Dubai’s Ultimate Skate Shops

5 Feb 2024

Picture this: you are in Dubai, eager to snag a skateboard and hit the Kite Beach skate park to flaunt your skills. Where do you go? We have got the lowdown on the spots that will sort you out.

Habibi Skate Shop

Born from a love for skating, Habibi Skate Shop kicked off in 2020 with Maysam Faraj and his partner Greta. Faraj's motivation? He reckons skateboarding rocks and wants to share that vibe.

Online in Dubai, Habibi Skate Shop slings its own skate decks. Plus, they pack a punch with big-name brands like MOB Griptape, Magenta, Grizzly Griptape, Fast Wheels, Cortina bearings, ACE trucks, OJ Wheels, Ricta Wheels, and loads more.

Here, it is a deck paradise. Bolts, nuts, bushings, wheels, grip tapes, rails, tools, wax — you name it. Keep safe with helmets and gear for knees, elbows, and wrists. And hey, they have got threads like tees, shorts, caps, backpacks, socks, pins, and keychains. Eyeing kicks? Peep the adidas Tyshawn Low Shoes.

Don't miss the “Habibis” tab online. It is a gallery of gleeful skaters from around the globe.

Instagram: @habibiskateshop

Selectshop Frame

Dubbed one of Dubai's raddest skate joints, this place has held its rep for years. Started in 2017 by Peter Ahn at Dubai Design District (D3), it is more than a store — it is a cultural hub. From kicks, clothes, art, and skateboards to a café serving top-notch joe and YUI, a banging Japanese noodle joint.

They handpick everything here, from sneakers, gear, to a stellar skate selection. Think Ski-Fi Fantasy, Polar, Frog, Pop Trading Company, Needles, Quasy, Limousine, Hockey, and more. All the skate essentials are here: Wayward Wheels for wheels, Independent for trucks, and a smorgasbord of grip tapes with wild designs.

Location: Dubai Design District, Building 7

Instagram: @selectshopframe

Rage

Revolutionising skateboarding in the MENA region since 2001, Rage was the brainchild of brothers Shahriar and Shahin Khodjasteh. Step inside and feast your eyes on walls decked with skateboards: Speed Demons, Tricks, Enjoi, Darkstar, Alien, Almost, Jart, Sk8mafia, Flip, Cruzade, Player, Sovrn, and more. They have got roller skates, YOW surf skates, cruisers from Santa Cruz, Kink or Mongoose BMX bikes, apparel, footwear, and accessories galore. And for your skate essentials: decks, trucks, wheels, Bearings by Bones Skate Rated, grip tapes, helmets, and more protection. Kids aged 3-12 can enrol in the Rage Skate Academy for personal skating lessons. Classes run for an hour and cost AED.

Location: Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Instagram: @rageshops

Good Times

An online streetwear and skate shop in Dubai founded by Dmytro Yevdokymov in 2021. Their ethos? Embrace the good vibes and soak up life, and it is plastered all over their website.

They stock big labels like Ripndip, Minga London, Taka Original, Human Society, and Toy Machine. You will find trucks, wheels, risers, bolts, grip tapes, decks, and complete skateboards here.

Instagram: @good.times.store

Evolve Skateboards

Breaking away from the norm, Evolve Skateboards stands out with its electric skateboards. It all began in Australia in 2008 when Jeff Anning stumbled upon electric skateboards while checking out the surf. Unable to find one up to snuff, he crafted the ultimate electric skateboard. And that is how Evolve became a purveyor of premium electric skateboards focusing on power, performance, quality, and adaptability.

They stock Hadean, GTR Bamboo, GTR Carbon, Stoke, Stoke 2, ONIRIQUE, other electric skateboard brands, and all the necessary gear and spares. Plus, their website features a tool to compare different boards, making your choice easier.

Location: Souk Al Manzil, Downtown Dubai

Instagram: @evolveskateboardsuae

The Basement

It was impossible not to mention this gem that opened in Sharjah in December 2023, even though it is not located in Dubai.

There is a coffee spot with killer brews and a concept store offering streetwear, sneakers, and skateboards. The interior is a stunner, with metallic grey and vibrant blue hues. While you pick out your fit or board, spot a few vintage cameras and snap a pic.

Location: Concept Store in Aljada, nest 12

Instagram: @thebasementae

by Alexandra Mansilla