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Alina Ali

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 pair of colorful sneakers with a pink, purple, and orange design, worn with brown socks and visible tattoos on the legs.
Sneakers

Action Bronson New Balance 992 Cosmic Rose Teases Sneakerheads

Action Bronson turned up to the Caught Stealing red carpet in a pair of unreleased New Balance 992s, and the internet noticed before any press release did. That impromptu debut is now history: the pair released officially on 22 October 2025 under the name “Digitalis Purpurea” (SKU U992AC1) — sneaker media had been calling it…

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A variety of keto-friendly foods arranged around a small chalkboard with the text 'The Keto Diet,' including salmon, beef, chicken, eggs, cheese, nuts, and vegetables like spinach and broccoli.
Health & Fitness

Does Keto Still Work? Experts Weigh In

The keto diet has been one of the most polarising health conversations of the past decade. For some, it’s a miracle solution that curbs appetite, stabilises blood sugar, and sheds stubborn fat. For others, it feels restrictive, unsustainable, and perhaps even outdated in a world that has moved on to intermittent fasting, plant-forward eating, and…

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Close-up of a stack of vintage trunks with brass hardware, featuring various textures and patterns, including striped and checkered designs.
Lifestyle

The Complete History of Louis Vuitton: From Trunks to Timeless Luxury

Part of our complete guide to Fashion in the UAE. When I think of Louis Vuitton, I think of Parisian elegance fused with adventure — a brand that began with a teenager walking 400 kilometres on foot and grew into a global symbol of status and craftsmanship. The ultimate history of Louis Vuitton story is…

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A collage of three pairs of Adidas Gazelle sneakers in different colorways: light grey with teal stripes, pink with white stripes, and bright yellow with black stripes, displayed on various outdoor surfaces.
Sneakers

Adidas Back to School: Classics Reimagined for a Fresh Start

“Did summer even happen?” As the heat begins to fade and alarm clocks slowly reclaim their place from beach playlists, there’s no denying it — the academic year is around the corner. But just because holiday vibes are winding down doesn’t mean your sense of style should follow suit. With adidas stepping up once again,…

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A yellow sneaker with black abstract splatter and swirl patterns on a patterned background featuring repeated text "What's Hot UAE" and small UAE flags.
Sneakers

SR Studio Sets On The Authentic 44 And Old Skool 36 For Next Vans Capsule

Vans OTW’s latest creative capsule dives deep into gritty, post-industrial textures as SR Studio returns for the third chapter in its boundary-pushing collaboration. Arriving just in time for Fall 2025, the upcoming collection sees the Authentic 44 and Old Skool 36 silhouettes reworked through Sterling Ruby’s artistic lens, bringing back that iconic blend of high-visibility…

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A scoop filled with white Creatine powder on a pile of the same powder, with a barbell and weight plate in the background.
Health & Fitness

Creatine – The Easy Way To Cognitive Growth

Creatine cognitive growth is no longer a fringe idea — it’s now a powerful, evidence-backed tool for sharpening your brain. In 2025, cognitive scientists and neurologists are united in praising creatine’s role beyond the gym. Originally known as a muscle-building supplement, creatine is now emerging as one of the most reliable nootropics for mental clarity,…

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A row of eleven Balenciaga perfume bottles, each with a distinct label and color, arranged against a neutral background.
Lifestyle

Balenciaga Fragrance Collection – 10 Perfumes, Le Dix Reborn

✅ Updated June 2026 — Balenciaga fragrances are available at Harvey Nichols Dubai, Bloomingdale’s UAE, Sephora UAE, and the Balenciaga boutique in Mall of the Emirates. The collection’s aesthetic was set during Demna’s tenure, but Balenciaga is now under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, who took over in July 2025 — the fragrance line…

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A collage featuring various Rolex watches, iconic fictional and animated characters, set against a colorful background. Watches include models like the Submariner and GMT-Master II. Characters such as a secret agent, a glamorous woman in a red dress, an animated yellow creature, and a costumed hero are present.
Lifestyle

Rolex Nicknames Every Collector Should Know

Rolex collectors are known for their passion and precision. From subtle variations to rare anomalies, every detail can command major value—and spark lively debate. But beyond the reference numbers and market valuations lies one of the most entertaining elements of the Rolex universe: the nicknames. While none are officially sanctioned by Rolex itself, these creative…

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A stylish Nike sneaker displayed against a dark background, featuring a gradient color scheme of purple and black with illuminated pink accents in the sole.
Sneakers

Nike Vomero Premium – More Cushion For The Pushing

In today’s running world, thicker isn’t just louder — it’s smarter. Nike has fully embraced the chunky, hyper-cushioned aesthetic and turned it into performance-driven art with the launch of the Nike Vomero Premium. This isn’t just another running shoe; it’s a bold expression of engineering, comfort, and nostalgia packaged into a high-stack silhouette that demands…

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A person sitting among shelves filled with various white sneakers featuring blue stripes, holding a pair of these sneakers, with a neutral expression.
Sneakers

Oasis x Adidas: The “Original Forever” Revolution Has Begun

In a move that’s set the internet buzzing, adidas and Oasis, known collectively as Oasis x Adidas, have officially joined forces for the “Original Forever” campaign — a celebration of the duo’s shared 30-year cultural legacy. The Oasis x Adidas partnership also launches the “Oasis Live ’25” apparel collection, timed perfectly with the band’s upcoming…

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