22 Emirati Brands To Shop in The UAE
Bazaar Arabia shares a selection of our favourite local brands that need to be on your radar
August 28 marks the annual Emirati Women’s Day, a special occasion that was established to celebrate the women from the Emirates, their accomplishments and the incredible role they’ve played in the development of the nation.
Ahead of this important day, Bazaar Arabia shares 16 Emirati brands that have not only gone global, but also represent the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of many Emirati women. From jewellery to couture and decor, the range of what these Emirati designers have shared with the world is a source of pride and joy for the UAE.
Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery
Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum, a certified gemologist, launched the jewellery label in 2020, and has since then been creating delicate and beautiful pieces inspired by family heritage and heirlooms.
Madiyah Al Sharqi
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi’s daughter, Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi, is the founder of this eponymous label and has made a mark with her daring, playful and modern designs that are everyday luxury at its finest. Her craft, seen on the likes of Huda Kattan, is admired worldwide.
Pearla
Using the finest fabrics to design conceptual ready-to-wear garments for everyday life, founders Hessa and Fatma Ali Aljoker created a fashion brand that represents abstract and contemporary fashion. The Dubai-based brand strives to differentiate itself from others, creating pieces that are unique and uncommon in the fashion industry.
Azzalia
Blending modern elegance and classic luxury, Azzalia emphasises the importance of utilising the best quality fabrics, latest embroidery techniques, and skill of tailoring to create beautiful couture abayas, gowns, and evening and ready-to-wear pieces. Founded by Sheikha Amal Al Maktoum, the word “Azzalia” is inspired by the name of her two daughters, Azza and Alia.
By Dana Al Ansari
Showcasing a minimalist approach to fashion and taking inspiration from natural elements, the new Emirati brand, By Dana Al Ansari speaks to modern women. The fashion brand was launched in 2019 with an emphasis on simple designs and colours to create essential and modern pieces.
Reemami
We love Reemami not only for its bright-coloured and playful prints but also for the brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical designing, striving to minimise harm to the planet in all that they do. The contemporary UAE-based brand was launched by Reema Al Banna in 2009.
L’Afshar
Made in Dubai, L’Afshar effortlessly combines the worlds of art, architecture, and accessories to create contemporary handcrafted bags. From its bold leather box bags to its sleek statement pieces, the brand aims to cater to today’s woman.
Serrb
This Emirati brand is loved for its contemporary, yet modest take on abayas. Serrb embraces simplicity in its designs while also selecting exquisite fabrics that showcase the sophistication of its pieces.
Noora Shawqi
Inspired by her love for travel, UAE native Noora Shawqi’s fine jewellery collections bring together cultural references with incredible quality to create unique statement pieces. Noora’s designs are made of the finest gold, diamonds, and vibrant stones.
Odeem
Luxury accessory label Odeem specialises in timeless leather goods that are both elegant and modern. Founded in 2018 by Emirate designer Fatma AlOtaiba, Odeem pieces are designed with an emphasis on quality to provide women with the highest sense of luxury.
Eccentre
This homegrown vanityware brand by an Emirati designer, who chooses to remain anonymous, is the first of it’s kind in the region and features products with quirky designs (including the signature ripple) and in soft, pastel shades like powder pink, lavender and dusty green. The trays, made in all shapes and sizes, look cute and make your vanity mess disappear, just like that.
Maureen
Emirati mother-and-daughter duo Mahin Al M. and Fatma Taher, founders of the UAE-based label Maureen, share a passion for fashion, which they continue to channel through timeless, contemporary collections with varied touches of the modern and the classic. Taking notes from their heritage, their pieces predominantly include abayas, in addition to dresses, blouses, coats and much more.
Ahlam Shahin
The silhouettes of the collections by this namesake Dubai-based atelier launched by Emirati designer Ahlam Shahin paint a long, flowy and breezy picture with unique, contemporary touches. Rooted in traditional local fashion, the pieces are always elegant, sometimes modern and definitely must-haves for every wardrobe.
Twisted Roots
Founded by Emirati designer Latifa Al Gurg, this fashion label is an earthy ode to Latifa’s love for travel and the modest fashion gap she saw in Western markets. The label is completely homegrown, right from design to manufacture, and features classic, timeless designs with Latifa’s personal touch of elegance.
Illi
Emirati designer Rawdha Thani launched her Dubai-based abaya brand, Illi, as a way to empower women with fashion that helps them express their true selves. The label is a love letter to the abaya, featuring designs inspired by not just local abaya culture but also traditional Moroccan pieces. Newer collections also include a range of totebags in three different shades.
Sara Tamimi
Based out of Abu Dhabi, this luxury-wear brand founded by Sara Al Tamimi stands as one of the most loved local labels in the country. Sara’s designs take inspiration from the grandeur of the past and attempt to gracefully combine timeless elegance and bold exploration. Her latest collection focuses on sustainability and takes notes from the retro aesthetics of the 80’s.
Gabi
Founded by sisters Waad and Sheyma Al Hammadi, Gabi Dubai seamlessly blends Emirati traditions with contemporary flair. Drawing inspiration from architect Van Der Rohe’s “less is more” principle, Gabi champions minimalism and modesty, offering timeless elegance and distinctiveness in the fashion industry. It reinterprets Emirati women’s heritage with modern, oversized, and elegant designs while preserving customs and traditions in today’s ever-changing world.
Al Mraikn
A family venture helmed by sisters Maryam and Muna Saeed, Al Mraikn embodies the essence of the empowered modern Arab woman. With a core focus on crafting ensembles that exude femininity and grace, Al Mraikn captures the spirit of contemporary elegance.
Shiffa Beauty
Dr. Lamees Hamdan, the visionary behind this venture, embarked on her journey nearly two decades ago during her first pregnancy. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, she revealed, “The pregnancy was my lightbulb moment,” in an interview with Arab News. Her inaugural creation, a curative balm tailored to support expectant mothers against stretch marks, now endorsed by Kim Kardashian West, remains her bestseller. This multipurpose gem is renowned for its efficacy in addressing an array of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Savolinna Jewelery
Founded by Hessa Alshafar in 2017, Savolinna encapsulates a fusion of creative vitality and a delightfully refined aesthetic. The brand’s creations are a manifestation of Hessa’s fascination with Dubai’s diverse cultural heritage. Her imaginative work takes us on an endless journey, driven by her passion for enameling, lavish gold, and, above all, the allure of emeralds.
Aisha Baker Jewelry
Debuted in 2017, Aisha Baker Jewelry emerges as a creative partnership uniting Aisha Baker and Hoonik Chang. Each item within their collection serves as a modern adaptation of timeless fairytales, tailored to resonate with the 21st-century woman. Noteworthy materials, unconventional designs, and top-tier craftsmanship converge to enable the creation of a limited series of artistic marvels per collection.
The O Jewelry
Crafted by Emirati designer and artist Shamsa Al Omaira, The O Jewelry transforms artistry into exquisite jewelry. With a focus on vibrant sapphires and diamonds, the brand embodies timeless elegance. The ‘O’ signifies unity, perfection, and eternity.
Lead image courtesy Instagram/@eccentre and @serrbofficial