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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 .

Black and red sneakers with a unique logo on the tongue, set against a blurred city lights background.
Sneakers

The Official Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Money Cat: Release, Design, & Authenticity

The world of sneakers is constantly abuzz with anticipation for new drops, and few names command as much excitement as Air Jordan. Among the upcoming releases, the Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Money Cat’ has swiftly captured the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike. However, in an age of fragmented information and unofficial leaks, finding a…

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A pair of white athletic shoes with mesh panels and gray detailing, displayed against a blurred city lights background.
Sneakers

The Definitive Guide to New Balance: Iconic Styles, & Best Deals

Part of our complete guide to Sneakers in the UAE. Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic releases and avoid fakes. In a world saturated with athletic footwear, New Balance stands as a beacon of quality, comfort, and understated style. From the legendary 990 series to…

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Peach-colored sneakers with a marbled Nike swoosh, set against a blurred city lights background.
Sneakers

Nike Book 2 Phoenix: Release, and How to Buy

The basketball world eagerly anticipates every new signature shoe, and few generate as much buzz as those from the sport’s brightest stars. Devin Booker’s signature line with Nike has rapidly become a favorite, blending elite performance with street-ready style. Yet, with so much excitement, finding accurate, consolidated launch information can be a frustrating experience, leaving…

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A man with gray hair wearing a black jacket with "The Sopranos" logo sits at a red-checkered table with an espresso cup.
Lifestyle

Kith x The Sopranos: The Collection, Release & Where to Buy

Kith and The Sopranos have teamed up, and it is exactly the kind of pop-culture crossover streetwear loves. This drop reached global fashion and pop culture landscapes. Kith, the New York-based lifestyle brand, has teamed up with the iconic HBO series The Sopranos for a collaboration that’s already being hailed as a major cultural event.…

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Two wrestlers in mid-action in a ring, with a stylized owl and "W" logo in the background.
Lifestyle

OVO x WWE Capsule Collection: History, Style, and Collectibility

In a collision of two cultural heavyweights, OVO (October’s Very Own) and WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) are set to drop a capsule collection that transcends mere merchandise. This highly anticipated collaboration is more than just a line of apparel; it’s a carefully hand-picked journey through the annals of wrestling history, infused with OVO’s signature premium…

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A pair of black shoes with red soles, worn by someone in black pants with red accents.
Sneakers

Air Jordan 40 ‘Infrared’ (2026): Release, Legacy & Design

The world of sneakers is a lively tapestry of history, innovation, and unmatched hype. Few releases ignite passion quite like a new Air Jordan, especially when it taps into the legendary heritage of an iconic colorway. Enter the Air Jordan 40 ‘Infrared’ – a silhouette poised to capture the hearts of collectors and newcomers alike,…

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A luxury wristwatch with a silver case and band, featuring intricate black Arabic calligraphy design on both the dial and the strap, set against a blurred gray background.
Lifestyle

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo x Mattar Bin Lahej: A UAE Cultural Icon

Amidst the palpable energy and horological brilliance of Dubai Watch Week 2025, one timepiece generated a buzz that transcended mechanics and materials. In a world saturated with brand collaborations and limited editions, a critical question emerges: How does a watch move beyond being merely desirable to become truly significant? The answer is etched into the…

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A group of models wearing black Y-3 clothing, standing and posing against a light gradient background with the large white text 'Y-3' in the center.
Lifestyle

Y-3 SS26 Collection: Raw Edge Fashion & New Footwear

Y-3 keeps blurring the line between sportswear and avant-garde design, and SS26 is a clear example. Athletic utility and high fashion blur. Y-3, the visionary collaboration between Adidas and Japanese design icon Yohji Yamamoto, consistently pushes boundaries, and their Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) Chapter 1 collection is no exception. This season unveils a captivating narrative centered…

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A person in a light-colored suit and beret claps while surrounded by a crowd, some of whom are taking photos, against a nighttime city backdrop with lights.
Lifestyle

Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2026

The fashion world is once again abuzz with the creative genius of Pharrell Williams, whose latest collection for Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2026, has just unveiled a fresh vision inspired by the iconic landscapes of Central Park. For luxury consumers in the UAE, staying ahead of these global trends and understanding how they translate to local…

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A black jacket hanging on a hanger against a textured gray wall.
Lifestyle

Omar Afridi x Vuja Dé ‘NOIR’ Collection: British-Japanese Fusion

In the dynamic world of high fashion, true innovation often emerges from unexpected collaborations. When two distinct design philosophies converge, the result can be a masterpiece that not only challenges conventions but also sets new benchmarks for style and cultural resonance. Today, we dig into precisely such a phenomenon: the Omar Afridi x Vuja Dé…

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