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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 person walking in an urban setting, wearing a white T-shirt, green pants, and white sneakers.
Sneakers

Jay-Z Steps Out with Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers

When longtime Puma brand ambassador Jay-Z first stepped out in a pair of Off-White Nike Air Force 1 Lows in 2023, it set the sneaker world abuzz with speculation. Jay-Z, who has been Puma’s creative director of basketball since 2018, and his stylist, June Ambrose, who became the creative director of women’s basketball in 2020,…

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An older man with white hair wearing a dark suit and tie, leaning casually against a divider in a modern, dimly lit restaurant or lounge area, holding a pair of glasses in one hand.
Lifestyle

The Timeless Appeal of Vintage Armani

Vintage Armani continues to captivate the fashion world, maintaining its status as a timeless and coveted style choice. The appeal of vintage Armani lies not just in the impeccable quality and iconic designs. It also embodies a rich history and cultural impact for each piece. Here’s a deeper dive into the timeless appeal of vintage…

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A person wearing a brown corduroy jacket shows six colorful watches on their forearms: one with a metal band and the others with bright blue, red, yellow, green, and black straps. The person also wears a gold ring on their finger.
Lifestyle

TAG Heuer x Kith: The Formula 1 Watch Revival & Where to Buy in the UAE

When a heritage Swiss watchmaker lets a streetwear brand into its logo for the first time in its history, you pay attention. That is exactly what happened when TAG Heuer teamed up with Kith to revive the original Formula 1 watch — one of the most talked-about watch collaborations in years. Here is the story,…

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A blue Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch resting on a textured lunar surface, featuring a white dial with three black sub-dials and a matching blue fabric strap.
Lifestyle

Omega & Swatch: The Mission to the Super Blue Moonphase

Omega and Swatch have once again captivated the horological world with their latest collaboration, the MoonSwatch Mission to the Super Blue Moonphase. This model, part of the renowned MoonSwatch collection, features a distinctive moonphase complication. This marks it as a standout piece in the series. A Closer Look at the MoonSwatch Mission to the Super…

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A black suede sneaker with a white swoosh logo and a gum-colored sole, set against a mustard yellow background.
Sneakers

Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Black/Gum’

The Nike Air Force 1 is an iconic sneaker that has evolved with changing trends while maintaining its classic appeal. Designed by Bruce Kilgore, the Air Force 1 has seen countless iterations, but simple, timeless versions remain some of Nike‘s best sellers. This Fall/Holiday 2024, Nike introduces a new Air Force 1 Low that blends…

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Pair of light gray sneakers with white accents and cream-colored soles, featuring a mix of mesh and suede materials.
Sneakers

Air Jordan 4 RM in Monochromatic Grey

The Air Jordan 4 RM in Monochromatic Grey will make waves in the sneaker community this Fall/Winter season. Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8 Verified Shops) for where to buy authentic releases and avoid fakes. Jordan Brand is banking on this modified ’89 classic. They hope to capture the hearts of sneaker…

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A grid of nine different styles of sneakers and sandals, featuring various designs and color combinations such as black, beige, blue, orange, red, and brown. The footwear includes low-top and high-top sneakers, along with distinctive slide and foam designs.
Sneakers

Yeezy Day Restocks

Yeezy enthusiasts, rejoice! Adidas continues its mission to completely liquidate remaining Yeezy stock with yet another Yeezy Day Restocks. This event includes some of the most sought-after Yeezy models, making it a significant occasion for sneakerheads. More Yeezy Day restocks are anticipated soon, so stay tuned. Related: check our Best Sneaker Stores in Dubai (8…

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A man in a black suit and sunglasses walks confidently down a runway with bright lighting, surrounded by a crowd holding up smartphones to take pictures.
Lifestyle

How Tom Ford Became number one

Tom Ford is a highly influential American fashion designer and filmmaker, renowned for his transformative work at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. His visionary approach revitalised Gucci in the 1990s, turning it into a global powerhouse with his sleek, modern designs. His career is marked by numerous awards and accolades. These reflect his significant impact…

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A pair of Crocs styled in a red, blue, and yellow design with a small figurine decoration attached to one shoe, displayed against a branded backdrop.
Sneakers

Crocs x Gundam: 45 Years of Sci-Fi Excellence

In celebration of their 45th anniversary, the iconic Japanese sci-fi franchise Gundam has teamed up with Crocs. They have launched an exciting new Crocs Gundam Collab: the Gundam x Crocs All-Terrain Clog. Building on Crocs’ history of unique partnerships, this collaboration pays homage to the legendary RX-78-2 Gundam, famously piloted by Amuro Ray. Related: check…

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Left: A side view of a dark iridescent sneaker with a crocodile-like texture and black laces. Right: The same sneakers in a custom box featuring artwork with a dark theme.
Sneakers

Tekken 8 x Nike Air Foamposite One

In the fast-changing world of sneaker culture, collaborations are a currency of hype. Yet, few saw this one coming: Nike has teamed up with Tekken, the legendary fighting game franchise, to reimagine one of its most iconic silhouettes. The result is the Tekken 8 x Nike Air Foamposite One, a sneaker inspired by one of…

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A pair of black sneakers with textured uppers and transparent rubber soles, featuring a prominent swoosh logo on the side.
Sneakers

The Nike SB PS8 ‘Black/Clear’

The Nike SB PS8, a new addition to the Nike Skateboarding line, has surfaced in a sleek ‘Black/Clear’ colourway. This latest release combines stylish design elements with functional features, making it a standout choice for skateboarders and sneaker enthusiasts alike. Design and Aesthetics The Nike SB PS8 in ‘Black/Clear’ offers a clean and modern look.…

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