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.

Gold, glamour, the Medusa and more than a little drama — Versace is the house that made maximalism a religion. From Gianni’s Milan revolution to Donatella’s red-carpet reign and a brand-new chapter under Prada, here is the complete story of Versace, and how to experience it in the UAE (including one address that lets you sleep inside the brand). Gianni Versace: The Founding Vision Versace was founded by Gianni Versace in Milan in 1978. He built the house on unapologetic glamour — bold prints, baroque gold, body-conscious cuts and rock-and-roll sensuality — a direct counterpoint to the quiet minimalism of…

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A group of young adults smiling and posing outdoors against a clear blue sky; the person in the foreground wears a peach-colored beanie and rests their chin on their hand.

For two decades, sneakers ruled — the chunkier and more hyped, the better. But a quieter shift is underway, and Gen Z is leading it. Loafers, low-profile retros and understated “quiet luxury” footwear are edging out the dad-shoe silhouette, and you can see it playing out on the streets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi too. Here is what is changing, why, and how it looks in the UAE. What’s Actually Changing This is less “the death of sneakers” and more a change of taste. The chunky, maximalist trainer is giving ground to slimmer, more considered footwear: loafers, ballet flats, mesh…

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A person wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey holding a basketball and a pair of red and black Nike sneakers over their shoulder, standing on an outdoor basketball court.

The Air Jordan brand is more than footwear—it is a cultural phenomenon. Since its birth in 1984 through a groundbreaking collaboration between Nike and basketball legend Michael Jordan, the line has shaped the future of sports, fashion, and global street culture. What began as a bold experiment has become a defining symbol of performance, style, and collectability. The Birth of a Legend: Air Jordan 1 When Nike signed Michael Jordan to a five-year deal worth $2.5 million in 1984, it was a monumental gamble. The result, the Air Jordan 1, designed by Peter Moore, debuted in 1985. Its rebellious black…

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A collage of images featuring an older woman in a courtroom, a man in a suit wearing glasses, two women escorted by police officers, a man behind bars, and a couple posing together dressed formally.

The Gucci fashion legacy is more than a corporate history — it’s a saga of creativity, scandal, and rebirth. For over 100 years, Gucci has influenced the way the world defines luxury. From its small beginnings in Florence to its presence on Dubai’s golden shopping avenues, the story of Gucci is one of innovation, reinvention, and cultural magnetism. For anyone who loves fashion, Gucci isn’t just a brand. It’s an experience. For a complete overview of fashion, culture, icons and streetwear shaping the region, explore our full Lifestyle hub Guccio Gucci’s Vision: Where It All Began It all started in…

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Collage featuring Versace's upcycling initiative with a sketch of a face encircled by arrows, a sneaker made from upcycled materials in vibrant colors, the text highlighting limited unique designs, and two children wearing eco-conscious outfits.

The Versace Upcycle collection marks a clear shift inside luxury fashion. It mixes exclusivity with environmental thinking. It proves that playful children’s design can carry serious sustainability. The capsule focuses on eco‑conscious materials, careful construction, and durable comfort. It shows that Versace can protect its bold identity while shrinking its footprint. The idea is simple. Take unused production materials and give them a second life. Add recycled inputs where possible. Build limited pieces with character, not waste. Upcycle turns factory leftovers into smart, stylish items for everyday adventures. Why Versace Upcycle matters now Luxury is changing. Families want fashion that…

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The UAE, known for its luxurious lifestyle and opulent tastes, is also home to some of the world’s most exquisite fragrances. From rich, traditional oud scents to fresh, modern aromas, the fragrance market in the UAE is as diverse as it is sophisticated. Here’s a closer look at The Hottest 25 Fragrances in the UAE, offering a blend of tradition and contemporary elegance. 1. Oud Wood by Tom Ford Oud Wood by Tom Ford is a staple in the UAE, cherished for its exotic blend of rare oud wood, spices, and vanilla. This luxurious fragrance is known for its deep,…

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A man in a black sleeveless top and jeans gestures with his hand; next to this, a close-up of feet wearing stylish sneakers on a red carpet.

Adidas is preparing to bid farewell to its YEEZY line with a final, highly anticipated sale of YEEZY sneakers. According to various sources, the iconic brand is readying its last batch of YEEZYs. This will bring an end to a significant chapter in its history. This decision marks a pivotal moment for both adidas and the sneaker community. The once-celebrated collaboration with Kanye West comes to a definitive close. YEEZY: The Final Drop is about to.. Drop.Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic releases and avoid fakes. Background on the YEEZY…

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Supreme is not dead, but the business and the meaning of its hype have changed. VF Corporation bought the brand for a $2.1 billion base price in December 2020, then sold it to EssilorLuxottica for $1.5 billion in October 2024. Resale premiums and Supreme’s share of streetwear trading cooled from their peak, yet the brand generated $538 million of revenue and $166 million of operating income in VF’s 2024 fiscal year. It also operated 18 stores in 2025 and is still releasing full seasons and collaborations in 2026. The accurate story is not “Supreme collapsed”. It is that a scarcity-driven…

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2026 is shaping up to be one of the most stacked sneaker years in recent memory — a mix of blockbuster Jordan retros, a new wave of signature shoes, and the terrace-trainer trend refusing to slow down. Here are the releases worth marking your calendar for, and, just as importantly, how to actually get a pair in the UAE.Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic releases and avoid fakes. The Big Jordan Drops Jordan Brand is leading the year. The most talked-about collaboration is the re-release of the Virgil Abloh Archives…

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Best gym facilities UAE represent the pinnacle of global fitness culture meeting Arabian hospitality. This comprehensive guide explores the most exceptional training destinations across the Emirates. From budget-friendly community centres to ultra-luxury wellness sanctuaries, the UAE’s fitness landscape offers unparalleled diversity. The region’s commitment to health and wellness transforms traditional gymnasium concepts into lifestyle experiences. Best gym facilities UAE cater to every demographic, budget, and fitness philosophy. Professional athletes train alongside weekend warriors, creating dynamic environments where ambition meets community spirit. Modern UAE gym culture transcends simple exercise routines. These facilities become social hubs where expatriates forge friendships and locals…

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