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 .
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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Part of our complete guide to Fashion in the UAE. Dubai has more genuine wealth per square metre than almost anywhere on earth — and yet the truly rich here often dress with surprising restraint. The secret to looking like a Dubai billionaire is not spending like one; it is understanding the codes. Here is…
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In the world of sneakers, there are rare pairs—and then there are one-of-one grails that redefine exclusivity. The Air Jordan 11 “Purple Rain”, a sneaker crafted exclusively for the legendary musician Prince, falls into the latter category. This Air Jordan Prince edition did not reach his hands before his passing in 2016. Now, they’ve surfaced…
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Streetwear meets comfort as A Bathing Ape (BAPE) x Crocs come together for an unexpected but highly anticipated collaboration. For the first time, the Japanese streetwear giant has teamed up with the undisputed king of foam footwear. They deliver a three-pack of BAPE x Crocs Classic Clog designs that fuse bold camo aesthetics with Crocs’…
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Ramadan and Eid have become one of the most important moments on the luxury calendar — and nowhere more than the Gulf. When Tom Ford debuted a Ramadan collection created exclusively for the GCC, it was a signal of just how central the region has become to global fashion. Here is what that means, what…
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The adidas Superstar is one of the most recognisable sneakers ever made — the shell-toe that went from the basketball court to hip-hop royalty. Now Pharrell Williams has put his stamp on it, reworking the icon and enlisting Pusha T for the moment. Here is what the Pharrell Superstar is about, and how to get…
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