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 sneaker with a chunky sole, featuring a combination of suede and leather materials, and a distinctive midsole design with visible air cushioning.
Sneakers

Jordan Spizike Low: Black Cat

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Jordan Brand has once again captivated sneaker enthusiasts with the latest addition to its Jordan Spizike Low collection.. Jordan Spizike Low: Black Cat.Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic releases and avoid fakes. This new release, a sleek, all-black iteration, pays homage to Michael Jordan’s illustrious nickname, the “Black Cat.” Throughout his career, Jordan earned this moniker due to his unmatched dominance on the court, characterised by his agility, stealth, and sheer prowess. The Jordan Spizike Low “Black Cat” embraces these qualities, offering a stylish yet performance-driven design that is bound…

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A collection of six caps with various designs, including a red cap with the word 'Loyalty,' a black cap with an embroidered logo, a white and black cap featuring 'My Hero Academia' text in Japanese, a blue and white cap with 'Adrenaline Freak' text, and caps with other unique designs, all set against a dark blue background.
Lifestyle

Cap Club Launches Cap Subscription

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Cap Club International recently announced the worldwide launch of its innovative baseball cap subscription service. Cap Club Launches Global Baseball Cap Subscription. Following a highly successful debut in the UK and European markets in 2023, this revolutionary service is set to deliver unmatched style. On top of that, it offers convenience to cap enthusiasts and fashion trendsetters across the globe. The UAE is explicitly named among the service’s launch markets, alongside the US, France and Canada, with Cap Club shipping subscriptions direct to Dubai and the wider Emirates as part of its 2025 global rollout. A New Era of Style,…

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A split image of a man on a porch holding a Nike shoe box with a white sneaker featuring a red swoosh, alongside a close-up of a Nike sneaker with a red swoosh on a red background.
Sneakers

Forrest Gump’s Sneakers are back

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Thirty years after “Forrest Gump” captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, Nike is tapping into the enduring charm of this cinematic masterpiece. They are re-releasing the iconic red, white, and blue Cortez sneakers featured in the film. Forrest Gump’s Nike Sneakers are back in play.Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic releases and avoid fakes. This particular model of sneakers not only signifies a slice of Hollywood history but also embodies what many consider the epitome of American footwear. Indeed, the recent re-release of Forrest Gump’s sneakers sold out within hours.…

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A black sneaker with orange and purple gradient accents on the heel and a textured black midsole featuring an air unit. The outsole is bright orange.
Sneakers

Previews of the J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 ‘Rio’

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Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic releases and avoid fakes. Recently, J Balvin was seen engaging in a game of outdoor basketball in New York City. He was alongside NBA star Jimmy Butler. The sight turned heads not only for the celebrity matchup but also for his eye-catching footwear. The Official Previews of the J Balvin x Air Jordan 3 ‘Rio’ look wild. The vibe of the city is much the same. The Colombian artist showcased his latest sneaker collaboration with Jordan Brand, the Air Jordan 3 “Rio,” drawing significant…

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A light beige sneaker with mesh and leather panels, featuring a prominent swoosh logo on the side, displayed on a stone surface with a blurred background.
Sneakers

Travis Scott x Nike Shark-A-Don “Sail” is a Clean and Confident Step Forward

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Travis Scott continues to redefine the sneaker landscape with bold, genre-defining collaborations. Among his latest releases, the Travis Scott x Nike Shark-A-Don stands out. The Houston rapper has built a compelling footwear catalogue over the years. While silhouettes like the Jumpman Jack have dominated headlines, the Shark-A-Don now commands attention in a stunning new “Sail” colourway. Beyond Jumpman: A New Design Chapter The “Sail” edition of the Travis Scott x Nike Shark-A-Don moves beyond the mould of the Jumpman Jack, Air Jordan 1 High, and Low OG that Scott has famously reworked. This silhouette breaks new ground with a minimalist…

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