11 homegrown brands to shop instead of international luxury labels
Launched by Reema Al Banna in 2009, Reemami is a homegrown hero championing all forms of dopamine dressing – bright prints, playful colours, whimsical design and big, bold silhouettes for days. Reemami collections come in beautiful unique shapes and flowy designs.
@reemamiofficial …and That's My Gal
Shop That's My Gal, a homegrown label that celebrates bold prints, joyful hues, and resort-ready silhouettes, all with a distinctly Indian flair. Founded by expat Pia in 2022, the brand offers breezy dresses, kaftans, co-ord sets, and beach-ready accessories. Expect free-flowing fabrics, thoughtful handwork, and pieces designed for sun-drenched style and carefree days.
@thatsmy_gal Ahlam Shahin
Emirati designer Ahlam Shahin's namesake label offers flowy, frilly, feminine silhouettes, with drama and flair. Rooted in traditional local fashion, the pieces are perfect for special occasions, incorporating the art of fall, fabric and embellishment into their designs – perfect for your next big party. It's a beautiful blend of local and international taste.
@ahlamshahinatelier My Fancy Closet
Founded by Bashayer Al Mahmoud, this Emirati brand is dedicated to reimagining the romance of vintage elegance for the modern era. Founded in 2013, the brand brings those big, bold silhouettes, flowy and romantic, with lots of fabric, detailing and inspiration taken from traditional local fashion. If you're looking for your occasion wear find, this is where you need to look. Bonus: it's great for the modest girlies too.
@my_fancy_closet The shoes… ZAIA
Emirati footwear brand ZAIA is all about quiet luxury, effortless design and all-day comfort. Featuring a line of stunning, classic loafers in a variety of colours, this is your swap for the wildly popular Loro Piano loafers that still have the luxury fashion community in a chokehold. Pick from beautiful shades, neutrals to brights and more combinations.
Dhs1,450, @zaiadubai The bag… Okhtein
Founded by Egyptian sisters Aya and Mounaz Abdel Raouf, Okhtein is known for its bold glamour, artisanal craftsmanship and unmistakable silhouettes. Each bag is a statement piece that blends heritage and high fashion – from sculptural shapes and metallic accents to their newly launched woven summer collection. Designed to elevate evening wear, these are accessories with a story, rooted in culture and made to stand out.
@okhtein Odeem
Emirati brand Odeem is all about leather craftsmanship, bringing leather bags in iconic, timeless designs, meant to be keepsakes for life. Founded by Fatma Al Otaiba in 2019, the brand is deeply passionate about putting only the best product on your arm. Swap the ever-popular Hermès Picotin for an Odeem design – homegrown, made on this land with love. But not just for this one design – if you're looking for quality leather craft, then Odeem is the one for you.
@odeem_official Nuaimi Collective
Huda Al Nuaimi is the brains behind this luxury print and product design label. With several gorgeous fabrics to choose from, anyone can purchase these designs and utilise it for your own personalised creation. Whether you want a bag, dress, shirt or scarf made, your item will be totally unique.
@nuaimi_collective The accessories… Toktam
In a world full of trends, how does one stand out? You take the trend and make it your own, and Toktam will help you do just that. Wrist stacks have been made insanely popular by brands like Cartier and Tiffany – everyone seems to have a Juste Un Clou or Tiffany T bangle. Homegrown brand Toktam's bangles are perfect for stacking, but making it your own. Fine jewellery designer Toktam Shekarriz blends her Persian heritage with Arabic influences in these stunning pieces.
@toktam.jewellery Zei Jewels
Same vibe, but elevated. The novelty of Zei Jewels is that the pieces come with a fine skeleton and interchangeable back plates in different materials. One piece, endless versatility. You'll find the same colours and pearlescent finish that is so recognisable with Van Cleef and the Alhambra collection, with a bit more bling. Inspired by all things land, sea and nature, this brand has a collection for every mood.
@zei.jewels Karen Wazen Eyewear
Founded by influencer and entrepreneur Karen Wazen Bakhazi, this eyewear brand has gone global, but remains true to it's homegrown roots. Offering sleek and extremely on-trend pieces for every outfit and mood, reach for this brand instead of the viral Miu Miu skinny glasses that practically everyone was wearing last year. Besides this, they also have a load of other designs to choose from.
@bykarenwazen
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Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Have you sipped on safcha, the Emirati twist on matcha yet?
For matcha lovers and those who want to try it without worrying about sleepless nights, a new caffeine-free alternative has emerged from the UAE: safcha. Saaf Cafe, an Emirati concept inspired by the palm tree, a national symbol of heritage and identity, now serves the drink made from dried palm fronds. Safcha mimics the properties of matcha — a heavy pour of antioxidants and nutrients — sans the caffeine. Like the Japanese tea, the drink is green, and its production — the leaves are carefully selected, steamed, dried, and stone-ground into a fine powder — inspired by its overseas counterpart. The name itself blends the words 'saaf', which is Arabic for palm fronds, and matcha. It is ideal for those looking for a calming drink or an earthy local flavour. Mohammed Al Badwawi, brother of the founder of Saaf Cafe, told KT LUXE: 'During our participation in an exhibition in Saudi Arabia, we discovered a new product called safcha. We were immediately drawn to it because it perfectly aligns with our vision of offering products made from the palm tree.' By promoting this healthy beverage, the cafe hopes to attract the younger generation by providing food and juices that align with modern health trends, such as caffeine-free coffee alternatives similar to matcha. 'We've always aimed to offer choices that suit everyone, including those who are sensitive to caffeine,' Al Badwawi added. Now, safcha has become a staple on the extensive cafe menu. Hatta effect Saaf Cafe was established in 2024 in Hatta, and its name pays tribute to the natural environment and cultural heritage of the mountainous Hatta region. It also seeks to promote the culture of using dates by presenting them in various forms — from coffee infused with date extract, priced at Dh30, to other beverages such as 'Basr Juice' (made from fresh dates), Spanish Latte with dates, and V60 with dates. The menu also includes dishes like date pizza, date tiramisu, and rutab (semi-ripe dates) cheesecake, with prices ranging from Dh15 to Dh45. Al Badwawi explained: 'We wanted everything to be inspired by Hatta, from the name to the ingredients.' Saaf Cafe is not just a business project; it is a contribution to the community. We want people to see the palm tree not just as a symbol but also as a source of nourishment, wellness, and inspiration" Mohammed Al Badwawi In addition to beverages and desserts flavoured with dates, the cafe also offers personal care products such as date oil for hair, facial serum, eyelash oil, body oil, and date patches for eyes, feet, and joints. 'Saaf Cafe is not just a business project; it is a contribution to the community. We want people to see the palm tree not just as a symbol but also as a source of nourishment, wellness, and inspiration,' he said. The cafe was founded by Ali Al Badwawi, a retired government employee, former FIFA referee, and former member of the UAE Football Association. Al Badwawi views the project as a tribute to Emirati heritage. With more than 150 palm trees on the family farm, the Al Badwawi estate supplies the dates used to produce the beverages and food items served at the cafe. More than a cafe It's usually location that draws a crowd, but in the case of this cafe, it was the site of operation that proved to be the challenge. (It is located inside Dubai Municipality's Al Wadi Park at Hatta.) However, a collaboration with the local municipality helped turn the cafe into a visitor attraction. 'It was difficult to design a marketing plan that would draw people into the park to visit the cafe, but the municipality cooperated by placing a sign for the cafe inside the park,' he said. The venue functions as both a cafe and a restaurant, featuring two floors and an outdoor space. It was established to serve local products. The cafe blends traditional and modern atmospheres, and offers a unique dining experience suitable for all ages, including traditional breakfasts and other meals. Services include dine-in, online ordering, and soon, a new branch in Mirdif, Dubai. The cafe also organises events and initiatives aligned with local culture, such as dedicating special hours for only women, where people can connect over snacks and a cup of safcha.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
17 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The UAE Eid Al Etihad celebrations have been announced and it's going to be spectacular sep% Time Out Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is about to get lit – literally. The 54th edition of the UAE's National Day (now proudly called Eid Al Etihad, meaning 'Festival of the Union') is just around the corner, and if previous years are anything to go by, we're in for a dazzling display of heritage, technology and a whole lot of wow-factor. Every December 2, the UAE marks its historic unification – when the seven emirates came together to form a bold new nation back in 1971. But this isn't just a public holiday; it's a full-on cultural extravaganza that celebrates Emirati pride, futuristic ambition and the people who call this country home. Officially, there are two public holidays to mark UAE National Day every year, with December 2 and 3 set aside to celebrate the occasion. However, this year, the holiday could begin on December 1, which would give us a four-day weekend. And there is even a slight possibility of a five-day weekend according to UAE public holiday law. What's happening this year? While the full line-up is still under wraps, you can expect the usual suspects: massive fireworks, jaw-dropping drone shows and immersive storytelling that brings the UAE's past, present and future to life. This year's location for the Eid Al Etihad celebration will be revealed at a later date, but we do know that it will be held on Tuesday December 2. Last year, this main celebration was held at Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain and highlighted the UAE's values, rich heritage and future ambitions. We can expect a similar celebration to take place at another significant site in the UAE. If previous celebrations are any clue, the capital is likely to be the centre stage again. In 2022, synchronised drones danced above water. In 2023, AI-generated visuals transported audiences across time. In 2024, camels, constellations and desert mountains set the scene in Al Ain. In 2025? Think bigger. Think brighter. Think next-level tech mixed with timeless tradition – and maybe even a surprise A-list concert thrown into the mix. Here's what's likely on the cards: Fireworks everywhere – From Yas Island to the Corniche, the skies over Abu Dhabi are expected to light up in green, red, white and black. Drone storytelling shows – They've become a staple of the celebration, and you can bet they'll be even more advanced this year. Free public festivities – Think cultural performances, traditional parades, dance shows and more. (Pro tip: head to Al Maryah Island or downtown Abu Dhabi for the action.) Concerts and surprise pop-ups – Previous years saw a mix of local and international talent. Could 2025 bring another chart-topper to the capital? We're watching closely. Shopping and dining deals – Expect major discounts across malls, hotels and restaurants, especially in tourist hotspots like Yas Bay, Saadiyat and The Galleria. Traffic fine discounts? – In 2024, drivers in four emirates got 50 percent off. Will it return in 2025? Fingers crossed. Free public parking – Keep an eye on Parkonic announcements in Abu Dhabi closer to the date. Planning your break The holiday falls on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3 – so if you play your annual leave cards right (hello, December 1, 4 and 5), you could score a nine-day break. Perfect for a staycation, desert escape, or road trip with friends and family. Eid Al Etihad isn't just a few days of fireworks – it's a month-long moment of reflection and celebration. Expect the skyline to be bathed in national colours, Emirati music to fill every corner of the city and people from all walks of life to come together in joy. One thing's for sure: the UAE knows how to throw a celebration – and at 54 years strong, the energy is only growing. Keep your cameras ready and your National Day flags high – this is going to be one for the books. Coming up in Abu Dhabi… The 27 best things to do indoors this summer in Abu Dhabi It's time for some air-conditioned bliss Psst: This is when summer officially ends in Abu Dhabi No complaints here 25 brilliant beach and pool day passes in Abu Dhabi Grab your SPF – a lush day by the water awaits
Sharjah 24
17 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
New issue of Sharjah Cultural highlights global creativity
ditorial team contributions Managing Editor Nawaf Younes contributed an essay titled 'Music… A Culture and Universal Language', describing music as one of the most enduring human artistic expressions across and as a powerful —from Assyrian and Egyptian to Greek and Chinese—civilisationsinfluence on identity, personality, and culture. Music, he argues, continues to thrive today as a universal language understood by all. Literature, history and cultural profiles Jabal, a leading Arab poet, as examined -This issue explores the life and poetry of Badawi alby Dr Akram Qanbas. Dr Mohamed Ahmed Anab delves into the legacy of Swiss orientalist Max van Berchem, who dedicated his life to the study of Islamic inscriptions and calligraphy. Amal Kamel writes about Zgharta, a Lebanese town surrounded by rivers and olive trees, while Shehab Al Kaabi reflects on the cultural heritage of Basra, Iraq's vibrant cultural capital. Focus on Arab literary voices In the Literature and Writers section, Abdul Alim Haris covers the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum, which celebrated a group of distinguished Mauritanian authors. Jawad Amer writes about Moroccan historian, poet, and critic Abdullah Kannoun and his literary contributions, while Nour Suleiman Ahmed analyses the novelistic style of Ibrahim Abdel Meguid and his talent for evoking place and character. I'tidal Othman discusses how Arab s Indian writer novels address the transformation of identity, and Adel El Batousi highlightone of the prominent voices in the —Bhanu Mushtaq's win of the International Booker PrizeKannada language. Contemporary voices and literary legacy Ahmed Fadl Shabloul profiles poet Aziz Andraos, influenced by the Mahjar school and noted for innovation in form and content. Nabil Suleiman recounts how libraries shaped his literary world over seventy years, introducing him to major Arab and international writers. Hassan M. 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Youssef Ali covers a panel discussion hosted by the Arab Cultural Club in Sharjah on Aisha Sultan's short story collection Cold Fear. Finally, Nasreen Antonius revisits For Bread Alone by Moroccan writer Mohamed Choukri, who offered a raw testimony to a childhood shaped by deprivation, learning life's harsh lessons on the streets before even learning to read. Art, strings and brushstrokes In the Art, Strings and Brushstrokes section, Mohab Labib explores the experience of Syrian Bashir Obeid -abstract artist Mahmoud Hammad, a pioneer of the movement in Syria. AlHadi Sassi, who seeks to balance creativity with artistic -interviews visual artist Mohamed AlGizawy pays tribute to the renowned Samia Ayoub, a major figure in -commitment. Khalil Elthe history of Arab theatre, while Hisham Azkyd highlights the creative work of Moroccan Safadi, -s poet Bayane AlSaghir. Randa Halloum meet-Maskini Al-playwright and director Alwho writes for both adults and children, believing theatre has a profound impact on young Din Aita honours the legacy of Egyptian music legend Mohamed -minds. Ahmed Saad ElFawzi, celebrated for his innovation and versatility. Dr Lama Tayara reviews the film Thank You for Dreaming with Me, emphasising the director's skill in bringing reality to life on screen. Osama Asal commemorates the 110th anniversary of the birth and 29th anniversary of the passing of Salah Abou Seif, one of Egypt's cinema greats. Under the spotlight: new books and readings The Under the Spotlight section presents a variety of new books and critical readings. These include The History and Culture of the Tajiks by Nawal Amer, Descriptive and Analytical Methodology by Amani Ibrahim Yassin, and Ancient Arabic Prose Texts from Anxious Agha. Thuraya Abdel Badi' Al Arab reviews He Who Lacks Love... Gives -Literature by Abrar AlIt, a young adult novel by Rania Hussein Amin. Other works featured are The Arabs in s by Orientalist Painting by Iman Mohamed Ahmed and The Hidden Ones in My WordMaamari, with reviews from Souad Said Noah. Najlaa Mamoun contributes a -Suleiman Alstudy on the origins and evolution of the Moroccan short story. Cultural essays and articles This issue also includes a rich collection of articles and essays covering a broad range of cultural topics. Among these are discussions on poetic ambition by Raad Aman, reflections on the city of Esna's wisdom and history by Saeed Yassin, and the digital revolution's impact on artistic creativity by Mudhafar Ismail. Fadia Issa Qaraajeh examines Waciny Laredj's Za'al explores -novelistic approach as close to documentary style, while Shimaza Fawaz Alk Saqour writes on the narrative the relationship between algorithms and literary work. MaliTayyib -forest, Mustafa Abdullah reviews the turbulent life of poet Hanoun Majid, and AlAdeeb considers the importance of children's libraries. Nabil Ahmed Safiya investigates the influence of culture and criticism on Arab fiction, and Paul Chaoul critiques artificial intelligence as a failed poet. Abdulrazzaq Shahroor delves into classical chaste love poetry, Suhaimi's love for place and memory. Abdelhakim -and Mufid Khansa reflects on Mohsen AlArnaout -Zubaidi profiles scholar and critic Ahmad Youssef Ali, while Mohamed Al-AlHaisha shares -examines Arabic literature in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mahmoud Salama Alstories about human emotions, and Dr Hani Mohamed celebrates the cultural contributions Maghribi analyses the shaded rooftops between Barak and -Alayli. Najwa Al-of Abdullah AlPicasso, while Mohamed Najib Qaddoura recalls the creative memories of Adeeb Qaddoura. Mohamed Hammouda reveals the theatrical side of Naguib Mahfouz, and Magdy Mahfouz highlights the realisation of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy dream. Prince Kamal Faraj discusses voice performance as an art form, Ali Dawla reviews children's films and Safi's novel Jameel Nadound as a -programmes, and Dr Mustafa Ghunaim praises Anne Alsymphony of hope. Finally, Nadia Omar takes readers on an exciting journey through Arabic literary history, and Rose Makhlouf explores the subtle harmony of silk. Short stories, poetry and heritage The issue also dedicates space to a selection of short stories, poetry, translations, and heritage pieces by prominent Arab writers. Featured works include The Artist's Room by Batros's exploration of commodifying art amid -Suad Zaher, a writer and critic, and Dr Atef AlSayed Abdel Aal, -the pressures of reality. Short stories such as New Events by Mohamed ElDaem, and One Day It Happened by Abdelhamid -An Innocent Trick by Asmaa Nour Alof Light, by Rawi are included, alongside a translated poem, The Long Ray -Mohamed AlAsma'i by Abdulrazzaq Ismail, -Hamada Abdel Latif. The heritage series features Stories of AlSha'ar's Literary Notes explore the -A'raj. Fawaz Al-Jishi reflects on poet Al-while Wael Albeauty of language and linguistics, and Waleed Ramadan sheds light on the life and work of French orientalist Charles Pellat, who was devoted to the Arabic language.
