Palestinian-led homegrown UAE label reflects designer Reema Al-Banna’s heritage as a third culture child growing up in the emirate of Sharjah. Founded in 2010, Al-Banna’s brand is known for its joyful, colourful prints and patterns and innovative cuts with impeccable detailing that highlights her Palestinian heritage, including often the incorporation of traditional Palestinian patterns and textiles. In October 2023, the brand debuted in Paris during Fashion Week.

This new homegrown Bahraini fashion label presents entirely handmade attire by artisans in Bahrain and India and works to uphold Arabian craftsmanship. Available at The Urbanist in Dubai, the brand was launched by longtime Bahraini resident Kanika Subberwal during a time when textiles have been popular not just in fashion but also in the world of contemporary art. The brand’s name stems from the Arabic world, referencing the art of creation, togetherness and new beginnings. Its latest collection, launched this summer, is titled “Patched” and features two ranges of patterns and solids, offering a curated collection of colours and fabrics through the handmade designs of Indian and Bahraini artisans. In Bahrain, fabrics from around the world are handwoven in Banijamra Village. Subberwal’s mission is to create a brand that works “across borders” to uphold craftsmanship and heritage through contemporary fashion designs.

This delightful Dubai-based ceramics brand was founded by Nicole Farrelly and presents a selection of bowls, mugs, vases, candleholders and much more. All products are entirely and meticulously handcrafted in Dubai and are inspired by the anamorphous shapes found in shape with the aim to celebrate the natural world and all of its beauty and also imperfections. Available online and also at Oka Ceramics in Al Quoz.

For those with a love of flowers, this unique floral store is the place to go for inspiration and to bring alive any space. Founded by Dubai-based resident Natalia Shustova in 2020 in collaboration with floral designer Gurgen Yeritsyan, who goes by the name of Gosha, the company offers one-of-a-kind floral arrangements that often incorporate floral traditions from cultures around the world, such as the Japanese art of Ikebana. The brand has now become popular with Dubai residents as well as numerous luxury brands in Dubai such as Cartier and Gucci.

This contemporary women’s wear label was founded by French-Algerian designer Faiza Bouguessa in Dubai. It highlights minimalist, elegant designs with a focus on eco-friendliness. The brand has shown at Milan Fashion, among other international events, and includes modest garments in line with local fashion styles such as abayas as well as alluring cuts to be worn for a variety of occasions.

This collective is the brainchild of Emirati fashion designer Huda Al Nuami and features luxury prints and product designs. For those wishing to find inspiring material, this is the place to shop. With several enrapturing fabrics to choose from, clients can buy fabrics and then personalize them to their liking, whether for interior design or fashion garments. The collective also creates wonderful accessories — all made in the UAE.