach is now a globally recognised brand. It has transcended its roots to become a cultural icon. This is the story of how Nike built its empire—from humble beginnings to the powerhouse it is today. The history of Nike is something special. Early Beginnings: The Birth of a Legend Nike’s…

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The Air Jordan 5 “Grape” is making its highly anticipated comeback in 2025. Once again, it will take centre stage in the sneaker world. Originally released in 1990, this colorway quickly became one of the most iconic in the Air Jordan lineup. This is thanks to its bold design and unusual colour palette. Fans of the original and new sneaker collectors alike are excited. They want to see the return of this unique shoe, which continues to be a cultural and fashion symbol decades after its debut. The “Grape” colorway is known for its striking blend of colors. It has…

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A race car driver in a white suit and blue helmet adjusts his chin strap while surrounded by a group of men, some in orange uniforms. One man holds a camera, capturing the moment in a pit stop environment with a backdrop of toolboxes and equipment.

The world of watches and motorsport enthusiasts is buzzing with excitement. This is because Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco, worn during the 1971 racing film Le Mans, is set to go under the hammer for the first time. Considered one of the most iconic watches in both cinema and horological history, this timepiece is expected to fetch between $500,000 and $1 million at the upcoming Sotheby’s “Heuer Champions” auction. The auction is taking place in December 2024. It will mark a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of McQueen’s legacy. The Heuer Monaco’s Legacy The Heuer Monaco was first…

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A side view of a white and black sneaker with red accents, featuring a prominent red swoosh logo, resting on a concrete surface against a dark, blurred background.

Before sneaker collabs and hype drops, one shoe made tennis look rebellious: the Nike Air Tech Challenge II, worn by a young Andre Agassi as he tore up the buttoned-up tennis establishment. Its return in the original “Hot Lava” colourway is a genuine heritage moment. Here is why it matters and where to get it in the UAE. Quick Facts DetailInformation ShoeNike Air Tech Challenge II “Lava” IconAndre Agassi’s court shoe from around 1990 ColourwayThe bold “Hot Lava” orange — one of the most recognisable in tennis history Where to buy (UAE)Nike SNKRS UAE app and Nike stores; resale for…

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Few fashion houses have swung between quiet couture genius and internet-breaking hype quite like Balenciaga. From a Spanish tailor once called “the master of us all” to viral AED-thousands hoodies and mud-caked trainers, it is a brand that keeps reinventing what luxury looks like. Here is the complete history of Balenciaga — and where to buy it in the UAE. The Founder: Cristóbal Balenciaga Balenciaga was founded by Spanish couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga, who opened his first boutique in San Sebastián in 1919 before establishing the house in Paris in 1937. He became one of the most technically gifted designers in…

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The highly coveted and iconic Rolex ‘Rainbow’ Daytona chronograph, a rare timepiece from the 1990s, is set to hit the auction block this November. It is making headlines due to this event. The watch, known for its lively, multicolored sapphire bezel, is expected to draw significant attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike. The Rolex ‘Rainbow’ Daytona at Auction for $3.5 Million is big news. The Rolex brand, synonymous with luxury, precision, and innovation, has a storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, the company was originally…

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