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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 .

Two people posing together; one with mullet-style blond hair and wearing a shiny black jacket, the other with short white hair, wearing sunglasses and a black suit with a high collar.
Lifestyle

Jeremy Scott: Creative Director of Chanel? Here’s What Actually Happened

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…

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A black and white photo of a man and a woman walking arm in arm on a fashion runway, surrounded by models and bright stage lights.
Lifestyle

Versace: The Complete History & Where to Experience It in the UAE

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…

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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.
Sneakers

Why Gen Z Is Turning Away From Sneakers (A UAE Perspective)

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.…

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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.
Sneakers

The Journey of Air Jordan: A Legacy

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,…

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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.
Lifestyle

Gucci: A Century of Fashion Excellence

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,…

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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.
Lifestyle

Versace Upcycle: Versace Goes Eco‑Friendly for Kids

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.…

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A collection of five luxury perfume bottles displayed in a row, featuring brands Bvlgari, Versace, Chanel, Tom Ford, and Yves Saint Laurent, each with distinct bottle designs and labels.
Lifestyle

The Hottest 25 Fragrances in the UAE

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,…

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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.
Sneakers

YEEZY: The Final Drop

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…

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Two silver coffin-shaped keychains with hinged lids; one features a red logo, while the other is engraved with 'See You In Hell.'
Lifestyle

What Happened to Supreme? Ownership, Hype & the 2026 Reality

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…

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White running shoe with an oversized sole, featuring a distinctive red and black color pattern and numbering '20820-4' on the side, displayed against a blurred background.
Sneakers

Best Sneaker Releases of 2026: The Drops Worth Chasing in the UAE

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…

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A person in athletic clothing doing bicep curls with a dumbbell in a gym, surrounded by weights and exercise equipment.
Health & Fitness

10 Best Gym Facilities in the UAE

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.…

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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

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…

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