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.

A black suede sneaker with a white swoosh logo and a gum-colored sole, set against a mustard yellow background.

The Nike Air Force 1 is an iconic sneaker that has evolved with changing trends while maintaining its classic appeal. Designed by Bruce Kilgore, the Air Force 1 has seen countless iterations, but simple, timeless versions remain some of Nike’s best sellers. This Fall/Holiday 2024, Nike introduces a new Air Force 1 Low that blends traditional elements with modern twists. Key Features of the Air Force 1 Low “Black/White/Gum” Gum Soles The standout feature of this new release is the light gum soles. While gum soles are not new to Nike, their recent resurgence on lifestyle classics like the Air…

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Pair of light gray sneakers with white accents and cream-colored soles, featuring a mix of mesh and suede materials.

The Air Jordan 4 RM in Monochromatic Grey will make waves in the sneaker community this Fall/Winter season. Jordan Brand is banking on this modified ’89 classic. They hope to capture the hearts of sneaker enthusiasts by following successful collaborations and previous releases. Air Jordan 4 RM in Monochromatic Grey The “Grey/Sail” features a soothing grey/sail colourway, promising to be a standout in Jordan Brand’s lineup. The sneaker offers an all-soft grey upper, executed monochromatically across various materials such as suede, plastic, and ballistic nylon. This uniform grey treatment extends to the midsole, which features an off-white tint from toe…

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A grid of nine different styles of sneakers and sandals, featuring various designs and color combinations such as black, beige, blue, orange, red, and brown. The footwear includes low-top and high-top sneakers, along with distinctive slide and foam designs.

Yeezy enthusiasts, rejoice! Adidas continues its mission to completely liquidate remaining Yeezy stock with yet another Yeezy Day Restocks. This event includes some of the most sought-after Yeezy models, making it a significant occasion for sneakerheads. More Yeezy Day restocks are anticipated soon, so stay tuned. Yeezy Day Restocks Adidas has announced a new Yeezy Day restock event for July, featuring a variety of coveted models. Included in this latest batch is the infamous “Pirate Black” Yeezy 350, several colorways of the Yeezy Foam Runner, and many more. These restocks are available online through the adidas Confirmed App or directly…

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A man in a black suit and sunglasses walks confidently down a runway with bright lighting, surrounded by a crowd holding up smartphones to take pictures.

Tom Ford is a highly influential American fashion designer and filmmaker, renowned for his transformative work at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. His visionary approach revitalised Gucci in the 1990s, turning it into a global powerhouse with his sleek, modern designs. His career is marked by numerous awards and accolades. These reflect his significant impact on both the fashion and film industries. We find out how Tom Ford became number one. Early Life and Education Tom Ford was born on August 27, 1961, in Austin, Texas. Raised in the suburbs of Houston and later Santa Fe, New Mexico, Ford’s early…

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A pair of Crocs styled in a red, blue, and yellow design with a small figurine decoration attached to one shoe, displayed against a branded backdrop.

In celebration of their 45th anniversary, the iconic Japanese sci-fi franchise Gundam has teamed up with Crocs. They have launched an exciting new Crocs Gundam Collab: the Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clog. Building on Crocs’ history of unique partnerships, this collaboration pays homage to the legendary RX-78-2 Gundam, famously piloted by Amuro Ray. A Tribute to RX-78-2 The design of the Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clog is a lively tribute to the RX-78-2. The upper part of the clog showcases a striking blue, red, and yellow graphic. In this Crocs Gundam collab, the collaboration graphic mirrors the distinctive colors of…

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Left: A side view of a dark iridescent sneaker with a crocodile-like texture and black laces. Right: The same sneakers in a custom box featuring artwork with a dark theme.

In the fast-changing world of sneaker culture, collaborations are a currency of hype. Yet, few saw this one coming: Nike has teamed up with Tekken, the legendary fighting game franchise, to reimagine one of its most iconic silhouettes. The result is the Tekken 8 x Nike Air Foamposite One, a sneaker inspired by one of gaming’s most recognisable anti-heroes—Kazuya Mishima. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick. It’s a collision of two worlds that have influenced culture in very different ways: Nike, the global sportswear giant, and Tekken, a video game franchise that has shaped competitive gaming for almost three decades.…

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A luxury watch with an intricate open-worked dial, a silver case with exposed screws, and an orange strap. The watch features prominent, visible gears and mechanical components, with yellow and black hands. The crown is detailed with a red accent.

In March 2022, the average Rolex sold on the secondary market for $17,206. Today that figure sits at roughly $13,400. These numbers capture significant changes within the Luxury Watch Market. The distance between those two numbers is the story of the most dramatic boom-and-correction cycle in luxury watch history — and understanding it properly is the difference between buying intelligently and buying on mythology. The original excitement was real. Between July 2010 and March 2022, secondary market Rolex prices rose more than 550%, from an average of around $2,050 to a peak of $17,206, according to 15 years of completed…

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A pair of black sneakers with textured uppers and transparent rubber soles, featuring a prominent swoosh logo on the side.

The Nike SB PS8, a new addition to the Nike Skateboarding line, has surfaced in a sleek ‘Black/Clear’ colourway. This latest release combines stylish design elements with functional features, making it a standout choice for skateboarders and sneaker enthusiasts alike. Design and Aesthetics The Nike SB PS8 in ‘Black/Clear’ offers a clean and modern look. The shoe features a predominantly black upper, constructed from a combination of durable materials designed to withstand the rigors of skateboarding. Clear overlays add a unique twist, providing a futuristic aesthetic while maintaining the shoe’s sleek profile. Material and Build The upper is made from…

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A white and navy sneaker with a gold swoosh logo, featuring a visible air unit in the sole, displayed on a tan background.

The Nike Air Max 90 ‘Olympic’ will make a significant splash in the sneaker world with its upcoming release on July 12th. This commemorative edition is part of Nike’s celebration of the Olympic spirit, blending classic design elements with modern aesthetics. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this release so special. Design and Aesthetics The Nike Air Max 90 “Olympic” showcases a sophisticated yet sporty look. The design leans heavily into elegance and pedigree, avoiding overly flashy elements in favour of a more refined aesthetic. The shoe features off-white “Coconut” milk hits on the ridged TPU sections, providing a…

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Walking into the gleaming atriums of Dubai’s malls or the polished boutiques of Abu Dhabi, it’s easy to feel that luxury fashion in the United Arab Emirates is reserved for the ultra-wealthy. I used to think the same. But after years of living here, shopping here, and frankly, making my wardrobe work on a budget, I’ve learned that finding luxury fashion on a budget is not only possible — it’s an art form. And in the UAE, it’s an art form with more opportunity than almost anywhere else in the world. For a complete overview of fashion, culture, icons and…

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