Thought this season’s Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) had reached peak excitement levels? Well, think again, as the city’s favourite outdoor market Etisalat MOTB launches on Friday January 5, and it’s bringing with it even more opportunities to explore, eat, shop and play.
Set against the creative backdrop of Dubai Design District (d3), Etisalat MOTB is a hub of hidden gems where you can discover local and international fashion and beauty brands, eat delicious food and check out live entertainment all under one incredibly trendy roof.
We’ll see you there.
Shopping: brands to watch out for
Raï the Local
A homegrown fashion brand blending contemporary flair with traditional craftsmanship, Raï the Local is our go-to label for everything from kaftans to abayas that command attention. Be sure to complement your new ensemble with one of its extravagant clutches or handbags too – you deserve a little treat, after all.
Lurk in Shrubs
While not always the star of the sartorial show, we all know that socks are the building block of a good ensemble, so this year be sure to up the ante on your accessories game with a stylish pair from Lurk in Shrubs. With more than 500 different designs on offer, as well as customisation options that make for the perfect gifts, this Kuwaiti brand is just the ticket for shin-high style.
ODIS Studio
For minimalist jewellery designed to make an impact, look no further than the Abu Dhabi-born ODIS Studio. Drawing inspiration from the architectural concepts of moderation and harmony, shop enduring staples like pared-back hoops or sculptural rings with pieces that feel effortless, timeless and subtly unique. The best bit? ODIS is strict on sustainability, exclusively using only 100 per cent recycled silver and gold to craft their pieces.
Cléio & Co
Shop online fashion store Cléio & Co IRL at this year’s Etisalat MOTB, the fashion girl’s go-to for everything from casual wear and date night fits to party ensembles and holiday must-haves. Continually nailing the season’s hottest trends, there’s everything from tops and dresses to jeans, co-ords, swimwear and more to choose from, so be sure to have your credit cards at the ready.
Pamukme
Looking to make your home more eco-friendly? Then be sure to stop by Pamukme. A UAE-based small business specialising in a range of exquisite 100 per cent cotton products made in Turkey, stock up on the likes of luxurious beach towels, cosy bedspreads, throws, cushions and blankets that will transform your abode into a haven of tranquillity.
Swey Collective
The Emirati eyewear brand you need to make this season your most stylish yet, Swey Collective is a purveyor of premium eyewear. Renowned for pushing design boundaries to create modern shades, expect cool interpretations of aviators, wayfarers, cat-eyes and more, as well as quirky new silhouettes.
Rewind Apparel
Rewind Apparel is all about well-made yet comfortable clobber with a seamless fit. Designed and made right here in the UAE, and commanding a cult following that’s only likely to grow in 2024, each piece is crafted from premium materials that are kind to the planet.
Horrible Pear
Discover a unique world of handmade products from Horrible Pear, where each item boasts a vibrant fusion of colours, texture and inspiration drawn from nature, abstract forms, ‘90s nostalgia, animé and memes. This is one for those who like their fashion a little quirky.
Adore Sand
Whether you’re looking for the perfect birthday gift, or are simply on the hunt for something new and beautifully scented to add a little extra ambience to your space, Adore Sand’s collection of 100 per cent natural palm wax candles will have you sorted. Inspired by the serene beauty of the UAE, these candles come shaped like tiny sand particles, mirroring the texture of the desert, making sure they most certainly stand out from the crowd.
Veganologie
Dubai’s first 100 per cent sustainable accessories brand, founded by Angana Maheshwari, Veganologie originally made a name for itself by creating bags made from recycled plastic bottles. The folks behind introducing Apple Leather to the UAE, you can now snap up everything from clutches and totes to tech accessories and card holders, and you can stock up on all of it at this year’s Etisalat MOTB.
Jokes Aside
A Dubai-based streetwear brand founded by Ibrahim Abudyak, a man with a passion for creating wearable art that tells stories. Jokes Aside is inspired by the city, its people and their emotions, resulting in comfortable and durable fashion embellished with playful motifs.
Kids Zone
Don’t let your little ones get left behind in the style stakes – shop accessories, everyday essentials, stylish rompers, dresses, occasion wear, and party dresses at Kid Zone, where everything comes packed with colour, comfort and cuteness in spades. In fact, some of the pieces are so fashion-forward, you’ll wish they came in adult sizes too.
BIRUKI
Looking for everyday essentials where fashion meets function? Your search ends at BIRUKI. Offering the latest men’s sneaker designs and high-quality, organic streetwear wrapped in timeless elegance and made for everyday luxury, this Dubai-based brand is up there as one of the coolest being showcased at DSF’s alternate shopping destinations, and all at prices that won’t break the bank.
Your Own Concept
Concept stores have taken over the city as of late, and you can explore not one, but three, exceptional brands at Your Own Concept. Whether you choose to join the elite community at 555 Billionaires Club, explore exclusive themed drops at Concept, or embrace comfort with cloud-like attire from Cozy by Concept, there’s something to suit all tastes at this stylish hotspot, so you definitely won’t leave empty-handed.
KAHO
Not one for wallflowers, statement graphics and intricate embroidery make every piece from KAHO a standout addition to your wardrobe. Oozing comfort, style and creativity, there’s no better brand to let you wear your personality on your sleeve.
Aroma Tierra
Kind to both your skin and the environment, Aroma Tierra is a UAE-based brand making strides in organic beauty and wellness, with everything from pure essential oils and captivating fragrances to body oils and hair products designed to enhance your personal well-being. If you fancy joining this natural beauty community, you know where to find them.
Colish
A luxury perfumery born in the vibrant heart of Karachi, Pakistan, we highly recommend scenting your space with Colish’s range of niche perfumes, scented candles and home fragrances that seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. Designed with a gender-neutral approach in mind, there’s something to keep all members of the family happy.
Aqua Glint
Waterproof and sweat-proof designs are a jewellery box must-have here in the UAE, and Aqua Glint is ticking all the right boxes with its stunning 18K gold-plated pieces. Wearable during showers, swims, workouts and even with your favourite perfumes, not only are its collections rust-proof but they also come backed by a five-year colour warranty to protect your investment. Sounds right up our street, if you ask us.
Alnihaya
An Emirati clothing brand founded by Sultan Abdullah, Alnihaya is making its debut at this year’s Etisalat MOTB. A distinct fusion of modern luxury and streetwear, the all-new collection offers daily outfits crafted with a professional touch, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics and offering comfort fused with couture. Casual or statement – the choice is yours.
Here are some more recommendations for your shopping list: The Purple Tag, Taguelle, Prezence, Soulbeat Culture, Fashion Rerun, Revent by Flashback Fashion, Spring in Summer, Find Your Halo, Bassa Boutique, GIGI, Amore, The 28 Letters, Rumi Earth, AlDenim, Lady D, E3K, Warm Collection, Salad, Fragile Aroma, Digg The Room, The Gentleman’s Community, Scarfy, P48, Taleed by Lamya, FAAMS, Vitelli, The Street Scent, Scare & Relic, The Paintly Store, Moniati, Tebra, Odela & Co, 90’s Kids Club, 90’s Memories Store, Mesmari, Sarab Studios, Top Vibes, Arcadia, Upcoming, By Dedicated, July Playlist, The Cloak, Basic Abaya, Bliss Collection, Khalifa Funds and Caspian Jewellery.
Glam and groove at Fenty Beauty Drive-In
It’s been more than four years since Rihanna gifted Fenty Beauty to the world and changed the makeup universe for good, treating us to bases, blushes and lip colours. That’s why we’re particularly excited about the Fenty Beauty Drive-In at this year’s Etisalat MOTB, where you can swing by to enjoy a personalised shade match, shop for the OG products and dive into the Fenty world with an exclusive sneak peek at upcoming launches.
There will also be a Fenty Style JukeBox on site where you can play all your favourite tunes plus, if you’re lucky, you might even score some extra goodies while you’re at it.
There’s more: Join an exclusive masterclass on Saturday January 13 at 7pm, at MOTB’s main stage to celebrate the launch of Fenty Beauty’s latest gem, the We’re Even Concealer—a makeup essential with skincare and anti-aging benefits.
Skincare expert and influencer Sereen Abu Doush will be your guide, sharing tips on rocking the concealer for a flawless look while celebrity TV host Annabella Hilal will add extra excitement to the party.
Fri Jan 5 – Sun Jan 14; Mon-Thurs: 4pm-10pm, Fri – 4pm to 12 am, Sat-Sun: 12pm to 12 am; d3.
Dining: top picks
Alien Burgers
For truly out-of-this-world burgers (no pun intended), make a beeline for Alien Burger. The perfect pitstop for juicy patties and crispy fries, these “extraterrestrial” burgers are made using a secret recipe and come topped with secret sauces and dips with something to make every burger lover drool.
Vietnamese Foodies
A one-stop-shop for hearty and healthy Vietnamese food inspired by the vibrancy of Saigon city, the award-winning Vietnamese Foodies will be serving up its delightful phos, banh mis and Goi Cuon (rice paper rolls) at this year’s Etisalat MOTB, and if the popularity of its restaurants is anything to go by, we expect big queues. If you love the light flavours of East Asian cuisine (and who doesn’t?), this food truck is a must-visit.
Tiger Sugar
Bringing Taiwan’s famous and best black sugar boba milk tea to Etisalat MOTB, Tiger Sugar is the perfect way to quench your thirst after a long afternoon of shopping. Famous for its craft beverages with signature black sugar stripes, not only are these drinks a treat for your taste buds, but they are gold for the ‘gram too, so be sure to get involved.
Rosa’s Thai
Born in London and flourishing in Dubai, Rosa’s Thai is much-loved for its authentic Thai flavours and fresh ingredients, boasting a fuss-free menu with all the staples. Be it the Tom Yum soup, a Penang curry or the all-time favourite mango sticky rice, expect all your classic dishes served just as you would find them in Thailand.
Streetery
An ideal spot for good grub on the go, Streetery is making its debut at Etisalat MOTB this year with a flavourful array of street food from Asia. Think Thai, Chinese, Malaysian, Indonesian and Korean, this unique food hall is home to eateries including Zen, Fat Aunt’s, Hing Kee and So Sanuk, meaning you’ll be spoilt for choice. Now it’s just a matter of making sure you’ve enough room in your belly to fit it all in.
Mamacita
A vibrant food truck fiesta that serves up the delectable flavours of Latin American cuisine, Mamacita prides itself on its combination of bold flavours, fresh ingredients and authentic recipes. We’re talking tacos, nachos, quesadillas (oh my), this street-food style spot specialises in truly excellent stuff.
RARE
Fancier than your average food truck, Rare is the brainchild of three Emirati friends, serving up top-quality cuts of Japanese and Latin American meats in a very minimalistic and informal setting. With a menu devised by Colombian chef Brando Moros, known for his speciality in wood-fire grilling, plus dishes presented with plenty of attention to detail, trust us when we tell you you’re in for a real treat.
Sweet on Wheels
For those with a sweet tooth, let us introduce you to Sweet on Wheels. Specialising in the likes of mini pancakes, crepes, waffles and ice cream rolls, there’s always room for pudding at this homegrown eatery, and there’s no denying that these belly-busting desserts are a thing of beauty. Go on, dig in.
There are plenty of options for foodies. You can also treat your taste buds to delicious fare at: Casapons, Smize & Dream, JT Burgers, Oddo, Fritz, Mamarama, Mamafri, Dynamitoz, IRDK, Fat Uncle, CRMBZ, Not (So) Guilty, Skewers, 57, Club Mochi, Oro Pizzeria
What else to look forward to at DSF this week
Win prizes worth up to Dhs60,000 with DSF Beat the Clock with Rivoli Group
If you’re in the market for a fancy new watch or some shiny new eyewear, be sure to be part of Rivoli Group’s three-day Beat the Clock promotion. Not only can you find great deals on purchases at Rivoli, Hour Choice and Rivoli EyeZone, but buy something new and you’ll be entered into a draw to win gift vouchers ranging from Dhs1,000 to Dhs10,000 to spend in-store. With 35 winners in total, you’re most definitely in with a shot.
From Fri Jan 5 – Sun Jan 7. Rivoli, Hour Choice and Rivoli Eye Zone stores at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Malls, Dubai Mall and Ibn Battuta Mall, store timings apply. mydsf.ae
The shopper’s guide to becoming a millionaire
How do you fancy winning Dhs1 million in cash to kick-start your 2024? DSF offers you just the right opportunity to do so! Shoppers at Mall of the Emirates and City Centre malls in Dubai can be in with a chance of bagging this whopping prize by spending just Dhs300 in-store – simply scan your receipts on the SHARE Rewards app and you’ll automatically be entered into the draw. We’ve got everything crossed for this one.
Until Sun Jan 14. Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Malls, mall timings apply. mydsf.ae
Enjoy amazing discounts every day with DSF Daily Surprises
We all love a good discount, so remember to keep your eyes peeled on the DSF social channels (@styeldbydubai) where its lovely team will be unlocking surprise deals every day until the end of the festival. On offer across all shopping categories, on one brand and at one or two locations each day, deals are only revealed 24 hours in advance and are available from 10am until the stocks last, so be sure to get in quick.
Until Sun Jan 14. Participating malls, mydsf.ae
321 Festival: three artists, two immersive experiences and one day
Prepare for the grand 321 Festival
A special treat awaits during the closing weekend of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Clear your calendar for this one as it’s going to be huge! On 13 January at Skydive Dubai, the 321 Festival will kick off from 3.30pm. Watch three A-list Arab stars – Hussain Al Jassmi, Tamer Hosny and Balqees – live in concert, plus two mesmerising immersive shows including the biggest drones show this DSF for the whole family to enjoy.
Gearing up for an epic day of out-of-this-world festivities featuring brilliant live concerts, electrifying performances, non-stop entertainment and fantastic fireworks displays, the action will continue late into the night with giant screens towering over eight stories high, projecting all the superstars as they perform live on stage. Not only will the evening culminate in an enthralling show featuring thousands of drones coming together to create awe-filled displays, but there will also be plenty of food and drink to keep guests well fed and watered, as well as roaming entertainment, singers, live bands, acrobats, stilt walkers and more.
From Dhs50. Sat Jan 13, Skydive Dubai, 3.30 pm onwards. Platinumlist.com
Drive to Hatta for the Hatta Festival
Great news. The Hatta Festival at Hatta Wadi Hub has been extended until the 14th of January, so if the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Year’s Eve kept you away from driving to the mountains, there is still some time left. Expect a dazzling array of lights, music, live entertainment, kids activities, and food pop-ups from the likes of G.O.A.T, Saddle and Home Bakery.
Free entry. Until Sun Jan 14- Wed Jan 31 4pm-11pm on weekdays and noon-11pm on weekends. Hatta Wadi Hub.
DSF Wonders Competition
You have two more weeks to impress the world with your skills with the camera. Participate in the DSF Wonders Competition by making a film from at least 3 locations covering DSF. Email your video to DSFWonders@dubaidet.ae and upload it on Instagram using #DSFWonders. One grand prize winner wins Dhs100,000 while the runner-up gets Dhs50,000 and two third-placed content creators will each receive Dhs25,000. Tag @CelebrateDubai and @StyledbyDubai Get snapping, your showbiz career starts here!
