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Best brunches in Dubai 2025: 33 top-rated brunch spots you need to try

Best brunches in Dubai 2025: 33 top-rated brunch spots you need to try

Time Out Dubai26-05-2025

Dubai is famed for its brunch and the bolder, the better as far as we are concerned.
From posh, do-it-all brunch buffets at five-star hotels and impressive la carte offerings to tasty brunch menus poolside, brunch on a Saturday is quite frankly an institution and nowhere does it better than Dubai.
But with a zillion hotels, restaurants and beach clubs vying for your precious weekends, it's a good idea to become acquainted with the best brunches in the city.
Call off the search party: the results are in and here is your definitive brunch list to see you through the year and beyond.
Best brunch in Dubai: A guide
Time Out Dubai's official top ten brunches 2025
Here are the best brunches in Dubai, as recognised by the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025.
Time Out Dubai reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
WINNER
Zuma
One of the most popular brunches around, this has both à la carte and buffet aspects to it, and you get to select one of the restaurant's signature mains which is brought to your table. It's a brilliant way to try one of the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai as there are so many signature dishes to tuck into and a large range of sushi to try.
With a selection of maki, nigiri, sashimi and more, plus robata and tempura, the brunch gets off to a strong start. Choose from dishes including the famous miso black cod, before rounding it all off with dessert. The service is excellent and the bar makes for a lively post-brunch drink. A stalwart in DIFC and a crowd-pleaser in every way.
Licensed. Gate Village 7, DIFC, zumarestaurant.com (04 425 5660).
Check out our full Zuma review here
Highly commended
Netsu
Credit: Netsu
This high-end Japanese restaurant comes alive every Saturday afternoon for brunch, a seemingly never-ending delivery of rather brilliant Japanese cuisine.
Each table receives starters to share, including salmon tacos, wagyu beef gyoza and Korean fried chicken, followed by a seasonal sashimi platter, served shrouded in dry ice for a touch of theatre.
Signature maki rolls are made tableside, while each guest can choose one large dish (the grilled giant tiger prawn is impressive) which you can snaffle solo or share with your group. Your feast concludes with a dessert platter, so save space for a mochi or two.
Dhs450 per person (sparkling), Dhs650 (bubbly). Sat 12.30pm-3.30pm. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Jumeirah 1, mandarinoriental.com (04 777 2232).
Check out our full Netsu review here
Traiteur
Credit: Traiteur
If you're after high-quality food and a chic setup with no gimmicks, Traiteur is for you. One of the best buffet brunches in Dubai, Traiteur takes over Brasserie du Park and NOÉPE for a Saturday afternoon extravaganza. The optimum time to visit is in the winter when the terrace is the best place to sit, perched next to the Creek next to the yachts and with a view of the Dubai skyline.
NOÉPE turns into a massive seafood station with lobster, prawns, sushi, oysters and more, while there's an excellent barbecue area outside too. Drinks are premium, there's live music and it's an elegant place for a celebration. Don't miss the cheese room either – it's a real highlight.
Dhs575 (sparkling), Dhs795 (bubbly), Dhs895 (premium bubbly), Dhs450 (soft drinks). Sat 1pm-4pm. Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, hyatt.com (04 602 1814).
Check out our full Traiteur review here
Shortlisted
Al Qasr Brunch
A Dubai institution, Al Qasr brunch has been through many guises in recent years, but it's back at its all-time best now. An elegant afternoon out, although it's still open to families so you can bring your kids, there are live stations serving a variety of global favourites.
Seasoned brunch-goers know the ultimate stations are the seafood and cheese ones – and you'll find brilliant offerings of both at Al Qasr. Grills are also a top choice, while there's also truffle mac and cheese, beef wellington, dim sum, curries, salads and more. Plus there's live music, premium drinks and even an after-party if you're not ready to call the afternoon quits at 4pm.
Licensed. Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah (800 323 232).
Check out our full Al Qasr Brunch review here
Bubbalicious
One of the biggest and best buffet brunches in Dubai, Bubbalicious is an absolutely massive Saturday afternoon food-filled extravaganza. Sprawling out across three restaurants and a large outdoor terrace, this is one for the Dubai bucket list. Famed for its huge spread of food, it's excellent quality, especially given the scale of it.
Licensed. Sat 1pm-4pm. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh (04 511 7373).
Check out our full Bubbalicious review here
COYA
Renowned for being a lively, yet grown-up, party brunch, this high-end fiesta takes place every Saturday afternoon at popular Peruvian restaurant COYA. An OG when it comes to bringing Peruvian plates to the city, you can enjoy the well-known restaurant's signature dishes when it comes to brunch in Dubai.
There's everything from anticuchos to ceviche, clay pots and churros on the menu, so there's plenty to enjoy while you sway to the beat and soak in the lively vibe. With free-flowing premium drinks and birthday celebrations galore, this is an upbeat brunch for sure.
Licensed. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, coyarestaurant.com (04 316 9600).
Check out our full COYA review here
La Cantine du Faubourg
Credit: La Cantine du Faubourg
Brunches in Dubai come and go, but none have stood the test of time quite like La Cantine du Faubourg. Yes, it's had a few different names and themes over the years (remember the elegant pyjama party?), but three very crucial elements have remained.
Excellent food with a wide variety of dishes than most brunches in Dubai, a good quality drinks package that caters to everyone, and an immaculate vibe, whether you're sitting inside or alfresco, featuring classy live entertainment. And the best part is, it's available both Saturday and Sunday.
Check out our full La Cantine du Faubourg review here
Licensed. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, lacantine.ae (04 352 7105).
Mayabay
Credit: Mayabay
A previous winner of the best à la carte brunch in Dubai award, Mayabay puts on an outstanding offering every Sunday. With dishes from around Thailand, Japan and beyond, there's a stunning menu and everything you could possibly want from an Asian brunch in Dubai. From sushi to Thai curries, salads, dim sum, grills and more, it's all moreish and super-tasty. Plus, there's loads of it so you'll be satisfied when you leave.
Nestled to the Turtle Lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem, there's a gorgeous setting, which paired with the delicious dishes makes for an excellent afternoon. Add in slick service and a cool vibe and you have a top choice right here.
Licensed. Jumeirah Al Naseem, Umm Suqeim, mayabayrestaurant.com (04 275 2500).
Check out our full Mayabay review here
Mimi Kakushi
Credit: Mimi Kakushi
Exuding 1920s Osaka vibes, cooler-than-cooler décor and a sophisticated yet lively vibe, brunch at Mimi Kakushi is a must-try. The mixed drinks are expertly crafted and use interesting Asian ingredients (yuzu, lemongrass etc), while the service is some of the best around.
When it comes to dishes the food lives up to the expectations and includes beef tataki, prawn and black cod gyoza, Angus tenderloin, black cod and tiger prawns – meaning you're getting some top-quality ingredients for a brunch package. One of the best à la carte brunches in Dubai and one of the chicest, too.
Licensed. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, mimikakushi.ae (04 379 4811).
Check out our full Mimi Kakusi review here
ROKA
For an exceptional Saturday family brunch in Dubai, head to Roka for a buffet spread featuring a variety of starters, soups, makis, nigiris and robata selections.
Signature mains are served at the table, with an option to upgrade to 'premium robata' for an additional amount, offering dishes like black cod marinated in yuzu miso and beef fillet in chilli, ginger, and spring onion.
While parents can enjoy the brunch, children are entertained in a dedicated space filled with games, toys, colouring activities and entertainers.
Licensed. The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, rokarestaurant.com (04 439 7171).
Check out our full ROKA review here
Best evening brunch
Dragonfly
(Credit: Dragonfly)
Dragonfly at The Lana Promenade by Dorchester Collection hosts an after-dark brunch that brings together Asian cuisine, drinks and fun live performances. Kick-start the weekend early with an exclusive four-course dining experience, made in collaboration with chef Reif Othman, featuring a selection of dishes such as black cod with miso butter, crispy baby squid and salted caramel gelato with matcha mochi to name a few.
Dhs525 (house beverages). Thu 8pm-midnight. The Lana Promenade by Dorchester Collection, Business Bay, dragonfly-dxb.com (04 834 8278).
Ammos
(Credit: TJ's)
Ready for a taste of Greece? Expect Aegean classics like tzatziki, melitzanosalata, taramosalata, kalamaraki and more. There are sharing platters of souvlaki, grilled fish and more, plus a live singer and top Ain Dubai views.
Dhs355 (house beverages), Dhs395 (sparkling), Dhs295 (soft drinks). Fri 8pm-11pm. Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, ammosgreek.com/dubai (052 777 9473).
Gallery 7/40
(Credit: Gallery 7/40)
Get ready for the ultimate Friday night party at Time Out Dubai's Best Evening Party Brunch. This lively night out has short measures, dancing on the tables, live singers and more. Food comes sharing-style, with Greek dishes like mixed dips, souvlaki and loads more.
Dhs445 (house beverages and grape), Dhs545 (sparkling and hops), Dhs350 (soft drinks). Fri 7pm-10pm. The Club, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, secretparties.com (04 580 3714).
Barfly by Buddha-Bar
(Credit: Barfly by Buddha-Bar)
Try pan-Asian bites including short rib bao buns while enjoying live entertainment. There are also stunning views.
Dhs445 (house beverages), Dhs545 (premium beverages), Dhs365 (soft drinks). Sat 7pm-11pm. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, @barflydubai (04 230 0000).
Check out our full list of best evening brunches in Dubai here
Boom Battle Bar
Check out the Big Boom Brunch if you want to try some bar sports at brunch. For over 21s only, this is a fun Saturday out where you can enjoy axe throwing and loads more, accompanied by tasty bar food.
Dhs350 (house beverages), Dhs425 (sparkling), Dhs250 (soft drinks). Sat from 8pm (three-hour package). DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Jumeirah Beach, JBR boombattlebar.com (04 585 7357).
Check out our full list of the best evening brunches in Dubai here
Best Sunday brunch
Azure Beach
The Rixos Premium Dubai beach club brings a splash of fun to Sundays with its brand-new 'Wet Brunch' experience, turning the weekend into a lively 90s-themed party by the pool.
You can enjoy unlimited house beverages for Dhs300 or upgrade to premium drinks for Dhs395, with the brunch running from 2pm to 5pm. Brunch package holders can also indulge in dishes from the live poolside food station with a 50 percent discount, making it a perfect afternoon of sipping, snacking and soaking up the vibes.
The fun doesn't stop there… from 5pm to 8pm, guests can take advantage of the 'Sunday Funday' bottle service promotion with a complimentary upgrade to a pink grape with every bottle purchased.
Dhs300 (house beverages), Dhs395 (premium beverages). Sun 2pm-5pm. Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR, azure-beach.com (052 777 9472).
Al Dawaar
The 50 best indoor activities to try in Dubai (Credit: Al Dawaar)
Enjoy brunch at Dubai's only revolving restaurant and you'll get 360-degree views of the city, as well as an international buffet featuring live stations and delicious dishes.
Dhs369 (house beverages), Dhs569 (bubbly), Dhs249 (soft drinks). Sat 12.30pm-4pm. Hyatt Regency Dubai, Deira, @aldawaar (04 209 6887).
Eugène Eugène
(Credit: Eugène Eugène)
Set in a bright and airy space, this brunch features a mix of live French acoustic music and a thoughtfully curated menu.
Dhs425 (house beverages), Dhs625 (bubbly), Dhs325 (soft drinks). Sun from noon (three-hour package). Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, eugeneeugene.ae (04 379 8963).
Check out our full guide to best Sunday brunches in Dubai here
Best family-friendly brunch
Imagination Brunch
Credit: Hilton Dubai The Palm
Entertainment is at the heart of the Imagination brunch at Mowsem, with all sorts of mythical creatures doing the rounds to entertain little ones. Think unicorns, singing princesses, magicians and dancing wizards alongside activities including glitter face paints, arts and crafts, bouncy castle and a crazy magic potion show.
Food is great too, with an abundant buffet and a good mix of international items – graze on everything from pasta and pizza to salads and cold seafood, plus there are dim sum, curries, quiches, grills and more.
Licensed. Hilton Dubai The Palm. Sun 1.30pm-4.30pm. @imaginationbrunch (04 230 0073).
Check out our full Imagination Brunch review here
The Roast at Bubbalicious
Credit: The Roast at Bubbalicious
One of the best family brunches in Dubai, this one takes place on a Sunday at Mina's Kitchen at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi. A smaller version of the famed Bubbalicious brunch, The Roast, as the name suggests, focuses on serving a slap-up Sunday roast dinner. Dig into a range of meats, fluffy Yorkshires and crispy potatoes.
There's also a salad bar, seafood station, curries, mezze and a selection of pies to accompany mash and gravy. When it comes to desserts you're in for a real treat, too. The entertainment is great – expect live music, a magician, juggler, face painter, arts and crafts and more, all leading to a top-notch family afternoon to round off your weekend in the best of ways.
Licensed. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh (04 511 7373).
Check out our full Bubbalicious review here
Golden Ticket Brunch
Inspired by king of candy Willy Wonka, this family-friendly brunch at Flow Kitchen features buffet stations dedicated to every part of chocolate-loving Charlie Bucket's journey. It's super fun, with foie gras Snickers, violet gnocchi and purple potato mash among the more classic brunch options of salads, mezze and seafood.
The dessert section is suitably over-the-top, with chocolate fountains and towering pancake stacks. Plenty of candy-themed decorations and interactive performances complete the whimsy.
Licensed. Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, fairmont.com (04 457 3388).
Mezzerie
Credit: Mezzerie
Once Upon A Brunch is the Saturday afternoon offering from Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah's all-day dining restaurant Mezzerie and it's a top choice. A great brunch, especially if your kids love all things fairy tale and princesses, there's loads to do and the afternoon will fly by. The buffet is decent, especially the desserts, while there's a special kids' buffet too.
Belle from Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella will impress kids with songs and stories, plus there's an outdoor area with a bouncy castle, ping pong and more. Not enough? Bring your swimwear as pool access is included, too.
Licensed. Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, onceuponabrunch.com.
Check out our full Once Upon A Brunch at Mezzerie review here
Check out our full list of family-friendly brunches here
Best budget brunches Dubai
Belgian Café (Madinat Jumeirah)
Cheap brunch in Dubai: All the budget brunches under Dhs250 with drinks. Credit: Belgian Cafe
A selection of the bar's dishes are served to the table with a choice of Belgian hops in this great value Dubai brunch at one of the city's top dining destinations.
Dhs249 (house beverages), Dhs399 (sparkling). Sat 2pm-5pm. Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim belgianbeercafejumeirah.com (04 447 0227).
Ibn AlBahr
The well-loved Lebanese seafood restaurant has launched an 'Evening Seafood Brunch' at its Dubai Creek location every Friday at 8pm.
The menu includes a variety of appetisers like tabbouleh, fattoush, and calamari, followed by fresh seafood dishes such as grilled fish and shrimp and concludes with creative desserts. Ibn AlBahr, which accommodates up to 100 people, offers a chic setting with live music and stunning views of Dubai's skyline.
Dhs250 (house beverages), Dhs300 (premium beverages), Dhs200 (soft drinks). Fri 8pm onward. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Deira, ibnalbahr.me (800 426252247).
PizzaExpress Live JLT
(Credit: PizzaExpress Live)
This lively Saturday brunch offers unlimited beverages, Italian starters, one main course and a dessert. Plus, there's live music. The venue also hosts an after-party on Saturdays from 4pm to 6pm with unlimited beverages from Dhs99 per person. At just Dhs398 for two, this is a brunch deal for when you're on a budget.
Dhs175 (house beverages), Dhs145 (soft drinks). Sat 1pm-4pm. Mövenpick Hotel JLT, Cluster A, JLT, pizzaexpress.ae (04 441 6342).
Check out our full guide to the affordable brunch spots in Dubai here
Best outdoor brunches
Bar Du Port
Credit: Bar Du Port
Dubbed one of Dubai's most energetic brunches, Bar Du Port's Mediterranean-inspired affair should not be missed. Located on the waterfront development, Dubai Harbour, Brunch Du Port offers four hours of unlimited cuisine and free-flowing beverages. The resident DJ will be on the decks to entertain with English and Arabic music throughout the day.
Dhs320 (soft drinks), Dhs390 (house beverages), Dhs520 (sparkling), Dhs720 (bubbly). Sat 1pm-5pm. Dubai Harbour Pier Club, Dubai Harbour, barduportdubai.com (050 969 9820).
Traiteur
Credit: Traiteur
Located at the very pretty Park Hyatt Dubai, the Traiteur brunch now takes place in an al fresco setting overlooking the marina and the city skyline from a distance.
This brunch is one for the foodies. Dishes here include comte cheese beignet, Angus beef carpaccio, freshly-shucked Dibba Bay oysters, raspberry and black pepper mignonette, as well as clams and mussels to name a few dishes you can feast on.
And definitely don't miss out on the extra bougie dessert bar.
Dhs450 (soft drinks), Dhs575(sparkling), Dhs795 (bubbly), Dhs895 (premium bubbly). Sat 1pm-4pm. Park Hyatt Dubai, Dubai Creek Harbour hyattrestaurants.com (04 602 1814).
Koko Bay
(Credit: Koko Bay)
Head down to this Palm West Beach venue for its Koko Loco brunch if you are looking for a spot for fun in the sun.
Taking place every Sunday from noon to 4pm, guests can enjoy a laid-back brunch with free-flowing drinks, live entertainment and private beach access.
Dhs350 (soft drinks), Dhs450 (house beverages), Dhs550 (bubbly). Sun 2pm-5pm. Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah (04 572 3444).
Check out the full list of best outdoor brunches here
Best indoor brunches
Amazónico
Indoor brunch in Dubai. Credit: Amazónico Dubai.
Amazónico Dubai is hosting a weekly Saturday brunch featuring Latin American flavours, paired with premium beverages. A major element of this brunch is music, which is the 'beating heart' of the jungle-themed Saturday brunch experience.
There will be a DJ on the decks from 2pm, blending Latin-inspired sounds while you dine on sushi starters, baby chicken, caramelised pineapple and much more.
The brunch experience will also feature live performances from a percussionist and trumpeter making an appearance across the three-story restaurant.
Dhs595 (soft drinks), Dhs695 (house beverages), Dhs795 (bubbly). Sat noon-4pm. DIFC, amazonicorestaurant.com/dubai (04 571 3999).
En Fuego
Indoor brunch in Dubai. Credit: En Fuego.
No one throws a party like South Americans, so if you're an avid bruncher who's always up for a bangin' time, head to En Fuego's colourful Viva Del Carnaval brunch.
Based at the iconic Atlantis The Palm, En Fuego is one of Dubai's newest dining hotspots featuring one of the most Instagrammable venues around.
Expect many a taco to come your way, as well as a live mariachi band who will be keeping the atmosphere up all afternoon.
Dhs350 (soft drinks), Dhs450 (house beverages), Dhs550 (sparkling). Sat, 1pm-4pm. atlantis.com/enfuego (04 426 0750).
Iris
Indoor brunch in Dubai. Credit: Iris.
This popular party bar at Meydan has a Saturday afternoon brunch with a range of packages and Burj Khalifa views. Dishes include guacamole, tropical fried shrimp, arancini, spinach and ricotta ravioli, grilled baby chicken and beef tenderloin. The retractable roof makes it cool enough for summer.
Dhs290 (soft drinks), Dhs390(grape), Dhs490 (house beverages), Dhs750 (bubbly). Sat 1pm-5pm. Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba, irisdubai.com (04 334 3355).
Lock, Stock & Barrel JBR
Indoor brunch in Dubai. Credit: Solutions Leisure.
It doesn't get any bigger, louder or wilder than this. If you're ready for the most bangin' brunch of the summer, then look no further than the Lock, Stock & Barrel JBR live music brunch.
Blowing the roof off with epic party vibes, this destination is the ultimate weekend wind-up. Kicking off at 1pm every Saturday, Dubai's hottest homegrown band, The Ark, will be hitting the stage, accompanied by a tasty menu of Lock, Stock & Barrel favourites and bottomless bevvies, of course.
Dig into bites like the classic LSB hotdog and beef sliders, the O.G nachos, braised beef tacos, jalapeño poppers and the famed hot stuff flatbreads, all washed down with a full selection of house beverages, soft drinks and sparkling sips.
Dhs250 (soft), Dhs300 (house), Dhs350 (sparkling). Sat, 1pm-4pm. Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR, solutions-leisure.com (04 392 7120).
Lucky Voice
Indoor brunch in Dubai. Credit: Lucky Voice.
With an unlimited menu of food and drinks, Lucky Voice combines a unique Saturday brunch with a karaoke experience. If you and your friends love to listen to good tunes from great DJs but also like to get on the mic and serenade your fellow brunch-goers – this karaoke brunch could be the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Make sure to mark Lucky Voice's Brunch Out Loud in your diary, every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm.
Dhs195 (soft drinks), Dhs275 (house beverages), Dhs350 (sparkling ). Sat 1pm-4pm. Ground Floor, Grand Millennium Dubai, Barsha Heights (800 58259).
Check out our full list of best indoor brunches in Dubai here
BACK TO TOP
Other award-winning spots in Dubai
10 best family restaurants in Dubai to suit everyone
Everyone will be happy, trust us
The 10 best afternoon teas in Dubai to indulge in
The best way to spend an afternoon in the city
10 of the best pubs with food in Dubai that you need on your radar
Roast, burger or pie? We've selected the top spots in the city

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  • Daily Mirror

UK's biggest Barbie fan says husband has given her a strict rule

Dawn Austin has some rare dolls worth thousands Dawn Austin is the UK's biggest Barbie fan - boasting more than 850 dolls in her ever-growing collection. The adult collector has splashed out more than £30,000 on Mattel merchandise, which has become "like family" and is now worth double that. The 45 year old has also taken up restoring Barbies in her free time, increasing the value of some of her dolls even further. She estimates her entire collection is now worth an astonishing £60,000 - and while husband Steve is supportive, he does have one rule: no dolls in the bedroom. ‌ Dawn and Steve are facing a space issue as her collection continues to expand. Speaking to What's the Jam, she said: "I have reached a certain stage with my collection, and I am faced with the dilemma of whether I should sell some items I am not as attached to any more in order to make space, or just move? ‌ "And [moving] does seem like a more likely option." Dawn's impressive collection has attracted attention from thousands on social media and even Mattel, the doll's manufacturer, sent her a special selection of gifts for Barbie's 65th anniversary. To protect them from dust and damage, Dawn displays her hundreds of dolls in glass cabinets throughout her house. The only room off-limits to her collection is the bedroom, which is Steve's one rule around his wife's hobby. Dawn said: "When I met Steve, he drove me to conventions and spent weekends with me scouring markets and charity shops. I fell in love with the craftsmanship and their history." She recently bagged one of the original Black Barbie dolls for a mere £10 at a toy show. And she boasts other coveted pieces like a Japanese exclusive skipper, a rare Korean wonder woman and a Ponytail Barbie number two valued at close to £6,000. Dawn has no intentions of parting with any item from her collection, however. She said: "I couldn't bear to ever get rid of them. They're like family to me." ‌ Not every purchase has been thrifty either. Dawn admitted she's splurged thousands on several dolls and only sells one if she's found another in better condition. Dawn, like many young girls, got her first doll during her childhood which sparked her "obsessed" phase. It led her to seek out Barbies at every opportunity until she grew out of it in her adolescence and even gave up her childhood collection. ‌ It was years later, as an adult, that she stumbled upon a doll listing on eBay, reigniting her passion. She said: "When the doll arrived, I was ecstatic. I bought more and more, and before I knew it, I had no room left. That didn't stop me, though. "As a child, Barbie was a character I could turn into anything I wanted her to be. She represented to me the idea that I could be anything I wanted to be – through the power of play and imagination, I could explore being a rock star, actress, doctor, even a nun. "Now, as an adult collector, I see her as a cultural icon of sorts. I enjoy the hunt for the items and find scrolling on eBay looking for them relaxing after work – it's a nice way to wind down." For those keen on starting their own impressive doll collection, Dawn offered some advice,saying: "For new collectors, I recommend buying what you love and what makes you happy. Try to get the items as mint as you possibly can, learn how to restore well, and set budgets and stick to them! Life in plastic is really fantastic."

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