Latest news with #HassanTamimi
Arab News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Labubu mania sweeps the UAE, CEO of The Little Things says
DUBAI: Once just a niche collectible from Asia, Labubus have now become the must-have accessory among youth, influencers and collectors of all ages. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Seen clutched in the hands of BLACKPINK's Lisa and Rosé, flaunted by Rihanna, and even making cameos in Kim Kardashian's social media posts, Labubu has found its way into the UAE's trend-savvy culture. According to Hassan Tamimi, CEO of The Little Things, the UAE's official POP MART retailer, the demand for Labubu has reached unprecedented levels. 'Labubu has become more than a collectible here,' Tamimi told Arab News Japan. 'It's a lifestyle statement. We're seeing people pair them with luxury handbags, sports cars, even use them in wedding shoots.' But in a region known for its love of luxury and limited-edition goods, the blind box collectible has struck a chord, especially among Gen Z and millennial buyers seeking aesthetic, niche fandom items with resale value. However, the spike in popularity has brought an unfortunate side effect: a flood of fake Labubu figures infiltrating the UAE market. Counterfeit toys, often dubbed 'Lafufu' by collectors, have been circulating online via scam websites and unverified sellers. 'We've had several customers walk into our stores with fake Labubus thinking they were real,' Tamimi said. 'It's heartbreaking, especially for those who paid high prices for something inauthentic.' Tamimi warned buyers to look out for telltale signs: typos on packaging, incorrect paint colors, poor stitching on plushies, or even the wrong number of teeth, authentic Labubu figures always have exactly nine. To meet the overwhelming demand while keeping things fair, The Little Things has implemented a strict one-piece-per-customer policy. The company has also increased restocking efforts and trained in-store staff to help collectors verify authenticity. Tamimi also pointed out that Labubu's appeal lies in the thrill of the hunt. 'The blind box format taps into that collector instinct, there's excitement, suspense, and FOMO. You never know which figure you'll get, especially with rarer editions, and that makes each purchase feel like an event,' he told Arab News Japan. While Labubu has long been a cult favorite in Japan, Tamimi noted that the UAE is quickly becoming a hotspot in its own right. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi especially, Labubu fans are forming communities, trading figures and sharing unboxings and display setups online. 'What's happening here mirrors what we've seen in Tokyo,' he added. 'The only difference is access, Japan often gets first dibs on regional exclusives. But that scarcity is part of what makes collecting in the UAE so exciting.' As for those looking to join the Labubu craze, Tamimi has one piece of advice: stick to official sellers. 'If it's too cheap or too easy to find online, it's probably fake. Trust verified stores. The magic of Labubu is in the real thing.' - This article was first published on Arab News Japan.
Mid East Info
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
The Little Things joins JPEX Entertainment's first exhibition in Dubai - Middle East Business News and Information
JPEX Entertainment Exhibition is the Ultimate Japanese Experience celebrating Japanese Pop Culture and Pop Culture Dubai, UAE – April 27, 2025 –The Little Things, the Middle East's leading destination for anime and pop culture collectibles, is excited to announce their participation at the first ever JPEX Entertainment Exhibition, taking place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre from April 25–27, 2025. Bringing the magic of Japan to the heart of Dubai,The Little Things will captivate fans with two immersive booths—including a dedicated Ichiban Kuji experience, the iconic Japanese lottery game where each ticket is a guaranteed win. Attendees will also enjoy a curated selection of exclusive merchandise and limited-edition collectibles. The Little Things participation is specially to celebrate the creativity, vibrancy, and spirit of Japanese pop culture. From colorful displays and energetic music to surprise giveaways, the experience invites fans into a playful and festive world that blends tradition with modern fandom. Visitors can get their hands on exclusive items such as: Funko Pop! figures including The Little Things Exclusive Funko Pops: Smoker and Luffy Gear Five, Iron Studios Event Exclusive Iron Spider-Man, Figurama Collectors Plawres Sanshiro Juohmaru, POP MART, Bandai Namco Products, Good Smile Company products, Blox Fruits merchandise, Killerbody Collectible Wearable Helmets. Commenting on the event, Hassan Tamimi, CEO of The Little Things, said: 'Our goal at JPEX is to go beyond selling collectibles, we're here to build real connections with the anime and pop culture community. This event gives us a powerful platform to strengthen our brand, engage with fans, and grow our digital presence in a way that's authentic, fun, and aligned with the Japanese culture we love.' In line with the brand ethos, The Little Things offers a creative booth experience that includes themed display, music, and activities designed to drive both excitement and community engagement. Whether you're shopping for rare finds or snapping selfies with cosplayers, the booth promises to be a central hub of the JPEX experience. About The Little Things: The Little Things stands as a vibrant cornerstone of pop-culture retail in the UAE and the Middle East. The store offers a unique selection of pop-culture merchandise that celebrates nostalgia and imagination. Staying true to its mantra, 'Unlock Worlds You've Never Seen,' The Little Things brings childhood fantasies to life, rekindling cherished memories for fans and collectors alike. With a reputation for exclusivity and variety, The Little Things ensures every customer finds something special to ignite their passion. Its deep connection with the community extends beyond products, hosting events, fostering creativity, and collaborating with local talents. Whether you're searching for rare finds or seeking to connect with fellow enthusiasts, The Little Things transforms shopping into an immersive journey of wonder and discovery. Website: Instagram: thelittlethingsme/ Facebook: thelittlethingsmee Tiktok: @thelittlethingsme
Mid East Info
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
Bandai Namco Returns to MEFCC 2025 with a Bigger, Bolder Celebration of Japanese Pop Culture
The Japanese brand's participation was made possible by Jazeel Distribution, the Middle East's leading toy and collectible distributor Abu Dhabi, UAE – April 22, 2025 – Bandai Namco, the renowned Japanese entertainment company known for its iconic video games and anime merchandise, is set to make a triumphant return to the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC). The event will take place from April 18 to 20, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Following its successful debut at MEFCC 2024, Bandai Namco's participation this year is once again facilitated by Jazeel Distribution, one of Middle East's leading toy and collectible distributors . Fans can look forward to an expanded showcase featuring the latest collectibles, Japan's beloved sure-win Ichiban Kuji, and a wide selection of fan-favorite merchandise from iconic licenses like One Piece, Naruto, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more. Commenting on the occasion, Hassan Tamimi, CEO of The Little Things, a sister company of Jazeel Distribution, shared his excitement about welcoming Bandai Namco once again to the UAE. 'It's a true pleasure to bring Bandai Namco, a global leader in entertainment and collectibles back to the UAE for MEFCC 2025. The brand has long been a favorite among pop culture enthusiasts, and we are proud to continue bridging that connection with fans in the region. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding our presence across MENA and further strengthening our position in the toys and collectibles segment.' Tickets for MEFCC 2025 are currently on sale, and fans are encouraged to secure their spots early to experience the dynamic offerings Bandai Namco and other exhibitors have in store. The Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC), the first and largest popular culture festival in the region is returning for its 13th edition from 18 – 20 April 2025. Promising an even bigger spectacle than its highly successful 2024 edition at ADNEC which attracted over 38,000+ fans over 3 Days. Targeting thousands of visitors from across the Middle East and beyond in 2024, MEFCC is now one of the most talked about events in the region and is a showcase of both regional and international entertainment and pop culture including some of the world's biggest fandoms, franchises and brands in Film, TV, Sci-Fi, Anime, Manga, Comics, Collectibles and more. About The Little Things: The Little Things stands as a vibrant cornerstone of pop-culture retail in the UAE and the Middle East. The store offers a unique selection of pop-culture merchandise that celebrates nostalgia and imagination. Staying true to its mantra, 'Unlock Worlds You've Never Seen,' The Little Things brings childhood fantasies to life, rekindling cherished memories for fans and collectors alike. With a reputation for exclusivity and variety, The Little Things ensures every customer finds something special to ignite their passion. Its deep connection with the community extends beyond products, hosting events, fostering creativity, and collaborating with local talents. Whether you're searching for rare finds or seeking to connect with fellow enthusiasts, The Little Things transforms shopping into an immersive journey of wonder and discovery. Website: Instagram: thelittlethingsme/ Facebook: thelittlethingsmee Tiktok: @thelittlethingsme About Bandai Namco: Bandai Namco is a prominent global entertainment company known for its diverse range of products and franchises. Specializing in video games, toys, and multimedia content, Bandai Namco has established itself as a leading player in the entertainment industry. About Jazeel Distribution: JAZEEL DISTRIBUTION is building its reputation as a leading distributor of toys, collectibles, novelty, apparel, and hobby products. In recent years, JAZEEL has grown to include a range of licensed high-quality collectible lines from Japan, the United States, Hong Kong, and the EU. It has established itself as a reputable distribution partner proven by its long steady partnership with established brands.
Mid East Info
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
This Valentine The Little Things Celebrates Heartbreak with #SadBloodyValentines Campaign - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, UAE, 13th February 2025: The Little Things, the UAE's leading collectible shop, is redefining Valentine's Day with its bold and unconventional #SadBloodyValentines campaign, celebrating independence, resilience, and the joy of being unapologetically single and heartbroken. Targeted at proud singles who embrace anti-Valentine's vibes, the campaign features a series of engaging activities, including its launch announcement on social media, animated banners on the brand's website, and in-store activations across all The Little Things stores in Dubai. Adding to the excitement, The Little Things will host a unique event on February 14, 2025, at the Rove City Center Deira for the pop-culture and anime community. Aptly named 'February the 14th : Bloody Valentine' the event offers a spooky and thrilling anti-romance experience for singles tired of traditional lovey-dovey celebrations. Ditching clichés like roses, chocolates, and candlelit dinners, The Little Things embraces the raw and often overlooked side of love—heartbreak. The #SadBloodyValentines event invites guests to revel in dark humor, indulge in retail therapy, and celebrate the beauty of independence. Speaking of this occasion, Mr. Hassan Tamimi, CEO of The Little Things, said 'At The Little Things, we thrive on challenging the status quo and creating experiences that defy expectations, just like the best moments in pop culture industry. Valentine's Day is often filled with clichés, but we choose to celebrate authenticity, resilience, and individuality at The Little Things. With our iconic #SadBloodyValentines campaign and exclusive event, it gives us immense pleasure to help our patrons and community lovers to embrace their own stories, whether they're heartbroken, fiercely independent, or simply uninterested in traditional love narratives.' Valentine's Day is traditionally focused on couples, but #SadBloodyValentines by The Little Things is all about rewriting the narrative. Whether fresh out of a breakup, happily single, or simply tired of conventional love stories, the campaign reflects The Little Things' commitment to embracing the unexpected. This Valentine's Day, the brand invites everyone to break free from clichés and celebrate their unique journey—reimagining love by embracing authenticity, resilience, and individuality. With something for everyone to celebrate, The Little Things is here to make it iconic. About The Little Things: The Little Things stands as a vibrant cornerstone of pop-culture retail in the UAE and the Middle East. The store offers a unique selection of pop-culture merchandise that celebrates nostalgia and imagination. Staying true to its mantra, 'Unlock Worlds You've Never Seen,' The Little Things brings childhood fantasies to life, rekindling cherished memories for fans and collectors alike. With a reputation for exclusivity and variety, The Little Things ensures every customer finds something special to ignite their passion. Its deep connection with the community extends beyond products, hosting events, fostering creativity, and collaborating with local talents. Whether you're searching for rare finds or seeking to connect with fellow enthusiasts, The Little Things transforms shopping into an immersive journey of wonder and discovery. Website:
Mid East Info
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
The Little Things Debuts at Comfest 2025, Expanding into Bahrain Market - Middle East Business News and Information
The Little Things to participate in Bahrain's Leading Pop Culture Event, Comfest; empowering and expanding the anime community in the UAE Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Little Things, the UAE's leading collectible shop, is thrilled to announce its participation in Comfest Bahrain, leading and vibrant pop culture event that celebrates anime, comics, gaming, and entertainment. This marks The Little Things' first event in Bahrain, promising an immersive experience for pop culture enthusiasts from January 31 to February 1, 2025, at the Bahrain International Circuit. The Little Things booth is themed around 'Unlock worlds you've never seen!' recreating a vibrant, Japanese-inspired atmosphere to bring the worlds of anime and pop culture to life. Bahrain's premier pop culture event, Comfest 2025, promises an unforgettable experience with a star-studded lineup of iconic celebrities for exclusive fan engagements. The event will unite fans from across the region, featuring celebrity panels, cosplay competitions, an artist alley, vendor booths, esports tournaments, and more. For The Little Things, Comfest serves as an exceptional platform to engage with Bahrain's vibrant pop culture community, anime fans, gamers, and collectors of all ages who share a passion for discovering exclusive merchandise and celebrating fandom culture. Commenting on the successful commencement of the event, Hassan Tamimi, CEO of The Little Things, said 'Comfest 2025 marks an exciting milestone for us as we bring The Little Things' unique offerings to Bahrain's passionate pop-culture community. Our goal is to create a one-of-a-kind experience where fans can immerse themselves in the worlds they love, discover rare collectibles, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. We are thrilled to foster meaningful connections with a new audience, introduce our brand to the region, and share the joy of pop culture with Bahrain's vibrant community.' The Little Things' booth will be designed around the theme 'Unlock worlds you've never seen!' recreating a vibrant, Japanese-inspired atmosphere. Attendees can expect a curated selection of premium toys, figures, collectibles, and exclusive merchandise, showcasing the best of anime and pop culture. 'At Comfest, we are proud to showcase our exclusive collection that includes the Plawres Sanshiro limited edition bust, the Joker life-size limited-edition statue, and the Superman life-size bust. These extraordinary pieces reflect our commitment to bringing rare and iconic collectibles to fans and ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.' Mr. Tamimi further added. The Little Things seeks to connect the brand with Bahrain's fan community, build lasting relationships with pop culture enthusiasts through an engaging and interactive experience, and evoke joy and nostalgia through unique merchandise and events. The Little Things booth welcome every attendees and encourage to visit the booth to 'unlock worlds' and explore the exciting world of pop culture collectibles. About The Little Things: The Little Things stands as a vibrant cornerstone of pop-culture retail in the UAE and the Middle East. The store offers a unique selection of pop-culture merchandise that celebrates nostalgia and imagination. Staying true to its mantra, 'Unlock Worlds You've Never Seen,' The Little Things brings childhood fantasies to life, rekindling cherished memories for fans and collectors alike. With a reputation for exclusivity and variety, The Little Things ensures every customer finds something special to ignite their passion. Its deep connection with the community extends beyond products, hosting events, fostering creativity, and collaborating with local talents. Whether you're searching for rare finds or seeking to connect with fellow enthusiasts, The Little Things transforms shopping into an immersive journey of wonder and discovery.
