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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 white and navy sneaker with a gold swoosh logo, featuring a visible air unit in the sole, displayed on a tan background.
Sneakers

Nike Air Max 90 ‘Olympic’

The Nike Air Max 90 ‘Olympic’ will make a significant splash in the sneaker world with its upcoming release on July 12th. This commemorative edition is part of Nike’s celebration of the Olympic spirit, blending classic design elements with modern aesthetics. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this release so special. Related: check our…

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A woman in a white dress walks through a shopping mall, carrying two shopping bags with red handles, surrounded by store displays adorned with orange flowers.
Lifestyle

Luxury Fashion on a Budget

Walking into the gleaming atriums of Dubai’s malls or the polished boutiques of Abu Dhabi, it’s easy to feel that luxury fashion in the United Arab Emirates is reserved for the ultra-wealthy. I used to think the same. But after years of living here, shopping here, and frankly, making my wardrobe work on a budget,…

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A pair of white and gray athletic shoes with red logos, featuring mesh panels and speckled detailing.
Sneakers

Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” (2025): How the Retro Actually Landed

The Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” dropped on 24 May 2025, right on schedule as part of Jordan Brand’s 40th-anniversary rollout, and it landed in the UAE via Nike.ae and SNKRS at AED 999. It sold through fast — the men’s sizing was gone from Nike.ae within days, and by the time the dust settled…

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A group of people sitting cross-legged on yoga mats in a large, architecturally elaborate indoor space, practicing meditation or breathing exercises.
Health & Fitness

Fitness Events and Wellness Programs in UAE

I’ve lived in the UAE long enough to see trends come and go, but the wave of fitness culture here feels different. Over the last few years, Fitness Events UAE has gone from a casual search term to a powerful movement driving change in our communities. In both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, initiatives are popping…

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A model wearing a light blue dress walks down a glossy runway at a fashion show, with an audience seated on both sides and a cameraman capturing the moment. Two screens in the background display a reflection of the model in a similar pose.
Lifestyle

The Most Anticipated Fashion Events in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to establish itself as a global hub for luxury, style, and innovation. As we look ahead to 2024, the fashion calendar is packed with must-attend events that promise to showcase the latest trends, breakthrough designers, and exclusive collections. From the glitz of Dubai Fashion Week to the cultural flair…

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A pair of Nike sneakers displayed on white blocks. The shoes have a red, white, and green color scheme with a prominent black Nike swoosh, red and white patterned laces, and gum soles.
Sneakers

UAE Sneaker Market 2026: Scene, Collectors & Where It’s Headed

There is a glass display case inside Presentedby at The Dubai Mall that tells you everything you need to know about sneaker culture in the UAE. Behind it sits a pair of Nike Air Yeezy 2s, a collaboration that no longer exists in any official capacity, sitting in near-mint condition at a price that rivals…

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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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