Watch: Dubai expat surfs in high heels while raising Philippine flag, eating cake
This Thursday, June 12, is the 127th Philippine Independence Day, and a Dubai-based surf queen and famous social media personality found a daring and creative way 'to honour the vibrant Filipino community' in the UAE.
Wearing a neatly-pressed Filipiniana attire and high-heels, Polish expat Karolina Agata Sankiewicz –popularly known as Dubai's OG Surfer Barbie– used her wakesurfing skills to create two tribute videos: One is showing her waving the Philippine flag while surfing on Jumeirah Beach, followed by a second video showing her eating a popular Filipino pastry (Ube cake), while again, surfing.
Both videos generated nearly 62 million views two days after she posted them on Friday (June 6). And no, they're not AI-generated and not just for a stunt.
Speaking to Khaleej Times over the weekend, Karolina said: 'I feel blessed and honoured for all the love I received on the two videos. I decided to surf with the Philippine flag as a tribute to my incredible team members, many of whom are from the Philippines. They are truly some of the kindest and most hardworking individuals I've ever met.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
'When they told me about the upcoming Philippine Independence Day, we knew we wanted to create something meaningful to honour their culture and community—especially here in the UAE, where the Filipino community is such a vibrant and essential part of society,' she added.
Then, everything fell into place. Karolina continued: 'A friend of mine had recently travelled to the Philippines and brought back a beautiful, authentic Filipiniana dress, which we incorporated into the shoot. It was all part of our effort to celebrate Filipino heritage with sincerity and pride.'
Karolina said the two viral videos are actually just behind-the-scenes clips captured on a smartphone. The main video is currently being edited and will be released on June 11, ahead of Philippine Independence Day. 'We're excited to share it with the world and show our appreciation for the Filipino people everywhere,' she added.
How they did it
The production team Karolina mentioned is composed of Richard Napenas (captain), Darryl James Mabale (surfing coach), Archie Manz (assistant/ surfing coach), Maryam Hedayat (videographer and photographer), who shot the main clip, and Hnin OO (assistant).
The entire video, shot on Friday (June 6), was taken in one go. Karolina shared: 'I am a professional surfer and have been wakesurfing in high heels while multitasking for the last few years. I never fall in the water.'
'While my videos may appear effortless and easy on the eye, each one actually requires a great deal of preparation, coordination, and teamwork behind the scenes. What viewers see is just the final product of hours of planning and execution.
For this particular video, we wanted to do something truly special in celebration of Philippine Independence Day. I had a large custom-made Philippine flag created specifically for the shoot. It was printed in Sharjah and delivered to my house the night before filming. We also featured a traditional Filipino dessert—Ube cake—which I enjoyed while surfing, adding a playful and cultural touch to the video.'
Karolina said every detail was carefully considered – from making sure the clothes were properly ironed, to selecting two pairs of high heels, and preparing both a white and a full black wakesurf board to match different looks.
'It may seem glamorous, but once we're out in the ocean, we only have one chance to get each shot right—so preparation is everything,' she underscored, adding: 'With so many moving parts, attention to detail is invaluable. This project is our heartfelt tribute to the Filipino community, especially those in the UAE, and we can't wait to share the full video with everyone.'
Who is Dubai's OG Barbie surfer?
Karolina is Polish-born content creator and entrepreneur currently based in the UAE, where she's been living for more than 12 years. Before moving to Dubai, she spent six years in Honolulu, Hawaii—an experience she said sparked her deep love and passion for the ocean and surfing.
She holds an MBA in International Business and, before diving into the world of surfing and content creation, she worked in the corporate world for more than 15 years. Her background includes positions in investment firms, the oil and gas sector, and family offices.
Three years ago, she discovered wakesurfing in Dubai, and she fell in love with the sport instantly. She said: "While others were out partying, I would be up at 5am every weekend to surf—it was my escape, my passion. I never imagined it would one day become my career or that my videos would reach millions around the world.'
Two years ago, she posted a playful video on TikTok showing her wakesurfing while carrying luxury shopping bags, applying makeup, and wearing sneakers. The next morning, she said, she woke up to 20 million views.
'That was the turning point. I realised this could be something bigger, and I started creating even more imaginative content—from surfing in glamorous gala gowns and towering high heels to holding an ironing board, a large Christmas tree, or even a TV,' she added.
As her videos gained popularity, luxury brands began to notice her and she collaborated with them. Just recently, Karolina was awarded at the World Influencers and Bloggers Awards (WIBA) during the Cannes Festival, where she was named Glamorous Sports Influencer of the Year 2025.
She said: 'My life has completely transformed. What began as a passion has become a full-time career, and I'm blessed every single day to be able to do what I love—surfing, creating, and inspiring others to follow their own unique paths.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Dubai expat surfs in high heels while raising Philippine flag, eating cake
This Thursday, June 12, is the 127th Philippine Independence Day, and a Dubai-based surf queen and famous social media personality found a daring and creative way 'to honour the vibrant Filipino community' in the UAE. Wearing a neatly-pressed Filipiniana attire and high-heels, Polish expat Karolina Agata Sankiewicz –popularly known as Dubai's OG Surfer Barbie– used her wakesurfing skills to create two tribute videos: One is showing her waving the Philippine flag while surfing on Jumeirah Beach, followed by a second video showing her eating a popular Filipino pastry (Ube cake), while again, surfing. Both videos generated nearly 62 million views two days after she posted them on Friday (June 6). And no, they're not AI-generated and not just for a stunt. Speaking to Khaleej Times over the weekend, Karolina said: 'I feel blessed and honoured for all the love I received on the two videos. I decided to surf with the Philippine flag as a tribute to my incredible team members, many of whom are from the Philippines. They are truly some of the kindest and most hardworking individuals I've ever met. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'When they told me about the upcoming Philippine Independence Day, we knew we wanted to create something meaningful to honour their culture and community—especially here in the UAE, where the Filipino community is such a vibrant and essential part of society,' she added. Then, everything fell into place. Karolina continued: 'A friend of mine had recently travelled to the Philippines and brought back a beautiful, authentic Filipiniana dress, which we incorporated into the shoot. It was all part of our effort to celebrate Filipino heritage with sincerity and pride.' Karolina said the two viral videos are actually just behind-the-scenes clips captured on a smartphone. The main video is currently being edited and will be released on June 11, ahead of Philippine Independence Day. 'We're excited to share it with the world and show our appreciation for the Filipino people everywhere,' she added. How they did it The production team Karolina mentioned is composed of Richard Napenas (captain), Darryl James Mabale (surfing coach), Archie Manz (assistant/ surfing coach), Maryam Hedayat (videographer and photographer), who shot the main clip, and Hnin OO (assistant). The entire video, shot on Friday (June 6), was taken in one go. Karolina shared: 'I am a professional surfer and have been wakesurfing in high heels while multitasking for the last few years. I never fall in the water.' 'While my videos may appear effortless and easy on the eye, each one actually requires a great deal of preparation, coordination, and teamwork behind the scenes. What viewers see is just the final product of hours of planning and execution. For this particular video, we wanted to do something truly special in celebration of Philippine Independence Day. I had a large custom-made Philippine flag created specifically for the shoot. It was printed in Sharjah and delivered to my house the night before filming. We also featured a traditional Filipino dessert—Ube cake—which I enjoyed while surfing, adding a playful and cultural touch to the video.' Karolina said every detail was carefully considered – from making sure the clothes were properly ironed, to selecting two pairs of high heels, and preparing both a white and a full black wakesurf board to match different looks. 'It may seem glamorous, but once we're out in the ocean, we only have one chance to get each shot right—so preparation is everything,' she underscored, adding: 'With so many moving parts, attention to detail is invaluable. This project is our heartfelt tribute to the Filipino community, especially those in the UAE, and we can't wait to share the full video with everyone.' Who is Dubai's OG Barbie surfer? Karolina is Polish-born content creator and entrepreneur currently based in the UAE, where she's been living for more than 12 years. Before moving to Dubai, she spent six years in Honolulu, Hawaii—an experience she said sparked her deep love and passion for the ocean and surfing. She holds an MBA in International Business and, before diving into the world of surfing and content creation, she worked in the corporate world for more than 15 years. Her background includes positions in investment firms, the oil and gas sector, and family offices. Three years ago, she discovered wakesurfing in Dubai, and she fell in love with the sport instantly. She said: "While others were out partying, I would be up at 5am every weekend to surf—it was my escape, my passion. I never imagined it would one day become my career or that my videos would reach millions around the world.' Two years ago, she posted a playful video on TikTok showing her wakesurfing while carrying luxury shopping bags, applying makeup, and wearing sneakers. The next morning, she said, she woke up to 20 million views. 'That was the turning point. I realised this could be something bigger, and I started creating even more imaginative content—from surfing in glamorous gala gowns and towering high heels to holding an ironing board, a large Christmas tree, or even a TV,' she added. As her videos gained popularity, luxury brands began to notice her and she collaborated with them. Just recently, Karolina was awarded at the World Influencers and Bloggers Awards (WIBA) during the Cannes Festival, where she was named Glamorous Sports Influencer of the Year 2025. She said: 'My life has completely transformed. What began as a passion has become a full-time career, and I'm blessed every single day to be able to do what I love—surfing, creating, and inspiring others to follow their own unique paths.'
Khaleej Times
15 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
'Possibility' of BTS concert in UAE: Fans hope to see boy band after military return
Across the globe, Korean culture is booming — from K-pop and K-dramas to K-food and skincare. In the UAE, too, the Hallyu wave is gaining momentum, with an increasingly passionate community embracing all things Korean. At the forefront of this global phenomenon is BTS — the group many credit with 'paving the way' for K-pop's mainstream success. With record-breaking albums, sold-out tours, and a fiercely devoted fanbase known as ARMY, BTS has become one of the most influential boy bands in the world. They even performed in the UAE back in 2016, marking one of their early global stops. Whether you love them or don't quite get the hype, BTS is impossible to ignore. In the UAE, the BTS ARMY is a vibrant and growing community. Fans regularly come together to celebrate the band, organise events, and share their love for the music and message BTS stands for. Inside UAE ARMY community One of the largest local fan clubs, Bangtan UAE, is run by Yan Hinolan, a long-time BTS fan originally from the Philippines. She started the group in 2015, and before the pandemic, had "at least a thousand" UAE-based fans registered in her database. Today, their Facebook page has over 58,000 followers, and their Instagram over 10,000. In May, the group organised a block screening of j-hope's solo concert, livestreamed by Vox Cinemas. Before the screening began, Yan hosted games, handed out freebies, and brought the crowd together with warmth and humour. The atmosphere was electric with camaraderie — fans hugged, laughed, and exchanged small gifts they'd prepared for fellow ARMY. One of the attendees was Amar Dass, an Indian expat and one of the few men in the theatre. He first discovered BTS after Jungkook's performance at the Fifa World Cup in Qatar and says he "found family in BTS ARMY." Another fan, Athina Doutis, a Greek expat who's lived in the UAE most of her life, echoed that sentiment. 'ARMY really feels like family, even though I've known them for a very short time,' she said. Even though the band is 'selling out enormous arenas even as solo artists,' she still holds out hope that BTS will return to perform in the UAE. Concert in UAE? She isn't the only fan with such optimism, 15-year-old Mehreen Arfaz "hopes that their comeback means that they would have a concert in the UAE". The teen says she'll have all their songs memorised if the band does make it here. Doutis says she would book her ticket with "zero hesitation" if a concert was announced here. "I don't care about the cost, date, or location, there would be no barriers or obstacles." Another fan who is a brand marketing executive in Dubai, Amrithashree Kumrouth, said, a concert in the UAE would "mean everything" to her. "My prayers would be answered," she said. Shaziya Ashraf, an influencer who goes by the alias 'thatanimemom' on social media, said she wouldn't be surprised if "tickets sell out in seconds" if BTS announce a tour stop in the UAE. But is it even possible? Speaking to Khaleej Times in a personal capacity, Yu Ri Park, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai, said that there is a "possibility that BTS will perform in the UAE in the future". She elaborated that the "UAE is rapidly emerging as a regional hub for Hallyu" and continued to say that the nation "is well positioned to host such a popular and attractive event as it has a world-class logistics and transportation infrastructure". Military return With the final five members returning from military service this month, fans across the globe are counting down the days, making plans, and preparing emotionally — and financially — for what's to come. This year's BTS Festa, held annually in June to mark the band's debut anniversary, feels particularly meaningful as it coincides with their reunion. 'I would probably be crying happy tears,' said Ashraf, who was introduced to the band through a K-drama featuring BTS member V. 'Funnily enough, I found them when I was going through a very hard time in my life, and in a way, they saved me with their songs. I think that's one thing that will also make me an ARMY for life. I owe them so much.' She added: 'I also feel like, being away for almost two years in the military, each of them would've evolved — and I'd want them to showcase that individually, for sure.' With the last of BTS's military enlistments wrapping up, fans in the UAE — like ARMY everywhere — are holding their breath. Whether it's through new music, global tours, or even a long-awaited concert in the UAE, one thing is certain: BTS's next chapter is about to begin, and ARMY will be there for every beat of it.
Khaleej Times
17 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
From Ka'ek to sheer khorma: How UAE expats keep homeland's Eid traditions alive
As Eid Al Adha draws to a close, Muslims all over the world celebrated the occasion with lavish feasts, dressing up in cultural clothes, and using the holidays to reconnect with family. For UAE expats, the celebrations are a special mix of traditions back home combining with Eid rituals in the Emirates. Sabiha A, a Dubai-based Indian expat, said in UAE, "everyone is united in the feeling of trying to find home." "Strangers become friends, and friends become family; we pray, cook food for each other, eat, and travel, and most of all we celebrate Eid together." After fajr, everyone "rushes to take showers, iron clothes, and match jewellery with traditional outfits," she said, describing it as a situation with "chaotic fun." Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The lunch is the highlight of the day with "mutton biryani, chicken fry, complemented by sweets from gulab jamun to sheer korma," she added. A.M.P, (name withheld on request), converted to Islam in 2010, a year after moving to UAE. The Filipina expat said she observes a fast on the Day of Arafah. Back in her hometown, the Muslim community comes together to contribute towards buying a cow for the Qurbani. In UAE, A.M.P and her husband spent this Eid hosting dinner for relatives and friends. For Maria Raza, a Sharjah-based Pakistani expat from Karachi, no matter the place, Eid is "always about lots of good food, spending time with loved ones, and giving back to the community." However, while Eid in Pakistan is "much livelier—almost chaotic in the best way", the celebrations in UAE is "much calmer; it feels more like a peaceful break from your day-to-day which also nice in its own way," she added. Maria's family keeps the Pakistani customs alive even in UAE; the "night before Eid is all about preparation," she added. Relatives gather as they prepare for Eid breakfast (nashta), apply henna (mehndi) and make meetha (sweet dishes) like suji ka halwa, siwaiyan, or sheer khorma, she said. After the day starts with the Eid prayer, the Dubai-based resident dresses up in new clothes, applies attar (an essential oil), and greets family with Eid wishes. "After that, the day slows down a bit—sometimes we take a nap before breakfast. Then we get ready again in the afternoon to either visit relatives and friends or host them at home" Maria added. Some expats recalled the traditions they have seen in their homeland, unique to a particular area. Suwarti B, a 43-year-old Indonesian expat remembered a ritual, called Manten Sapi, which she saw in her mother's hometown, a 5-hour drive from Semarang. The community "pays respect towards the animals that will be sacrificed. The cow is dressed as a bride and it's wrapped in a seven-fold garland. Then it's wrapped in a shroud, turban, and prayer mat," she said. "Once all the cows are dressed, they are brought to the local mosque and handed over to the sacrificial committee. Then the meat is handled and consumed together," Suwarti added. For Jana A, a Palestinian expat in Dubai, Eid this year was bleak, as the family found it impossible to go about celebrations after seeing images of death and destruction in their homeland. "In our traditions, the house of a deceased person only serves black coffee without Ka'ek (shortbread biscuit filled with date paste) or sweets. The family also doesn't leave their house, visit others or display any festivities. While, thankfully, we did not lose any of our direct family members in the war, we are mourning the loss of our beloved people," she said. However, the Dubai resident fondly remembered how the family, prior to the war, used to follow Palestinian traditions even in UAE, with the festivities starting the night before. "The women in my family and some family friends gathered and prepared the Ka'ek. My mom would always be in charge of kneading the dough, I with preparing the date paste, my sister with managing the oven, and everyone else doing everything in between." After the meal prep was over, the family would rest before waking up for Eid prayer, led by her father at home, Jana said. The next day, the men in the family would "buy the Udhiya (probably a goat or a sheep), slaughter it and distribute the meat to the needy." However, some remains of the Udhiya can not be distributed, called 'Al-Mo'laq' (the internal organs of the livestock). "My mom would fry it with some vegetables and chili and that would be our breakfast. We then spend the day visiting people or receiving people at our home," she added. While these celebrations aren't too different from ones in Palestine, the "village tends to be more lively during Eid, with children playing outside and people walking over to each other's houses," she added. Yasmin H, an Egyptian expat in Dubai, said she resorts to cooking Eid meals from Egypt to "get a sense of home." "In Egypt, people play Um Kalthoum's famous song "Night of Eid" and women prepare for a long holiday of cooking, where they show off their skills." To recreate memories of Eid in Egypt, Yasmin said she prepares Fattah, a famous dish made with rice, tomato paste, and meat.
