Fashion And Lifestyle

Fashion Retail thrives in UAE While the World Rethinks It By Alhanouf Mohammed Alrowaili In the UAE, the future doesn’t just arrive; it’s curated, color-coded, and couture-clad. Amid shifting sands and skyscraper shadows, the retail sector, particularly fashion and luxury, is not only alive but elegantly evolving. Welcome to 2025, where luxury isn’t just a label; it’s the language of identity, and the UAE is its most fluent speaker. Retail’s Resilience: Numbers, Not Narratives According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the UAE’s total retail market reached AED 308 billion ($83.9 billion) in 2025, with fashion, beauty, and luxury accounting for nearly 34% of that spend. The sector is growing at 6.2% CAGR, fueled by tourism, Gen Z consumerism, and experiential retail. “Retail in the Emirates is not a categoryit’s a culture,” says Nisreen Shocair, President of Fashion at Chalhoub Group. “It reflects who we are, what we value, and how we want to be seen by the world.” Dubai: The Runway of the Region With over 19 million visitors expected in 2025, Dubai remains the global capital of experiential shopping. Retail contributes 12% of Dubai’s GDP, according to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. And it’s not just quantity; it’s also quality. From Level Shoes and THAT Concept Store to Fashion Avenue in Dubai Mall, the city curates a theatrical blend of global glamour and Gulf-specific storytelling. Hermès, Chanel, Cartier, and Valentino are not merely tenantsthey are narrators in the Emirates’ retail mythology. Luxury Reimagined: Modesty, Legacy & Data Luxury in the UAE has undergone a transformation from exclusivity to expression. The 2025 Chalhoub Luxury Insights Report reveals: 68% of Emirati luxury consumers now prioritize cultural relevance in collections. 73% of Gen Z shoppers expect digital integration with their luxury experiences (AR fitting, NFT certification, etc.) “Fashion here is less about Western aspiration, more about Arab authorship,” notes Dina Al Herais, Regional Director of Marketing at Dior Middle East. “We’re seeing a renaissance of modestwearnot as compromise, but as couture.” Valentino’s Ramadan Kaftan Salon sold out in two weeks. Gucci’s Middle East-exclusive ‘Noor’ line saw 4x engagement compared to global drops. Dior’s flagship in Dubai has added a “Maison Majlis,” a private showroom inspired by Emirati hospitality. Homegrown Power: From Trend to Testament While the global names headline, Emirati and Arab designers are driving emotional loyalty, brands like The Giving Movement, Bouguessa, and Anatomi are blending sustainability, spirituality, and sophistication in ways that resonate. The Giving Movement hit $25M+ in annual revenue this year and expanded to KSA and UK. Three Arab celebrities wore Bouguessa’s SS25 collection at the Cannes Red Carpet. Farfetch and Ounass both report double-digit growth in demand for regional labels. The Rise of ‘Phygital’ and Smart Luxury Step into Mall of the Emirates and you might meet your AI stylist. Browse Dior, and receive a digital NFT of the design history. Order from Bloomingdale’s and track the ethical sourcing in real-time. “Customers today want to shop a story, not just a product,” says Patrick Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group. “The smart luxury experience is now about transparency, personalisation, and heritagedelivered through tech.” The Group has rolled out AI-powered inventory tools, blockchain-based authenticity tracking, and AR-enhanced virtual concierge apps across flagship stores. Tourism & Retail: A Love Affair Continues Dubai’s strategy to align high-end tourism with luxury retail is paying dividends. According to Dubai Economy & Tourism: In 2025, 40% of luxury spending is expected to come from international visitors. Tourists from China, India, Russia, and Nigeria show the highest per capita luxury consumption. Events like Dubai Fashion Week, Arab Fashion Council’s Modest Summit, and Emirates Gold Card Retail Access programs are turning shopping into a pilgrimage. Urban Vision: Retail as Citymaking With the Dubai 2040 Master Plan well underway, the future of shopping won’t be confined to malls. Mixed-use zones, cultural retail districts, and pop-up lifestyle hubs are becoming increasingly central to how Emiratis interact with their surroundings. The upcoming Al Khawaneej Fashion Park is expected to be a first-of-its-kind luxury + wellness + community retail experience designed around Emirati values and aesthetics. A Retail Renaissance, Rooted in Identity As Western markets question the future of brick-and-mortar and fight return rates, the UAE is asking a different question:   “How can retail reflect who we are becoming?”   And that’s why it’s working. In 2025, fashion and luxury in the UAE are not simply about what you wear, but about what you mean, what you preserve, and what you project. In the Emirates, fashion is more than fabric’s the architecture of ambition.

Mona Tajarbi Redefining Influence Through Authenticity, Motherhood, and Meaningful Impact By Michelle Clark Mona Tajarbi began navigating her public journey behind the safety of anonymity, sharing her voice, her ideas, and a desire to connect. With time, she evolved into a visible creator, brand founder, and advocate for women balancing multiple roles. Today, she speaks candidly about the choices that shaped her creative path, the drive behind her beauty brand, and the deeper purpose fueling her influence. When she first launched her platform “Tajarbi” (meaning “experiences”), Mona shared insights through narration without showing her face. The anonymity gave her space to explore and grow while she figured out her direction. But as her audience grew, so did her desire to connect more authentically. “I realized I was building genuine connections yet holding back a big part of myself. I wanted to show up fully not just as a voice, but as a woman, a creator, and someone proud of her story.” Showing her face transformed the nature of her connection with followers, offering not just content but the real person behind it. Today, Mona successfully manages two identities: founder of Blink Beauty Cosmetics and full-time influencer. She is involved in every aspect of her brand, from product creation and packaging to storytelling, while continuing to inspire and engage her growing digital community. Rather than separating the two roles, she lets them enrich each other. Her insights as an influencer shape Blink’s product line, and her brand serves as a creative extension of who she is. In her words, it’s “a piece of my heart in product.” As a mother and entrepreneur, Mona understands the pressure modern women face to wear multiple hats. She believes the real challenge isn’t just time, but identity. Through her collaborations with Emirates Football Club and other initiatives, she has made it her mission to help women, especially mothers, remember that their voices matter. Whether in sports, business, or at home, she wants women to feel seen, heard, and celebrated. She creates spaces where women can show up as their full, authentic selves. Looking back at her digital journey, Mona recalls starting with only 99 followers, no grand plan, just passion and honesty. Her growth didn’t come from chasing numbers, but from consistent, purposeful sharing. The turning points included showing her face and story, posting with intention, prioritizing community over metrics, and embracing her full journey—including the challenges. She responded to every message and built real relationships with her audience. “That trust is something I’ll never take for granted,” she says. Among the many accolades she has received, one moment stands out: her first award as an entrepreneur. It wasn’t the flashiest recognition, but it carried deep meaning. It validated the hard work, the sleepless nights, and the risks she took while juggling motherhood and business. It reminded her that Blink Beauty was more than a product line. It was her vision, her resilience, and the start of a legacy built on heart and determination. Mona also emphasizes the responsibility that comes with influence. She believes that having a platform should be about more than trends and aesthetics. It should be used to promote meaningful conversations and positive change. Through her collaborations with government bodies and global organizations, she has witnessed how impactful influencer partnerships can be in creating awareness and driving real transformation. “Whether it’s advocating for women, supporting education, or amplifying local causes, I see it as my duty to use my platform with intention,” she says. Mona Tajarbi’s journey from anonymous storyteller to impactful entrepreneur and influencer is a testament to the power of authenticity, intention, and community. Her decision to reveal her true self, and her passion for building something with meaning, have led her to inspire thousands. Whether helping women find their voices or turning her ideas into products, Mona proves that influence is most powerful when it’s rooted in purpose.

Dr. Mahra Lutfi The Transformational Journey From Conflict to Cure By Michelle Clark From the hushed corridors of regenerative medicine labs to the global stage of diplomacy and beauty, Dr. Mahra is a woman who defies definitions. A healer by training, an ambassador by mission, and an icon by grace, she carries within her the resolve of a survivor and the vision of a builder.  “I was born into conflict,” she says. “But I chose to become a source of healing.” What follows is not the story of titles , but of transformation. Born in Iraq and raised amid the echoes of war, Dr. Mahra’s earliest memories are of instability and separation. Her family fled the shadows of political unrest, seeking refuge and hope across borders. “The pain of displacement leaves more than a physical scar,” she reflects. “It reshapes how you see yourself, how you connect with the world.” This early exposure to human fragility sparked a calling that transcended personal ambition. Medicine wasn’t just a profession , it was a pathway to restoration. She began her academic journey in the U.S., where she trained in regenerative medicine, an emerging field at the intersection of biology, innovation, and care.  “Stem cell therapy is not about chasing futuristic science,” she explains. “It’s about using what we already have within us , our cells, our capacity , to repair, regenerate, and restore.” Dr. Mahra is now the first board-certified Emirati physician in regenerative medicine and among a handful of Arab women leading the charge in this advanced specialty. Her current mission is the development of the UAE’s first comprehensive stem cell therapy hospital, a vision rooted not only in scientific excellence, but in access and equity. “This hospital isn’t just for the privileged,” she says. “It’s for the grandmother with osteoarthritis. For the burn survivor. For the child with a rare disorder. We want to remove the barrier of geography from hope.” But her path has never followed a singular line. In 2023, she made international headlines by winning Miss Planet International , a global pageant that places emphasis on humanitarian impact. As the first Emirati woman to hold such a title, the win carried both symbolism and substance. “I didn’t enter the pageant to be seen,” she notes. “I entered to give visibility to the causes I care about, climate action, refugee support, and women’s health.” The pageant stage became a platform, not a pedestal. Wearing the crown gave her entry into spaces where she could advocate for regenerative medicine funding, push for greater female representation in STEM, and speak to youth across underserved communities. “In some rooms, a lab coat opens doors. In others, a sash does. I learned to carry both with responsibility.” Social media became her third space. Dr. Mahra has cultivated a digital presence that merges vulnerability with vision. Her posts are less about perfection and more about purpose , glimpses into medical missions, policy talks, and her own quiet battles with mental health and identity. “People follow authenticity,” she says. “And they can tell when someone is hiding behind curated filters. I choose to show up with truth , whether I’m tired after surgery or excited about speaking at the UN.” Indeed, as a UN Ambassador for Stem Cell Research, Dr. Mahra has helped shape international guidelines around ethical research, patient consent, and inclusion in clinical trials. Her voice has become particularly vital in advocating for underserved populations , especially refugees and women , who are often excluded from innovation pipelines.  “We can’t afford to have a future in which only the wealthy benefit from scientific progress,” she argues. “Dignity must be the starting point of every breakthrough.” Beyond her professional reach, Dr. Mahra’s philanthropic work speaks volumes. She funds regenerative care for trauma survivors, partners with NGOs for cross-border medical outreach, and sponsors girls pursuing degrees in biotechnology and medicine.  “Impact isn’t what you post,” she says. “It’s the quiet ripple of someone walking again. Of a young woman entering a lab she never thought she belonged in.” Her efforts are anchored by a deep connection to the UAE , the nation she now calls home. “The UAE gave me more than shelter. It gave me a chance to lead, to serve, to belong,” she says. “Here, tradition and progress walk hand in hand. It’s where a woman can be both fierce and feminine, both ambitious and anchored.” That identity , as a modern Emirati woman who holds space for contradictions , is something she fiercely protects and proudly shares. “I’m Arab, I’m Muslim, I’m a scientist, I’m an advocate. I’m not meant to fit into a single frame , and I want other girls to know they don’t have to either.” Her legacy, she says, isn’t about applause. It’s about permission.  “I want girls to know they can be more than one thing. That they can build hospitals and speak on world stages. That they don’t have to choose between intellect and beauty, faith and freedom, care and courage.” As she continues her work , in labs, at podiums, across continents , Dr. Mahra’s message is one of synthesis. Her life is not a series of chapters, but a symphony where every note is intentional: the healer, the refugee, the queen, the builder. Each part made stronger because of the other. And when asked what still drives her, she pauses. Then offers:  “There’s still so much pain in the world. And where there’s pain, there’s room for healing. That’s where I’ll be.”

Exclusive Interview with Maya Nassar Maalouf Ms Fitness Universe 2025 | International Fitness Model | Virgin Radio Host | Founder of Start Living Right By Hafsa Qadeer Maya Nassar Maalouf, crowned Ms Fitness Universe 2025 in Las Vegas, is more than a global champion, she is a pioneer in Arab fitness, a successful entrepreneur, and a powerful voice on the airwaves. As a mother of four, international athlete, and media personality, her journey continues to inspire a generation of women across the Middle East and beyond. Having lived in the United States, Nigeria, England, and Lebanon, Maya’s outlook on fitness and discipline has been deeply shaped by her global experiences. Each culture brought a unique philosophy toward health and lifestyle, broadening her understanding of fitness beyond physical appearance. The variety of environments taught her how to adapt, remain motivated, and stay disciplined no matter the circumstances. Her fitness journey began in 2010 during a time of personal challenge, which sparked a desire for transformation. What started as a personal goal soon turned into a passionate pursuit of bodybuilding. Through this process, she discovered not just physical strength, but deep mental resilience. Competing was a natural next step, allowing her to push her limits and redefine her sense of self. A defining moment came when she became the first Lebanese athlete officially endorsed by the government to compete in an international bodybuilding event. That endorsement represented more than personal recognition, it marked a breakthrough for Lebanese women in sport. It was a proud, symbolic moment, signalling to women across the region that they, too, could claim space on global athletic stages. Winning first place at the 2014 Pure Elite UK Championships was a pivotal achievement that validated years of dedication and sacrifice. It established Maya’s credibility in the international fitness community and opened the door to further success. Most recently, she added another crowning glory to her career, being named Ms Fitness Universe 2025 in Las Vegas. That moment was especially meaningful, a culmination of years of commitment achieved while raising four children. Her platform, Start Living Right, was born out of a desire to empower others. The goal was to make fitness accessible and enjoyable, offering structured resources and expert guidance. Today, it stands as one of the region’s top-ranked fitness apps, with official endorsement from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The app’s success is a testament to its positive impact on the community and the growing appetite for credible wellness solutions in the Arab world. Transitioning from athlete to entrepreneur was not without its challenges. Navigating the business world required Maya to learn about operations, marketing, and finance, territories she hadn’t explored as a competitor. Running a business meant shifting her mindset and embracing continuous growth, all while staying connected to her roots in fitness. Balancing that with motherhood and media responsibilities has been demanding, but rewarding. Maintaining personal motivation and consistency amidst so many commitments comes down to prioritisation. Maya treats her workouts like any essential meeting and sets realistic, achievable goals. Finding joy in the process has helped her stay grounded and committed to her own wellbeing, even when time is scarce. Media has played a vital role in expanding Maya’s platform. Her features in publications such as Women’s Health, Oxygen Magazine, and Muscle & Fitness have helped reshape perceptions of Middle Eastern women in fitness. Through her visibility, she continues to challenge outdated stereotypes, showcasing the strength, capability, and ambition of Arab women. Her work in broadcasting, most notably as a radio host on Virgin Radio, gives her the opportunity to reach an even wider audience. Through on-air discussions and community engagement, she spreads awareness about health and wellness in a way that’s both relatable and inspiring. Media, in this context, becomes a catalyst for cultural change, encouraging people across the Arab world to adopt healthier lifestyles. As Maya continues to grow and evolve, her ambitions remain rooted in impact. She is exploring new business ventures and community-based wellness initiatives designed to reach more people, particularly women seeking empowerment through health. Personal development remains a constant focus, as she seeks to refine her leadership skills and continue inspiring others to pursue their own journeys toward balance, fitness, and self-belief. Maya Nassar Maalouf’s journey is not just a story of success, but of transformation, leadership, and purpose. She continues to inspire, not only through her achievements, but through her unwavering commitment to helping others start living right.

How the UAE Is Turning Wellness into a Way of Life By Hafsa Qadeer In the heart of the UAE, where skyscrapers mirror the stars and the pulse of commerce never rests, there is a quieter revolution underway. It doesn’t shout or shimmer. It hums, like the sound of breath in a yoga dome, the whisper of incense in a majlis, the slow pour of saffron tea. Welcome to the Mindful Majlis, a new way of living that fuses ancient hospitality with modern wellness. In a nation known for its pace, stillness is becoming a power of its own. Wellness Reimagined, Culturally Rooted Forget the imported notions of self-care found in glossy Western magazines. The UAE’s wellness movement draws from deeper wells, falaj systems that taught flow, majlis traditions that taught presence, and desert silence that taught listening. Wellness here is not escapism. It is homecoming. In Abu Dhabi’s mangrove retreats and Dubai’s desert sanctuaries, Emiratis and residents alike are redefining what it means to be well, not just physically, but spiritually and culturally. Mental health clinics are designed like majlises. Retreat centers serve dates alongside adaptogens. Camel milk is offered not as trend, but as tradition. Urban Serenity Even in the cities, mindfulness is no longer a niche. Offices now have prayer pods and aromatherapy lounges. Corporate wellness programs include Qur’an recitation breaks and guided visualizations through sand dunes. Digital detox cafes are on the rise, spaces where phones are surrendered at the door and conversations flow face-to-face, like they once did in moonlit tents. And from Jumeirah to Sharjah, parks and beaches now host community sound baths, full moon meditations, and morning qigong by the sea. The fast lane, it seems, is learning to pause. From Mosques to Mindfulness Spiritual wellness, long woven into the rhythm of daily life through prayer, is now converging with contemporary practices. In places like the House of Wisdom in Sharjah, reading nooks double as wellness corners. In Al Ain, Sufi poetry sessions are being revived as emotional healing circles. Here, mindfulness isn’t imported. It is remembered. Well-Tech and the Rise of Smart Wellness True to its tech-savvy DNA, the UAE is infusing its wellness renaissance with innovation. AI wellness coaches, smart abayas that monitor hydration, and virtual prayer mats are just the beginning. Startups are combining biometric data with traditional healing practices. Apps recommend personalized meditation routines based on heritage and lunar cycles. There’s even a metaverse mosque in development, offering guided inner journeys that transcend physical borders. But for all the tech, the heart of this movement remains profoundly human. Healing the Community, Not Just the Individual What makes the UAE’s wellness wave unique is its collective ethos. This is not just about yoga retreats for the few. It’s about mental health education in schools, trauma-informed therapy for refugees, and inclusive design that considers people of all abilities. Even traditional healers, herbalists, hijama practitioners, and dream interpreters are being integrated into modern healthcare systems, not as relics, but as respected allies in the care of the soul. A Cultural Blueprint for Global Wellness In a world seeking balance, the UAE offers a compelling model: one that honors its spiritual roots while embracing global well-being. Where wellness is not indulgence, but inheritance. It is in the way a guest is offered water before words. In the fragrance of oud that lingers like memory. In the pause between call to prayer and action. This is the Mindful Majlis, not a place, but a way of being. And as more people gather within its circle, it becomes clear: the UAE’s greatest luxury may not be what it builds, but how it helps us simply be.

Ras Al Khaimah Wellness Haven By Desk Reporter Ras Al Khaimah is emerging as the UAE’s wellness capital in 2025, with Al Wadi Desert Resort leading the charge. Its Bedouin Bliss program offers yoga amid the dunes, paired with traditional ghawa coffee rituals and frankincense aromatherapy, attracting urbanites seeking serenity. The resort’s falconry sessions, followed by guided meditation, create a unique blend of adrenaline and calm, rooted in Emirati heritage. These experiences cater to a growing demand for holistic escapes that honor the UAE’s cultural legacy. The emirate’s tourism board reports a 20% increase in wellness visitors this year, with the Hajar Mountains hosting mindfulness hikes through ancient wadis. Small retreats are sprouting across the region, offering farm-to-table dining and stargazing sessions that celebrate Ras Al Khaimah’s natural beauty. This wellness boom reflects the UAE’s modern lifestyle, balancing rapid progress with moments of reflection. By weaving tradition into rejuvenating experiences, Ras Al Khaimah invites residents and travelers to reconnect with nature and themselves.