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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 man wearing sunglasses and a brown shirt, holding a beige jacket against a beige background.
Lifestyle

Dubai Men’s Fashion: Where to Shop, Who to Know & How to Dress

Part of our complete guide to Fashion in the UAE. Dubai, a city a byword for ambition and opulence, is fast emerging as a pivotal force in the global fashion landscape, particularly for menswear. The city is also a focal point for the Men’s Fashion Revolution, reflecting significant shifts in style and cultural expression. Beyond…

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Three people wearing eclectic streetwear walk down concrete steps, each showcasing unique fashion styles.
Lifestyle

Beyond the Drop: BAPE x adidas FIFA World Cup 26 Collection

The intersection of streetwear and sports culture often ignites real excitement among enthusiasts, and few collaborations captured this energy as potently as BAPE x adidas. The BAPE x adidas FIFA World Cup 26 collection landed in two waves earlier this year, and with the tournament itself now wrapped, it’s the perfect moment to look back…

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A model in an orange, textured dress with structured shoulders walks on a fashion runway beside another in a black dress.
Lifestyle

How Fashion Weeks Strategically Decide Which Cities Matter

The spectacle of Fashion Week is one of the most anticipated events on the global calendar, a dazzling convergence of creativity, commerce, and culture. From the iconic runways showcasing the latest trends to the influential figures shaping the industry’s future, fashion weeks command worldwide attention. Yet, beneath the glamour lies a complex strategic dance: how…

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A wall display of colorful athletic shoes arranged neatly in rows.
Sneakers

Beyond the Hype: Your Definitive 2026 Guide to The Luxury Sneaker Market

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. Are sneaker drops still a viable path to profit in the UAE in 2026? This isn’t a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question, especially when distinguishing…

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A mannequin wearing a USA Olympic outfit with a quilted white jacket and a beanie, surrounded by glass tanks and a large Nike logo.
Lifestyle

Nike ACG Reintroduction: Performance Outdoor & Trail Gear (2026)

Nike has brought back ACG, and this time it is aimed squarely at outdoor performance. Yet, for every aspiring trail runner, seasoned hiker, or wilderness explorer, these adventures often come with challenges: unpredictable weather, unforgiving terrain, and the constant demand for gear that can keep pace. Imagine gear that doesn’t just adapt but thrives in…

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