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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 collection of luxury fashion accessories including black leather loafers with gold detailing, a beige quilted clutch, a gold and floral patterned handbag, black sunglasses, a gold bracelet, a gold watch with a black strap, and gold jewelry with black stones, arranged on a white background.
Lifestyle

Where to Buy Pre-Owned Luxury in Dubai (2026): Best Consignment Stores

Dubai runs on newness — but some of the smartest luxury shopping in the city happens on the resale rail. Wardrobes here turn over fast, the climate keeps leather and hardware in good condition, and a steady flow of visitors and residents means authenticated pre-owned Chanel, Hermès and Rolex land on shelves at a pace…

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Close-up of a row of sneakers placed side by side, with a focus on a red sneaker featuring a prominent green eye-like detail on the side, surrounded by mostly black and white shoes.
Lifestyle

15 Tips for Buying Legit Sneakers

The sneaker market has never been more dynamic—or more treacherous. As the demand for exclusive, limited-edition sneakers reaches unprecedented levels, counterfeiters have stepped up their game, creating fakes that can be difficult to spot even for seasoned collectors. For sneakerheads, owning a pair of authentic kicks isn’t just about style—it’s about investing in a piece…

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Person wearing a flowy, light-colored outfit with a long, open coat, standing in front of a minimalist background with angular walls and soft lighting.
Lifestyle

10 UAE Fashion Designers Redefining Luxury (2026)

The UAE is no longer just a place to buy global luxury — it makes its own. A generation of Emirati and UAE-based designers is now dressing celebrities, redefining the abaya and building homegrown labels with genuine international pull. Here are ten to know in 2026, what they do, and where to shop them. 10…

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A white high-top basketball sneaker with a visible air unit in the heel and a black tag featuring a silhouetted logo hanging from the laces.
Sneakers

First Look: Air Jordan 5 “Year of the Snake”

As 2024 comes to a close, sneaker enthusiasts are already looking ahead to the exciting lineup of releases in 2025. Among the most anticipated drops is the Air Jordan 5 “Year of the Snake”. This edition is a key addition to Jordan Brand’s annual Zodiac-inspired collection. This first in-hand look offers a tantalising preview. It…

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A lineup of nine luxury watches with various designs and metal bands, including gold, silver, and diamond-encrusted components, displayed against a brown gradient background.
Lifestyle

The Top Ten Rolex Watches Ever Made

Rolex is, without question, the most influential and recognisable watchmaker in the world. The Crown produces the market’s most iconic timepieces, setting trends that the entire industry inevitably follows. Ranking the top ten Rolex watches might seem a daunting task. After all, how can you choose a definitive winner when the brand has consistently delivered…

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Bright neon green athletic shoes with black accents and patterned soles, featuring laces and a low-cut design.
Sneakers

Steph Curry Reclaims the “Alien” Title with the UA Curry 12 “Extraterrestrial”

Victor Wembanyama might now be basketball’s “Alien,” but Steph Curry’s otherworldly skills redefined the sport long before. Known for his jaw-dropping 40-foot three-pointers and gravity-defying shots, Curry’s unmatched talent reshaped the game entirely. As the Golden State Warriors ignite their 2024-25 season with a blazing start, the Baby-Faced Assassin seems ready to spearhead their journey…

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A luxury watch with a metallic gray case and a unique dial featuring a stylized character's face with crossed eyes and raised hands. The watch is displayed on a curved stand against a light background.
Lifestyle

KAWS and Audemars Piguet Collab

In a collaboration that has sent shockwaves through the worlds of art and luxury horology, Audemars Piguet has joined forces with iconic artist Brian Donnelly—better known as KAWS—to launch what is undoubtedly the hypiest watch of 2024. With its bold design and fusion of pop art aesthetics, this watch is redefining the boundaries of creativity…

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A high-top sneaker featuring a white and blue leather upper, black Nike swoosh, blue laces, and beige midsole, with a logo on the ankle area.
Sneakers

Air Jordan 1 “Rare Air” Set to Soar in 2025 with “Deep Royal Blue”

The Air Jordan 1 “Rare Air” in the bold Deep Royal Blue is making waves ahead of its anticipated April 2025 release. It promises to capture the hearts of sneakerheads globally. With a retail price of $180, this drop is part of Jordan Brand’s upcoming “Rare Air” series. The series also includes updated iterations of…

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A composite image showing three black and red sneakers on the left and a person wearing sunglasses, a black jacket, and a shirt with the Adidas logo on the right.
Sneakers

adidas Enlists Jalen Green And More To Release The IIInfinity Series

Adidas, the global powerhouse in sportswear innovation, has unveiled its latest campaign, the IIInfinity Series. This is a groundbreaking collection that combines leading performance technology with sustainable practices and street-smart aesthetics. Headlined by NBA rising star Jalen Green, the series aims to resonate with the next generation of athletes, fashion-forward individuals, and environmentally conscious consumers.…

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A person with unique coiled hairstyle stands confidently in an elevator, wearing a beige cropped hoodie and black pants, with a blue quilted bag over one shoulder.
Sneakers

It’s Snow Trouble ❄️ – adidas x Moon Boot Collaboration

The legendary Moon Boot®, known for its space-age aesthetic and undeniable functionality, has captivated winter enthusiasts since the 1970s. Originally inspired by the Apollo 11 moon landing, it was designed to provide warmth in the iciest conditions. Moon Boots have evolved from iconic après-ski essentials to high-fashion statements. Now, in an exciting twist, adidas Sportswear…

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