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.

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.Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic releases and avoid fakes. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick. It’s a collision of two worlds that have influenced culture in very different ways: Nike,…

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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.Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic releases and avoid fakes. 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…

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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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A pair of white and gray athletic shoes with red logos, featuring mesh panels and speckled detailing.

The Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” dropped on 24 May 2025, right on schedule as part of Jordan Brand’s 40th-anniversary rollout, and it landed in the UAE via Nike.ae and SNKRS at AED 999. It sold through fast — the men’s sizing was gone from Nike.ae within days, and by the time the dust settled it was already trading above retail on GOAT, StockX and Laced. Nike had promised a true-to-the-original build, and for once the sneaker world mostly agreed they delivered. The Release Recap Style code FV5029-100. Colourway: Summit White / Fire Red / Tech Grey / Black —…

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I’ve lived in the UAE long enough to see trends come and go, but the wave of fitness culture here feels different. Over the last few years, Fitness Events UAE has gone from a casual search term to a powerful movement driving change in our communities. In both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, initiatives are popping up that go far beyond gym memberships — they’re redefining how we live, socialise, and even work. This is not just about working out; it’s about reshaping our national identity around health and vitality. The Energy Behind the Movement There’s something special about watching Sheikh…

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to establish itself as a global hub for luxury, style, and innovation. As we look ahead to 2024, the fashion calendar is packed with must-attend events that promise to showcase the latest trends, breakthrough designers, and exclusive collections. From the glitz of Dubai Fashion Week to the cultural flair of Abu Dhabi Fashion Festival, here’s a detailed preview of the most anticipated fashion events in the UAE for 2024. This guide will help fashion enthusiasts navigate the bustling scene, providing insider tips and behind-the-scenes insights. Dubai Fashion Week 2024 Dubai Fashion Week is undoubtedly…

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There is a glass display case inside Presentedby at The Dubai Mall that tells you everything you need to know about sneaker culture in the UAE. Behind it sits a pair of Nike Air Yeezy 2s, a collaboration that no longer exists in any official capacity, sitting in near-mint condition at a price that rivals a business-class flight to New York. Nobody in the store treats this as unusual. In Dubai, it is simply how things are. The UAE’s sneaker scene is no longer a subculture finding its feet. It is a mature, economically significant, globally connected market valued at…

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In a stunning turn of events, Virginie Viard, the esteemed creative director of Chanel, announced her sudden resignation on June 5, 2024. This unexpected departure has sent shockwaves through the fashion industry, prompting a flurry of speculation about who will step into her shoes. The rumour mill has been abuzz with names, but one name has risen to the top as a potential successor. Jeremy Scott: Creative Director of Chanel? Virginie Viard’s Legacy at Chanel Virginie Viard took the reins at Chanel in 2019 following the death of the legendary Karl Lagerfeld. Viard, who had been Lagerfeld’s right-hand for over…

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