In Dubai, the thriving ecosystem for homegrown businesses plays a vital role in shaping the city's economic landscape. As the UAE continues to excel as a hub for entrepreneurs and startups, supporting these local ventures has become more important than ever.
Recognized globally for its entrepreneur-friendly environment, Dubai offers a diverse range of homegrown businesses that not only contribute to economic growth but also foster a sense of pride and identity among its residents.
In this article, we will delve into some of the most exceptional homegrown businesses in Dubai that deserve your support, through patronage or promotion. Whether you call Dubai home or you're just passing through, there are numerous avenues to actively engage with and champion these thriving local businesses.
Koala Picks
Recognizing the need for nutritious snacks free from harmful additives for children in the UAE, Koala Picks was founded in 2019 to provide tasty yet wholesome options. Their range includes items like rainbow breadsticks, oat cookies, and vegetable crisps, all made from locally sourced ingredients. They also offer products suitable for weaning-age babies, with everything undergoing a top-notch quality and nutritional value.
My Backyard Chronicles: Conscientious Kids Store
Fadi and Clara, a husband-and-wife duo behind the online store "my backyard chronicles," are dedicated to encouraging children to engage in imaginative, screen-free play with sustainable, high-quality toys that foster creativity and open-ended exploration.
Booktopia
Malarvizhi Balaji's Booktopia journey began with a love for books and a mission to share the joy of reading. Now, there are two family-run Booktopia stores in Dubai, offering a well-curated selection of affordable books for all ages, from classics to the latest bestsellers.
brews
Planning a birthday celebration for your child? If you want to make their day (or night) truly special with a themed sleepover or indoor glamping party for their friends, Count to Tent is the Dubai-based company that can turn that dream into a reality.
Toyshare
Responding to a common observation among parents, Hani AlQattan, an Emirati pilot and entrepreneur, founded the UAE-based app-hosted toy and book rental platform, Toyshare. This service delivers a carefully curated selection of educational toys and books to subscribers' homes regularly, offering a smart and eco-friendly solution.
Amadal
Staying healthy is a breeze with the nutritious snacks available at Amadal. Their passion for wholesome foods shines through, offering gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free options. Whether you're craving granolas, crackers, or zaatar-infused vegan cheese, Amadal makes it simple to enjoy these healthy choices.
Ganache Chocolatier
Ganache Chocolatier's flagship factory, café, and boutique have opened in Dubai's Alserkal Avenue arts district. With over 100 flavors to choose from, it offers a unique gift wrapping station for personalized boxes. Visitors can witness artisan chocolate-making, sample nostalgic flavors like baklava crunch and zaatar praline, and enjoy delectable bonbons and floral treats. It's a haven for chocolate lovers.
Booncoffee
Booncoffee, founded by a dedicated Ethiopian entrepreneur, is not just about coffee; it's about helping the community and making a positive impact. They collaborate with a non-profit organization to enhance agriculture in developing countries. Booncoffee is a must-visit for iced coffee enthusiasts, offering some of the finest cold brewshand-woven in town.
Sprout
Sprout is a knowledgeable and maternal-powered business offering a healthy meal delivery service that prioritizes nutrient-rich meals. Their convenient online ordering ensures you have nutritious food for your children or the entire family with ease.
Below Farm
Arising amid the pandemic, this vertical farm manages to grow a yearly yield of 120 tonnes of mushrooms without utilizing any arable land. Focused on sustainability and self-sufficiency, this pioneering initiative is revolutionizing mushroom production to offer nutritious crops, foster a circular economy, and encourage sustainable advancements. Individuals who adore mushrooms can purchase fresh mushrooms, mushroom powder, and DIY mushroom kits.
So Free Organics
For those with food allergies, intolerances, or specific dietary needs, you can now indulge in your favorite baked goods without worry. So Free Organics, a female-powered bakery, offers a guilt-free solution. Their products are free from gluten, dairy, refined sugar, GMO, yeast, and soy. Enjoy your favorite treats with the same great taste and texture.
Qaadu
A newly launched premium home-grown brand in the UAE offers Ayurveda-inspired, plant-based, and cruelty-free beauty and wellness products. The brand draws from the rich heritage of Ayurveda to create its skincare range. Named "Qaadu," which means "forest" in several Indian languages, this brand is a must-try for those looking to enhance their beauty regimen.
Baesic by DB
Baesic offers a 30-piece collection of locally-made fashion staples in neutral colors and comfortable fabrics like linen and jersey. Designed to complement your existing wardrobe, their pieces, including oversized blazers and flowing dresses, can take you from the office to after-work drinks seamlessly.
Nuaimi
Huda Al Nuaimi, the creative force, heads this luxury print and product design brand. They offer a stunning array of fabrics that customers can purchase to fashion their personalized creations, whether it's a dress, shirt, or scarf. The brand's coral tote bag is another standout item, capable of elevating any outfit to new heights.
L’Couture
Dubai's pioneering female-led athleisure brand empowers women with a range of essentials, from leggings to sports bras and loungewear. Their carefully crafted garments suit various occasions, from intense workouts to post-exercise relaxation and beyond.
Beachbelle Dubai
Beachbelle Dubai redefines the 'beach body' concept with size-inclusive swimwear, offering sizes from S to 4XL. Founder Veronique Gregorec's mission is to provide a range of modern, flattering styles for all body types, challenging the notion that one must prepare for summer. She created the collection to address the need for stylish swimwear in diverse sizes, inspired by her own search for fashionable options in Dubai.
LOCH
LOCH, a local family-owned brand in the UAE, specializes in chic and eco-friendly hydration solutions. Their insulated stainless steel water bottles maintain temperatures, keeping drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours. The easy-sip straw lid adds convenience to your hydration routine, promoting sustainability with style.
Charlieholic
This local brand specializes in adding flair to your beloved pets with one-of-a-kind accessories. Whether it's for a special event or to add some fun to your pup's style, they have you covered. You can easily order a custom bandana or bow tie for your furry companion through Instagram DM. What makes it even more delightful is that a portion of the sales goes to local animal shelters, so your purchase is both stylish and compassionate.
Island People.Co
Island People.Co is a socially conscious artisanal brand that partners with Sri Lankan artists to create sustainable crockery and hand-wovena linens. Their unique products, including pillow covers and serviettes, add a touch of tranquility and elegance to any kitchen.
The Rume
The Rume, a homegrown candle brand established in 2022 by British expat Elise Kerr, offers a unique selection of candles. These candles are crafted from a toxin-free blend of coconut and beeswax, making them a perfect gift. You can choose from six stylish scents, each with its own personality, such as Floral Storm, Liquid Disco, Wake-Up Call, and Wild Side.
Bespoke Balconies
This local design and styling business offers a balcony makeover service. Founded by British designer Georgina Griffin during the pandemic, the balcony styling process is entirely personalized to suit each client's taste, budget, and balcony space, allowing you to elevate your outdoor area.
Posture
Based on Palm Jumeirah's Golden Mile, this local brand delivers a holistic mind-body-soul experience through a range of Pilates offerings, including reformer, Cadillac, and mat Pilates suitable for various skill levels. Embracing the foundational principles of Joseph Pilates, their Balearic-style studio places a strong emphasis on form, core strength, and mobility over mere calorie burning, making their signature classes a celebration of strength and flexibility.
Drink Dry
When Erika Doyle relocated to Dubai in 2019, she faced challenges finding non-alcoholic beverages, which were not yet in vogue at the time. In response, she launched Drink Dry, a one-stop shop that offers a range of non-alcoholic drinks, including beer, spirits, aperitifs, and wines. Drink Dry is a haven for teetotalers, offering a diverse selection of alcohol-free options.
In conclusion, supporting local homegrown businesses in the UAE is a powerful act that resonates with a far-reaching impact. It's not just about transactions; it's about investing in the heartbeat of our communities and upholding the distinctive identity of the nation.
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