Skip to content
Alina Ali profile photo
Author

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 .

Two wrestlers in mid-action in a ring, with a stylized owl and "W" logo in the background.
Lifestyle

OVO x WWE Capsule Collection: History, Style, and Collectibility

In a collision of two cultural heavyweights, OVO (October’s Very Own) and WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) are set to drop a capsule collection that transcends mere merchandise. This highly anticipated collaboration is more than just a line of apparel; it’s a carefully hand-picked journey through the annals of wrestling history, infused with OVO’s signature premium…

Read Story
A pair of black shoes with red soles, worn by someone in black pants with red accents.
Sneakers

Air Jordan 40 ‘Infrared’ (2026): Release, Legacy & Design

The world of sneakers is a lively tapestry of history, innovation, and unmatched hype. Few releases ignite passion quite like a new Air Jordan, especially when it taps into the legendary heritage of an iconic colorway. Enter the Air Jordan 40 ‘Infrared’ – a silhouette poised to capture the hearts of collectors and newcomers alike,…

Read Story
A luxury wristwatch with a silver case and band, featuring intricate black Arabic calligraphy design on both the dial and the strap, set against a blurred gray background.
Lifestyle

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo x Mattar Bin Lahej: A UAE Cultural Icon

Amidst the palpable energy and horological brilliance of Dubai Watch Week 2025, one timepiece generated a buzz that transcended mechanics and materials. In a world saturated with brand collaborations and limited editions, a critical question emerges: How does a watch move beyond being merely desirable to become truly significant? The answer is etched into the…

Read Story
A group of models wearing black Y-3 clothing, standing and posing against a light gradient background with the large white text 'Y-3' in the center.
Lifestyle

Y-3 SS26 Collection: Raw Edge Fashion & New Footwear

Y-3 keeps blurring the line between sportswear and avant-garde design, and SS26 is a clear example. Athletic utility and high fashion blur. Y-3, the visionary collaboration between Adidas and Japanese design icon Yohji Yamamoto, consistently pushes boundaries, and their Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) Chapter 1 collection is no exception. This season unveils a captivating narrative centered…

Read Story
A person in a light-colored suit and beret claps while surrounded by a crowd, some of whom are taking photos, against a nighttime city backdrop with lights.
Lifestyle

Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2026

The fashion world is once again abuzz with the creative genius of Pharrell Williams, whose latest collection for Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2026, has just unveiled a fresh vision inspired by the iconic landscapes of Central Park. For luxury consumers in the UAE, staying ahead of these global trends and understanding how they translate to local…

Read Story
A black jacket hanging on a hanger against a textured gray wall.
Lifestyle

Omar Afridi x Vuja Dé ‘NOIR’ Collection: British-Japanese Fusion

In the dynamic world of high fashion, true innovation often emerges from unexpected collaborations. When two distinct design philosophies converge, the result can be a masterpiece that not only challenges conventions but also sets new benchmarks for style and cultural resonance. Today, we dig into precisely such a phenomenon: the Omar Afridi x Vuja Dé…

Read Story
A gray high-top sneaker with white accents and lace details, worn with light blue jeans, set against a blurred city lights background at night.
Sneakers

Air Jordan 5 ‘Wolf Grey’ 2026 UAE Release

The sneaker world is abuzz, and for good reason: the iconic Air Jordan 5 Wolf Grey is making its highly anticipated return in 2026. For UAE sneaker enthusiasts, securing a pair can often feel like navigating a maze of unconfirmed dates, varying prices, and the ever-present concern of authenticity. Where can you find reliable local…

Read Story
Person with curly hair and a beard wearing sunglasses and a white jacket, standing against a blurred cityscape background at night.
Lifestyle

MAYBACH Eyewear x Badshah: A Global Luxury First That’s Hot in the UAE

Get ready for a monumental collaboration that’s setting the luxury world ablaze! What’s Hot in UAE brings you the exclusive scoop on the MAYBACH Eyewear and multi-platinum Indian rap icon Badshah partnership – a true ‘global first’ that smoothly fuses unmatched luxury, leading art, and lively culture. We’ll dig into the groundbreaking collection, the unique…

Read Story
Air Jordan XI City Pack UAE Release: Copping in Dubai
Sneakers

Air Jordan XI City Pack UAE Release: Copping in Dubai

The global sneaker community is buzzing, and for good reason. The release of a new Air Jordan XI is always a cultural event, but a celebratory pack like this? It’s a frenzy. For sneakerheads here in the UAE, that global hype often comes with a familiar wave of frustration: limited stock, confusing release mechanics, and…

Read Story
A group of individuals wearing futuristic and colorful outfits with helmets, standing in front of a soccer goal at night, illuminated against a dark blue sky.
Lifestyle

Nike Hollywood Keepers: Football’s Hottest New Fashion Trend

The world of football fashion is constantly evolving, blending athletic performance with street style and cultural expression. Every season brings new designs, but few ignite the imagination and redefine the game’s aesthetic quite like a truly disruptive collection. Enter “Hollywood Keepers” by Nike Football – a revolutionary line that’s set to transform how we perceive…

Read Story