Skip to content
Alina Ali profile photo
Author

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 vibrant green and beige sneakers with floral embroidery and red accents, featuring the Adidas logo and brown soles, displayed against a background of colorful floral artwork.
Sneakers

UnheardOf x adidas Rivalry Lo “Grandma’s Couch 2”

In an era where sneaker collaborations often feel like carbon-copy marketing rollouts, the UnheardOf x adidas Rivalry Lo “Grandma’s Couch 2” breaks the mould — not just with bold design choices, but with a deeply personal narrative that resonates far beyond the sneaker community. Set to release on 10 May 2025, this limited-edition drop celebrates…

Read Story
Two men posing with thumbs up next to an infinity pool, with a scenic view of the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai in the background. One man is wearing sunglasses and a casual T-shirt, while the other is dressed in traditional Emirati attire.
Lifestyle

Celebrities Spotted in Dubai 2026 — Who’s Been Here This Year

Dubai isn’t just a hotspot for luxury shopping and sky-high architecture — it’s a magnet for global celebrities. Celebrities spotted in Dubai range from Hollywood A-listers and chart-topping musicians to sports legends and fashion icons. Dubai 2025 and 2026 have already seen an impressive list of stars living it up in the city, and the…

Read Story
A man wearing a white cap and shirt, with a prominent beard and a large gold chain visible around his neck, looking slightly to the side with an expressive facial expression against a dark background.
Lifestyle

How Old Is 50 Cent? The Unfiltered Legacy of Curtis “Fif” Jackson

Curtis James Jackson III turned 50 years old on 6 July 2025 and celebrated his 51st birthday on 6 July 2026, marking half a century (and then some) of absolute mayhem. The question “how old is 50 Cent” carries delicious irony now that he’s actually reached that milestone age. Yet asking how old is 50…

Read Story
A luxury wristwatch with a silver bracelet and a textured white dial, featuring a cyclops lens for date magnification and styled with modern elements against a softly blurred cityscape at dusk.
Lifestyle

The Land-Dweller: Rolex Is Pulling Out All the Stops

When Rolex speaks, the watch world listens. That’s always been the case. However, in 2025, amid the whirlwind of Watches & Wonders, the legendary Swiss watchmaker has made it abundantly clear: they’re not here to coast on reputation. They’re here to lead with the debut of The Land-Dweller. Among an already impressive line-up of new…

Read Story
A man in a striped suit is smiling and holding a white sneaker, standing in front of a large Jordan logo projected on the wall.
Sneakers

Why Michael Jordan is the king of sneakers

Michael Jordan, an icon in the world of basketball, has not only left an indelible mark on the sport itself but has also redefined sneaker culture. With his Air Jordan line, he transformed basketball shoes into cultural symbols, making them a staple both on and off the court. The undeniable influence of Michael Jordan extends…

Read Story
How to Live the Dubai High Life for Less (Luxury on a Budget Guide)
Lifestyle

How to Live the Dubai High Life for Less (Luxury on a Budget Guide)

Dubai is known for its glitz, glamour, and high-end lifestyle. However, that doesn’t mean you need a billionaire’s bank account to experience it. Whether it’s VIP clubbing, luxury brunches, or yacht parties, there are smart ways to enjoy Dubai’s elite experiences. You can do this without spending a fortune. This guide shows how to enjoy…

Read Story
A person wearing a brown hat, glasses, and a blue tropical print shirt with a gray vest stands in a workshop with a pegboard displaying various colorful spools and tools.
Lifestyle

Really, Really Cool People We Think You Should Know: Tinker Hatfield 👟

Tinker Hatfield isn’t just a sneaker designer — he’s one of the most influential creative minds in modern culture. As the architect behind Nike’s most iconic silhouettes, from the Air Max 1 to the Air Jordan 15, Hatfield’s work has reshaped not only sportswear, but also fashion, branding, and global sneaker culture. This is why…

Read Story
A close-up of a pair of sneakers featuring a dark grey upper with black accents and vivid green soles, worn by two people standing on an outdoor step. The shoes display unique design elements including a strap with a bright pink symbol.
Sneakers

Travis Scott x Chase B x Jordan: The Hype & How to Buy in the UAE

Few names move the sneaker market like Travis Scott. Anything with the Cactus Jack stamp sells out in seconds and trades for multiples of retail — and a Travis Scott x Chase B x Jordan Jumpman drop is exactly the kind of release that sends the resale market into a frenzy. Here is what it…

Read Story
A person with long hair poses against a pink and orange backdrop, wearing a black denim jacket over a black shirt with the word "DRESSCODE" in yellow letters.
Lifestyle

DRESSCØDE: Redefining Nightlife Fashion in the UAE

In the pulsating heart of the UAE’s nightlife, a brand has emerged that encapsulates the essence of club culture: DRESSCØDE. Born from a desire to break away from mainstream fashion, DRESSCØDE offers bespoke apparel tailored for the dancefloor elite. With designs inspired by neon-lit nights and global party scenes, the brand has swiftly become a…

Read Story
Three pairs of New Balance 1906R sneakers in different colorways: one in black, pink, and mint; another in white, black, and gray; and the last in white and light gray. All pairs feature a mesh upper and the New Balance logo prominently displayed.
Sneakers

New Balance Unveils Distressed-Look 1906U Series for Spring 2025

New Balance continues to redefine streetwear and sneaker culture with its latest distressed-look offerings in the 1906U Series. The brand unveils the New Balance 1906U for Spring 2025. Known for fusing functionality and fashion, the brand doubles down on rugged aesthetics. It embraces bold, lived-in designs that perfectly blend style and utility. Related: check our…

Read Story
Audemars Piguet Unveils Exclusive Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon Middle East Edition
Lifestyle

Audemars Piguet Unveils Exclusive Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon

Audemars Piguet, renowned globally for blending technical innovation with timeless craftsmanship, has once again elevated luxury watchmaking. The release of the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon Middle East Edition marks this achievement. This stunning timepiece, developed in collaboration with dedicated UAE-based collectors, exemplifies the maison’s ability to merge avant-garde aesthetics with traditional Swiss horology. It…

Read Story
A group of models walking down the runway in elegant gowns during a fashion show, with a seated audience capturing photos on their phones on both sides.
Lifestyle

How to Get a Front-Row Seat at Dubai Fashion Week & Designer Shows

Scoring a front-row seat at Dubai Fashion Week isn’t just about the best view of the runway—it’s about status, exclusivity, and being immersed in one of the Middle East’s most influential fashion events. Dubai Fashion Week (DFW), held at Dubai Design District (d3), is the crown jewel of the UAE fashion calendar. It is co-organised…

Read Story