Emirati Women’s Day offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of Emirati women across Dubai. What better way to mark this special occasion than by supporting local, women-owned businesses? Dubai is home to a variety of these unique enterprises, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and determination of Emirati women. Whether you’re interested in fashion, beauty, wellness, or culinary delights, there’s something for everyone to explore.
Discover Unique Shopping Experiences: Human & Beings
Located in City Walk, Human & Beings is a first-of-its-kind concept store founded by best friends Hamda Abbas, Zainab Al Shaikh, and Mariam Al Khan. This innovative store offers a thoughtfully curated selection of sustainable fashion, accessories, beauty products, and homeware. Each item is chosen to reflect the values of mindfulness and sustainability. The founders, united by their deep bond of friendship, have created a space where like-minded individuals can explore contemporary designs in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Human & Beings represents the future of retail by combining ethical choices with a refined shopping experience.
Scent Memories: Arcadia by Amna
Founded by Amna Al Habtoor in 2015, Arcadia is a niche perfumery that redefines fragrance. Amna, a former marketing executive in the automotive industry, turned her passion for unique scents into a thriving business. Arcadia offers a collection of unisex perfumes, candles, and gift sets, all crafted from sustainable, paraben-free, and cruelty-free ingredients. Each fragrance is designed to evoke nostalgia and is a testament to Amna’s dedication to quality and sustainability. Rooted in Dubai, Arcadia has become a global brand, capturing hearts with its sophisticated scents and commitment to ethical practices.
Timeless Elegance: Odeem
Odeem is a luxury handbag brand founded by Fatma Al Otaiba with the vision to make a mark on the global fashion scene, akin to how Chanel represents France. Launched in 2020, Odeem is known for its handcrafted bags made from exotic leathers. The brand has quickly established itself as a leader in Dubai’s fashion world, offering classic and timeless pieces that appeal to the discerning fashionista. Each handbag is a statement of elegance, quality, and luxury, designed to be cherished for generations.
Innovative Skincare Solutions: Peacefull
Peacefull, founded by Salama Mohamed, is a revolutionary skincare brand that caters specifically to the unique needs of Middle Eastern skin. Inspired by her own journey with vitiligo, Salama launched a line of inclusive and effective skincare products that utilize advanced Korean skincare technology. Peacefull’s products are loved for their clean, effective formulas that cater to all skin types. Available across Sephora stores, Peacefull represents a new era in skincare, combining innovation with inclusivity and quality.
Culinary Delights: Salt Burger and Grind Coffee
SALT Burger and Grind Coffee and Roastery House are two of the region’s most popular dining concepts, co-founded by Emirati entrepreneur Amal Al Marri and Saudi entrepreneur Deem Al Bassam. SALT began as a food truck and has become a culinary hotspot, known for its delicious wagyu beef sliders and vegetarian options. Its success led to the creation of Parker’s, another beloved brand.
On the other hand, Grind Coffee and Roastery House offers more than just coffee—it is a homegrown concept that features innovative blends like cereal lattes and s’mores cups, all made from locally sourced beans micro-roasted daily. This unique approach ensures a fresh and distinctive coffee experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.
Indulgent Treats: Cocoville and Vanilla Sukkar Cafe
Cocoville, founded by Ayesha Al Hashmi, is a boutique chocolate shop that offers artisanal chocolates and signature desserts. Known for its handmade truffles and luxury chocolate drinks, Cocoville delights with unique creations like the Coco Pod, a dramatic chocolate pod filled with dry ice that’s cracked open with molten chocolate.
Similarly, Vanilla Sukkar Cafe, created by Dr. Kaltham Kenaid and Fatma Saifan, is the UAE’s first Emirati sourdough bakery. Nestled in Jumeirah, this cozy cafe offers a wide range of delicious pastries and baked goods, all free from commercial yeast. The cafe’s homely ambiance, filled with books and plants, makes it a must-visit for anyone who loves fresh, homemade treats.
Gourmet Experiences: She Burger and Mitts and Trays
She Burger began in Sheikha Eissa’s home kitchen and has grown into one of Dubai’s most beloved burger joints. Known for its signature burgers and creative dishes, She Burger has garnered a loyal following, even earning praise from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Now with multiple locations across the city and international expansion on the horizon, She Burger continues to serve up mouthwatering comfort food.
Meanwhile, Mitts and Trays, led by chef-owner Amna Al Hashemi, has expanded from a home bakery to a thriving restaurant concept. It offers a variety of gourmet dishes that focus on health and nutrition. Chef Amna’s dedication to culinary excellence and innovation has made Mitts and Trays a favorite among Dubai’s food enthusiasts.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: The Hundred Wellness Centre
Owned by Asma Hilal Lootah, an avid sportswoman, The Hundred Wellness Centre is Dubai’s first Pilates studio founded by an Emirati woman. Located in a serene villa in Jumeirah, this wellness hub offers holistic therapies, including chiropractic care, naturopathy, homeopathy, light therapy, and DNA testing. Asma’s passion for health and wellness makes this center a unique destination for those seeking a balance of physical and mental well-being.
Cultural Enrichment: Cinema Akil and Centre for Musical Arts
Cinema Akil, founded by Butheina Kazim, is the UAE’s only independent arthouse cinema, situated in the vibrant Alserkal Avenue. Housed in a converted shipping container, Cinema Akil offers a curated selection of films from around the globe, providing an alternative to mainstream cinema. It serves as a cultural hub, bringing film enthusiasts together to experience thought-provoking cinema that stimulates conversation.
Founded by Tala Badri, the Centre for Musical Arts (CMA) is dedicated to providing quality music education in the UAE. As the first female Emirati music graduate, Tala has created a nurturing environment for both adults and children to embark on their musical journeys. The CMA offers a range of programs, from individual instruction to group classes, making high-quality music education accessible and affordable.
Explore Dubai with Ease Using Yango Maps
Navigating Dubai’s vibrant landscape and supporting these inspiring women-owned businesses has never been easier. Yango Maps offers precise routes, real-time traffic updates, and detailed road information to guide you seamlessly to these unique destinations. With features like speed limit alerts and offline maps, Yango Maps ensures a smooth and stress-free journey. Whether you prefer driving or using public transport, the app’s adaptive route view helps you explore comfortably, even on the hottest days.
