What's thrifting like in UAE? Is secondhand shopping catching on in a country known for luxury?
Luxury Towers
, Thrift Treasures: The UAE's Surprising Style Shift
The UAE is known worldwide for its glossy skyscrapers, sprawling malls, and luxury shopping experiences. From the iconic Dubai Mall to the high-end storefronts of Mall of the Emirates, fast fashion and luxury brands dominate the visual and retail landscape.
But behind the gleaming glass facades, a quieter, more conscious revolution is underway.
An increasing number of UAE residents are turning to thrift shopping – for fashion, furniture, collectibles, and even baby gear. Once considered niche or culturally unfamiliar, the pre-loved market is fast gaining traction, driven by younger, environmentally aware consumers and supported by social media-based thrift communities, physical stores, and curated pop-ups.
And the growth is no small matter: according to Future Market Insights, the secondhand apparel market in the GCC is projected to be worth $1.3 billion in 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 11.6%, and reaching $4 billion by 2035. These numbers aren't just promising – they're proof that preloved is becoming mainstream.
Why the UAE is Falling in Love with Secondhand
Several key forces are behind the region's secondhand boom:
Sustainability awareness: According to the
UN Environment Programme
, making a single pair of jeans uses around 3,781 litres of water. With facts and figures like these gaining attention, more shoppers are turning to thrift as a lower-impact alternative.
High-quality imports: The UAE is the second largest importer of used clothing globally, bringing in $237 million worth in 2023 from countries like the UK, US, Australia, China, and Spain.
Digital resale culture: Instagram stores, online platforms, and app-based businesses are making thrifting as convenient as it is conscious.
Youth-driven minimalism: Younger shoppers are turning to thrifting not just for affordability, but for ethical reasons and style individuality.
Circular economy adoption: Repairs, upcycling, and reselling are increasingly part of the region's evolving retail culture.
The Best Thrift & Secondhand Spots in the UAE
|Whether you're after a vintage designer bag, a funky Y2K dress, a collectible vinyl, or a refurbished Eames chair, the UAE's thrift scene has a destination for every taste:
1. Garderobe (Jumeirah)
Nestled in a villa on Al Wasl Road, Garderobe is a longtime favorite for preloved luxury fashion. Expect authentic pieces from Chanel, Dior, and Manolo Blahnik at a fraction of their original cost. It's also a great place to consign your own high-end wardrobe
Garderobe located in Villa 1224 - Al Wasl Rd - Umm Suqeim 2 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
2. Thrift for Good (Various locations)
A social enterprise with a purpose, Thrift for Good donates 100% of profits to children's charities through its partnership with Gulf for Good.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Up to 70% off | Libas Purple Days Sale
Libas
Undo
With shops in Times Square Center, Al Quoz, and Golden Mile Galleria, they offer apparel, accessories, and community workshops on sustainability topics like natural dyeing and composting.
Thrift For Good located in multiple locations: Times Square Center, Al Quoz, and Golden Mile Galleria
3. The Luxury Closet (Al Barsha + Online)
A powerhouse in the UAE's pre-owned luxury market, this store combines online convenience with an authenticity guarantee. From Valentino gowns to Rolex watches, shoppers can snag top-tier brands at up to 70% off retail
Luxury Wardrobe
4. Digg (Al Quoz)
More than just an online thrift store, Digg curates cool with community.
They frequently host events like the Open Graffiti Jam that mix music, karak tea, and thrift shopping in an artsy warehouse setting. A hub for both style and social connection.
Digg It Vintage & Thrift Store at 4b Street Al Quoz Warehouse B23
5. Urban Market Concept (Pop-ups + Instagram)
Launched in 2021, this pop-up collective hosts monthly events blending fashion, homeware, food, and music. Vendors range from independent designers to vintage Instagram sellers, creating a rotating selection that feels new every visit.
Urban Market Concept (Pop-ups + Instagram)
6. Vintage Vibe (Khan Murjan Souk, Wafi City)
If you've seen those buzzing Instagram Live thrift auctions on Wednesdays and Thursdays, you've likely come across Vintage Vibe. A hit with Dubai's young trendsetters, this shop is a go-to for Y2K streetwear and quirky vintage finds.
Vintage Vibe located in Khan Murjan Souk, Wafi City/ Instagram
7. La Brocante (Al Quoz)
For furniture and home decor lovers, La Brocante is a gem. Set in a warehouse, the shop channels Portobello Road vibes, offering curated vintage furniture and hosting weekend events with food, music, and local artisan stalls.
La Brocante located in Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, on 18a Street, Warehouse 2
8. Golden Goose Forward Store (Mall of the Emirates)
Luxury sneaker brand Golden Goose brings repair, resale, and customisation under one roof with its Forward concept store. Bring your worn-out items, even from other brands, and get them fixed, repurposed, or personalised in-store.
Golden Goose Forward Store (Mall of the Emirates)
9. Hi! Japan (Pop-ups)
A quirky pop-up concept where you can score 1kg of clothing for Dhs25. Expect Japanese collectibles, memorabilia, and affordable fashion. Great for budget-conscious and vintage-loving shoppers alike.
10. Secondful (Online)
Specialising in secondhand baby gear, Secondful helps parents buy and sell prams, toys, and clothes safely and sustainably. Items are checked for quality and safety, and sellers can earn up to 90% of the sale value
Secondful (Online website)
What This Means for the UAE's Future
While thrift stores in the UAE are still evolving compared to their Western counterparts, their growing popularity signals a major cultural shift. Shoppers are embracing value with values – where price, quality, ethics, and style meet.
The trend also reflects a maturing retail landscape, where conscious consumerism and high fashion aren't seen as opposites. Instead, they're converging to shape a smarter, greener, and more community-driven fashion future.
A strong indicator of this shift is the UAE's position in the global used clothing trade. According to research data from The Observatory of Economic Complexity, in 2023, the UAE imported $237 million worth of used clothing, making it the second-largest importer in the world.
The bulk of these imports came from countries like the United Kingdom ($39.5M), United States ($29M), Australia ($28.7M), China ($19.7M), and Spain ($16.7M).
With rising demand, increasing supply channels, and billions of dollars projected to flow into the regional secondhand market, the UAE is not just embracing preloved fashion – it's steadily positioning itself as a regional hub for the circular economy.
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Time of India
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China push: In Nepal, EVs now account for 76% of all vehicles sold
KATHMANDU: The narrow streets of Kathmandu - sized for pedestrians and rickshaws - are choked with engines. Buses, motorbikes, small trucks and taxis fill the sprawling valley with horns and exhaust. For its more than 3 million residents, just getting around is a dangerous, eye-stinging ordeal. But recently, a new kind of motor has started to ease the crush. Sleek electric vehicles glide by with a quiet hum. Gleaming showrooms do a brisk business in the latest models, and charging stations on highways have turned into rest stops with cafes for drivers. Over the past year, EVs accounted for 76% of all passenger vehicles and half of the light commercial vehicles sold in Nepal. Five years ago, that number was essentially zero. The EV market share in Nepal is now behind only those of a few countries, including Norway, Singapore and Ethiopia. The average for all countries was 20% in 2024. The swift turnover is the result of govt policies aimed at leveraging Nepal's wealth of hydropower, easing dependence on imported fossil fuels and clearing the smog. It has been fed by an intense push from Nepal's biggest neighbour, China, world's dominant manufacturer of battery-powered vehicles. "For us, using EVs is a comparative advantage," said Mahesh Bhattarai, DG of Nepal's department of customs. "In the global market, Chinese EVs are expanding. The same is happening in Nepal." The effort stands in contrast to policies in the US and Europe, which have blocked Chinese EVs to protect their domestic auto industries. And it carries hope for other developing countries that seek to become wealthier without enduring the crucible of pollution from which many rich nations have already emerged. "We're interested in making sure this rapid growth in these emerging markets doesn't follow the same trajectory as developed markets," said the head of sustainable transportation for UN Environment Programme. But as Nepal has learned, there are obstacles. The country has spent heavily on subsidies, and getting rid of the support too quickly could derail the shift to battery power. Even if gas-powered passenger cars are phased out, cleaning the air will require public transportation to go electric as well. Asian Development Bank has been a key financier of Nepal's dams, transmission lines and charging networks. The head of ADB's resident mission in Nepa is cautious about the risk of backsliding. "Given the economic sense this EV conversion represents, I think I would see it as unlikely that we would have major policy change." Businesses and advocates are, however, concerned Nepal may already be backing off its commitment to the transition. It has had three PMs in past five years, and priorities have shifted with each of them. Nepal's central bank doubled down-payment requirements for EVs. Govt has been inching up its tariffs on EVs. And auto dealers worry faulty cars from some smaller Chinese brands could discredit the category. Rajan Babu Shrestha holds the licence to distribute cars in Nepal from Tata Motors. He has seen sales skyrocket on his EVs, but he could go back to selling gas-powered vehicles if tariffs rose or subsidies for charging stations went away. "Stability is always a question mark."
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What's thrifting like in UAE? Is secondhand shopping catching on in a country known for luxury?
Thrift shopping is gaining ground in the UAE as consumers look for affordable, stylish, and unique pieces that reflect conscious choices/ Image: instagram Luxury Towers , Thrift Treasures: The UAE's Surprising Style Shift The UAE is known worldwide for its glossy skyscrapers, sprawling malls, and luxury shopping experiences. From the iconic Dubai Mall to the high-end storefronts of Mall of the Emirates, fast fashion and luxury brands dominate the visual and retail landscape. But behind the gleaming glass facades, a quieter, more conscious revolution is underway. An increasing number of UAE residents are turning to thrift shopping – for fashion, furniture, collectibles, and even baby gear. Once considered niche or culturally unfamiliar, the pre-loved market is fast gaining traction, driven by younger, environmentally aware consumers and supported by social media-based thrift communities, physical stores, and curated pop-ups. And the growth is no small matter: according to Future Market Insights, the secondhand apparel market in the GCC is projected to be worth $1.3 billion in 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 11.6%, and reaching $4 billion by 2035. These numbers aren't just promising – they're proof that preloved is becoming mainstream. Why the UAE is Falling in Love with Secondhand Several key forces are behind the region's secondhand boom: Sustainability awareness: According to the UN Environment Programme , making a single pair of jeans uses around 3,781 litres of water. With facts and figures like these gaining attention, more shoppers are turning to thrift as a lower-impact alternative. High-quality imports: The UAE is the second largest importer of used clothing globally, bringing in $237 million worth in 2023 from countries like the UK, US, Australia, China, and Spain. Digital resale culture: Instagram stores, online platforms, and app-based businesses are making thrifting as convenient as it is conscious. Youth-driven minimalism: Younger shoppers are turning to thrifting not just for affordability, but for ethical reasons and style individuality. Circular economy adoption: Repairs, upcycling, and reselling are increasingly part of the region's evolving retail culture. The Best Thrift & Secondhand Spots in the UAE |Whether you're after a vintage designer bag, a funky Y2K dress, a collectible vinyl, or a refurbished Eames chair, the UAE's thrift scene has a destination for every taste: 1. Garderobe (Jumeirah) Nestled in a villa on Al Wasl Road, Garderobe is a longtime favorite for preloved luxury fashion. Expect authentic pieces from Chanel, Dior, and Manolo Blahnik at a fraction of their original cost. It's also a great place to consign your own high-end wardrobe Garderobe located in Villa 1224 - Al Wasl Rd - Umm Suqeim 2 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates 2. Thrift for Good (Various locations) A social enterprise with a purpose, Thrift for Good donates 100% of profits to children's charities through its partnership with Gulf for Good. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo With shops in Times Square Center, Al Quoz, and Golden Mile Galleria, they offer apparel, accessories, and community workshops on sustainability topics like natural dyeing and composting. Thrift For Good located in multiple locations: Times Square Center, Al Quoz, and Golden Mile Galleria 3. The Luxury Closet (Al Barsha + Online) A powerhouse in the UAE's pre-owned luxury market, this store combines online convenience with an authenticity guarantee. From Valentino gowns to Rolex watches, shoppers can snag top-tier brands at up to 70% off retail Luxury Wardrobe 4. Digg (Al Quoz) More than just an online thrift store, Digg curates cool with community. They frequently host events like the Open Graffiti Jam that mix music, karak tea, and thrift shopping in an artsy warehouse setting. A hub for both style and social connection. Digg It Vintage & Thrift Store at 4b Street Al Quoz Warehouse B23 5. Urban Market Concept (Pop-ups + Instagram) Launched in 2021, this pop-up collective hosts monthly events blending fashion, homeware, food, and music. Vendors range from independent designers to vintage Instagram sellers, creating a rotating selection that feels new every visit. Urban Market Concept (Pop-ups + Instagram) 6. Vintage Vibe (Khan Murjan Souk, Wafi City) If you've seen those buzzing Instagram Live thrift auctions on Wednesdays and Thursdays, you've likely come across Vintage Vibe. A hit with Dubai's young trendsetters, this shop is a go-to for Y2K streetwear and quirky vintage finds. Vintage Vibe located in Khan Murjan Souk, Wafi City/ Instagram 7. La Brocante (Al Quoz) For furniture and home decor lovers, La Brocante is a gem. Set in a warehouse, the shop channels Portobello Road vibes, offering curated vintage furniture and hosting weekend events with food, music, and local artisan stalls. La Brocante located in Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, on 18a Street, Warehouse 2 8. Golden Goose Forward Store (Mall of the Emirates) Luxury sneaker brand Golden Goose brings repair, resale, and customisation under one roof with its Forward concept store. Bring your worn-out items, even from other brands, and get them fixed, repurposed, or personalised in-store. Golden Goose Forward Store (Mall of the Emirates) 9. Hi! Japan (Pop-ups) A quirky pop-up concept where you can score 1kg of clothing for Dhs25. Expect Japanese collectibles, memorabilia, and affordable fashion. Great for budget-conscious and vintage-loving shoppers alike. 10. Secondful (Online) Specialising in secondhand baby gear, Secondful helps parents buy and sell prams, toys, and clothes safely and sustainably. Items are checked for quality and safety, and sellers can earn up to 90% of the sale value Secondful (Online website) What This Means for the UAE's Future While thrift stores in the UAE are still evolving compared to their Western counterparts, their growing popularity signals a major cultural shift. Shoppers are embracing value with values – where price, quality, ethics, and style meet. The trend also reflects a maturing retail landscape, where conscious consumerism and high fashion aren't seen as opposites. Instead, they're converging to shape a smarter, greener, and more community-driven fashion future. A strong indicator of this shift is the UAE's position in the global used clothing trade. According to research data from The Observatory of Economic Complexity, in 2023, the UAE imported $237 million worth of used clothing, making it the second-largest importer in the world. The bulk of these imports came from countries like the United Kingdom ($39.5M), United States ($29M), Australia ($28.7M), China ($19.7M), and Spain ($16.7M). With rising demand, increasing supply channels, and billions of dollars projected to flow into the regional secondhand market, the UAE is not just embracing preloved fashion – it's steadily positioning itself as a regional hub for the circular economy.
