Supporting local businesses is easy when your community looks like this…
You hear a lot about ‘the American dream’. The idea that, with a bit of talent, some hard work, and the glint of a sparkling idea in your eye, you can completely change your circumstances. Build a business empire, turn your wildest whims into concrete reality. In 2026, this feels more like a UAE dream than anything else. No other country is doing more to support entrepreneurs, remove bureaucratic barriers to success, reward effort and encourage enterprise. Dreamers, especially those who dream big, are being actively headhunted to come and make a life here. It’s a country filled with stories of bootstrap business leaders and homegrown magnates. A place of inspiring spires and creative fires, where impossible is a dirty word.
It’s for these reasons, and many more, that the UAE is recognised as one of the most start-up-friendly innovation hubs anywhere in the world. And in the midst of challenging circumstances, those businesses need our support. Community spirit is a powerful thing here, and nowhere does it come alive with more palpable passion than in times of crisis. Our purpose in this article is to share some of our favourite local businesses with you, ‘homegrown heroes of the hustle’ that are proudly flying the UAE flag, so that you can support them should you so choose. There are, of course, more examples of these locally based legends than we have space for on the pages, so the precise names are not as important as the fact we all choose, to support local.
RESTAURANTS
Girl and the Goose
What started with the impassioned rumblings of a frequently sold-out supper club is now a full tropical cyclone of electric Centroamericano flavour-craft. Girl and the Goose is the bricks-and-mortar manifestation of self-taught chef, Gabriela Chamorro – an edible Ted Talk on the finer points of Central American cuisine. It managed to secure an entry into MENA’s 50 Best listing within the first year of operations and includes such palate-top savour safaris as short-rib clay pots, ceviches, steak, and lobster gnocchi. You’ll find it in the Anantara Downtown Hotel, Business Bay.
Three Bros
This latest concept from one of Dubai’s best-respected dish-designing dynasties – the Orfali brothers – is a bon continuation of their mantra on allowing the symphony of simplicity to hit the high notes on their menu. Three Bros is the younger, more accessible sibling (and neighbour) to the highly decorated Orfali Bros, and presents an ensemble of internationally-inspired small plates alongside more substantial dishes, all with a little soupçon of Syrian razzle-dazzle. The roster includes what we’d argue is the best burger in Dubai (the OB cheeseburger), ‘pidza’ (not pizza), the OB-imported headliner – shish barak a la gyoza, top tapas tier gambas, and a pon con tomate that is far more than the sum of its parts.
Jun’s
We’d argue homegrown, Downtown Dubai, multi-award-winning restaurant, Jun’s is very much an authentic representation of the UAE. Not because it serves Emirati cuisine, it doesn’t in any traditional sense, but because its holistic offering is such an amalgam of international influences and styles, it captures the essence of this, our cosmopolitan country that so thrives on diversity. The man behind the menu is Chef Kelvin Cheung, a proud ambassador of third-culture cooking who infuses his dishes with personality, skillfully intertwining nostalgia, innovation, and stories from his childhood, to create culinary masterpieces. For a real gastronomic galavant across the menu, opt for the tasting ensembles.
Bu Qtair
This Dubai Fishing Harbour seafood stunner represents the evolution of an old-school icon. What was once a low-key polystyrene plate and patio furniture fit-out now has a full permanent address in one of Dubai’s most popular seafront leisure districts. Don’t be fooled by the covers that they’ve got, it’s still Qtair from the block – serving up richly marinated fish and prawns by weight, and proudly providing textbook Middle Eastern hospitality. It’s a national treasure.
Hella
The new burger joint from the culinary creatives behind Rare, Hella, did not come to town to flip ungratifying patties. A relative unknown to most at the time, they turned up at the Dubai Burger Championships 2026 this January and took home the best homegrown title, taking down huge local names in the melee of the bun fight. Their signature smash is a roundhouse kick of purist burger excellence straight to the olfactory bits, and whilst the operation is limited to delivery (in certain areas) and the occasional pop-up, you can expect big things from this brand in the future. Hella big things.
Marmellata
This low-fi Mina Zayed eatery was brought to life by father-son duo, Raj and Sebastian Dagstani. The achingly cool, endearingly cosy restaurant hosts guests at a scant collection of indoor tables alongside several more on the outdoor patio. That level of intimacy is manifest on their menu too, which has evolved to an apex line of pizzas and a selection of focaccia. Marmellata really shines in the topping department, many of their gourmet scatters have been given a local touch with mushrooms plucked from a UAE desert farm and figs from Liwa.
Fusion Ceviche
Another supper club to MENA 50 Best restaurant phenomenon, Fusion Ceviche is an authentic Peruvian eatery in JLT. It’s a raucous carnival of sublime Latin flavour, with special attention paid – as the name hints – to citrus-cured fish dishes. The beautiful mind behind this restaurant is Penelope Diaz, a self-taught chef whose journey to Dubai restaurateur began with a circle-of-trust supper club out of her apartment.
Al Ustad Special Kabab
Photo credit: Visit Dubai
If you’re not willing to take our word for it (odd choice of reading material but you do you), the fact this local legend has been around (just) longer than What’s On (since 1978); and that it counts royals and international A-listers (many of whom are plastered pictorially across the venue) amongst its devoted patrons; should help to persuade you of its worthiness for carrying ‘Special’ as its middle name. It represents incredible value, delivers outstanding meaty feasts, it’s consistent and a saj-wrapped, nostalgia-steeped, delicious dose of local history.
Mamafri
The much-loved Jumeirah-born, Asian fusion restaurant proved so popular that expansion plans included a border-crossing, with a capital-based cousin in Sheikha Fatima Park. On the menu, diners can fill their bellies with dishes like brioche buns with crispy fried chicken and sambal sauce; Japanese ramen; Malaysian shrimp curry; and kimchi fried rice.
Kinoya
If you’re looking for UAE expat success stories, you should probably start here. In the nine short years between 2017 and now, chef Neha Mishra has taken her enterprise from an underground supper club (A Story of Food); to a hot ticket Japanese restaurant delivering best-in-city ramen – Kinoya, found in Dubai locale: The Greens; and onto international expansion with a 20-seater eatery in the world’s most iconic food hall, Harrods of London. In the last few months, she’s opened (in partnership with Panchali Mahendra) the highly regarded hand-roll sushi restaurant, Tezukuri.
Bait Maryam
Bait Maryam’s chef-owner Salam Dakkak often says that she wants people to treat her restaurant like a family home (which is where the Bib Gourmand eatery derives its name). The irony is of course, if families had this sort of cooking at home, they’d never eat out. It’s a JLT masterclass of Middle Eastern cuisine with ancient recipes faithfully retold and remastered for the soul-food-seeking palate. And the family has now grown, with the addition of Chef Salam’s latest fine-dining foray, Sufret Maryam.
3fils
An, at first glance, unassuming eatery along the waters of Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, 3Fils was one of the first homegrown Dubai restaurants to really capture the awe of respected international good food guides. It began life as a chef Akmal Anuar project – and continues to serve an incredible range of innovative, modern Asian dishes with ovation-courting sidesteps (see: triple-cooked chips, charcoal, and mean leaf). The best news is for capital-based 3fils super fans? Abu Dhabi now has its very own outlet in The Abu Dhabi Edition.
Lilo Molino
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with smashing an aldesko Taqado in your lunch break, but if your Mexican fancy is for something a little more authentic, complex and filled with farm-to-table nutritional charm, Chef Shaw Lash’s Lilo Molino is the answer. No sombreros, no gimmicks, this Alserkal cafe and tortilleria assembles a fiery cast of Central American flavour profiles – tamales, tostadas, tacos, tortas, salads and pescadillas. There’s even a Mexican deli where you can pick up niche ingredients for taco nights su casa.
Pickl
This brand might not have kicked off the current Dubai burger-naissance, but it certainly lit the fire that’s under it. A combo of consistent classics, red-hot special menu items, legendary sauce, and masterful marketing strategies created a stable platform to take the homegrown brand, global. The secret beef blend in the smash chuck is a knock-out. Add that to the eponymous pickles and potato bun, and it’s easy to see why Pickl will always be a contender for the UAE burger crown.
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FASHION & BEAUTY
SWTZ
On-trend, female-founded, athleisure empire, SWTZ was born right here – under the UAE sun. Their product range stretches, with Pilates-level flexibility, from sassy beachwear and accessories to Hyrox fits and lounge-appropriate hoodies. Hitting ‘follow’ on their social media channels gives you an insight into the sense of fun that runs casual Ultras through the DNA of the brand.
The Giving Movement
The phenomenal success of The Giving Movement is an easy thing to understand, and even easier to cheer. The streetwear label launched in April 2020, and in the short space between now and then has managed to amass a prolific collection of instantly iconic apparel, with its signature oversized Tees becoming part of the national streetwear fabric. The Giving Movement also honours its name – with donations of Dhs15 made to charity for every item sold. There are tendy threads for ladies, gents and children, all of which are made from sustainable, locally-sourced fabric.
Chic Le Frique
Founded by marvellously modish entrepreneur Sara Rahbari, Chic Le Frique is perhaps best-known for its must-have linen two-piece sets that just scream ‘sartorial summer’. From humble roots in the region, Chic Le Frique is now making international waves, although the great news for customers here is that, despite the meteoric expansion, Dubai addresses can still benefit from same-day delivery.
Krump
The ultimate UAE stretch class flex, Krump was conceived by Dubai-based Pilates professional, Freja Rampe. Their accessory line was specifically designed with the form and fun of your workout in mind. The Krump collection includes invariably chic wearable weights, grip socks, band straps and suede mats, as colourful companions for your next mat or reformer workout.
LC
Now a firm household (and gym floor) name, LC is the top-tier athleisure brand that deliberately sets out to provide pieces to fit a more inclusive range of shapes and sizes. Born from the inspired mind of Lyndsay Doran, the catalogue of garments prioritises functionality for fitness without compromising on fashionable form, with classic sets of gym shorts and leggings that can be paired with sports bras in neutral and signature colours. More recent additions include seasonal collections, menswear and childrenswear.
Nuami Collective
Taking the viral coral tote bag to the next level, Huda Al Nuaimi is a luxury print and product design maestro. Nuami does more than bags though, from their online store, shoppers can choose from a gorgeous range of intricately designed fabrics, kaftans, summer dresses and iPhone covers. Al Nuaimi’s eye for high style has helped her secure international brand collaborations with names such as Kiko Milano, Waitrose, Lancome, Piaget and Gio Bressana.
Suited and Booted
And finally, one for dapper chaps and discerning, ahem, geezers (primarily, they do also offer women’s suits). Suited and Booted is a British-owned, bespoke tailors with locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. They have a huge collection of fabrics, with design options to cater for casualwear, office fits, weddings, and secret agent missions in foreign casinos (tuxedos). Beyond the tailored two-pieces, snazzy jackets and sophisticated slacks, they also offer relaxed shirts, chinos and even swimwear at their Al Quoz store and studio.
SMPL SKIN
A strong shout for anyone who likes their skincare to do exactly what it says on the bottle. SMPL SKIN is all about pared-back, performance-led formulas that skip the fluff in favour of hydration, protection and everyday usability. Clean, direct and very in tune with the region’s appetite for streamlined routines that still deliver.
Shiffa Beauty
Luxury skincare with real local roots. Shiffa is a Dubai-born beauty brand created by Emirati doctor Dr. Lamees Hamdan, built from potent organic ingredients to create an advanced, science-backed approach to skin health. It has the polish of a global luxury label, but its identity is still closely tied to the UAE and the region’s long-standing affinity for botanical beauty rituals.
CTZN Cosmetics
For unapologetically cool UAE-born cosmetic brands, look no further than CTZN. It comes from the fiery firmament of the Khan sisters (Aleena, Aleezeh, and Naseeha) who launched the brand with a deliberate focus on inclusivity. The products are designed to work across skin tones, cultures and identities rather than catering to one narrow idea of beauty.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Bodytree
From small acorns, mighty Bodytrees grow. Founded in Abu Dhabi in 2007, the Al Ashkar Street studio has established itself as one of the capital’s longest-running wellness spaces, with a canopy of expert-led classes that branches (apologies) across yoga, Pilates, functional training, dance and holistic therapies all under one roof. Beyond the stretch and sweat sessions, the studio offers masterclasses in areas such as nutrition, breathwork, massage, mental wellbeing and Reiki.
The Hundred Wellness Centre
Founded by Emirati entrepreneur Asma Hilal Lootah, The Hundred began with Pilates and has evolved into a broader wellness destination offering classes that dial into movement, holistic therapies and nutrition. The Jumeirah 1-based studio comes to the catharty-party with suitably Zen surrounds and lush botanical overtures that pair perfectly with the location’s rehabilitative equipment and services (infrared sauna, lymphatic massage, homeopathy and dry needling).
Yoga Ashram
Established in Dubai by a group of like-minded friends, Yoga Ashram has carved out a loyal following with a more traditional, less flashy take on modern wellness. Found in the Jumeirah Bay X3 building, they major in authentic yoga styles, meditation, breathwork, prenatal classes, teacher training and Pilates in a community-first setting.
Reform Athletica
Reform Athletica in Jumeirah 1 brought a polished, design-conscious boutique fitness concept to Dubai, inspired by the studio cultures of New York, London and LA. It now sits firmly in the city’s luxury wellness conversation, with a schedule line-up that includes Megaformer Pilates, TRX, strength, sculpt and yoga with a strong brand identity.
Contrast Wellness
Contrast is one of the city’s best-loved hubs for recovery-led wellness. Co-founded by entrepreneurial dream team Layla Kardan Hamdan Al-Khafaji, the concept centres on sauna, ice bath and other longevity-focused therapies, offering a more contemporary take on feeling good that sits somewhere between ritual, reset and high-performance recovery.
HWH Studio
Image: HWH Studio Dubai website
HWH Studio leans into a more elevated, luxury-boutique take on wellness, with yoga, Pilates and sound-led experiences. It is one of the newer names in the communiy, but it has built a distinct identity around immersive, expertly-conceived classes and resort-style settings.
CRANK
One of the standout homegrown fitness brands to come out of Dubai, CRANK was founded in 2017 as a UAE-born boutique concept focused on indoor cycling and strength-based classes. Its ride and shape sessions have become something of a local institution, and the brand has always traded on energy, atmosphere and community. They now two have outposts in Dubai (the original Alserkal location and Town Square), as well as an Abu Dhabi location in Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Park.
Longevity Wellness Hub
Longevity Wellness Hub is one of the more distinctive homegrown names in the UAE’s evolving wellness scene. The concept aims to honour its ‘longevity’ promise through a calibrated ensemble of diagnostic and healing practises that focus on performance, recovery and biohacking. The hub’s impressive high-tech facilities enable hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cold-water immersion, infrared sauna, red light therapy and Lagree-based training.
Bikeera Cycle Club
More than just a bike shop, Bikeera has built a proper cycling community around the sport in Dubai. Alongside its retail arm, the homegrown brand runs regular group rides and endurance sessions, bringing together committed cyclists and more casual riders who are in it as much for the camaraderie as the kilometres. Their sessions take place at Kite Beach, Al Qudra and beyond, with the launch pad for their coastal jaunts being their own food-truck-based café.
Dubai Creek Striders
Founded in 1995, Dubai Creek Striders is one of the city’s longest-running organised run clubs and was later formally registered as a nonprofit social club in Dubai. It has decades of credibility and still feels deeply rooted in the city’s grassroots running culture.
Jumeirah Johns
A relative newcomer to the Dubai fitness scene, Jumeirah Johns Running Club is a vibe tribe for all levels and split paces. They offer at least three free weekly runs across several locations, including Dubai Marina and Kite Beach. This social movement even has a range of merch enabling you to fly the JJ colours in style.
FOOD
FIX Dessert Chocolatier
The brand that turned ‘Dubai chocolate’ into a full-blown global obsession. FIX began life in Dubai and built its name on thick, glossy bars stuffed with pistachio, kunafa, brownies and other maximalist fillings that feel transcend the idea of the traditional chocolate bar and enter a Wonka-esque wonderland of dessert, souvenir and social-media ASMR event. Viral, yes, but also genuinely inventive.
House of Habanero
Haute-sauce heat-seekers, this one’s for you. House of Habanero launched in Dubai as a specialist chilli concept and has quickly grown into a one-stop shop for hot sauces, spice blends, condiments and all things fiery. It has the energy of a passion project turned proper cult retail destination, which is usually where the best food brands begin. They now have a bricks-and-mortar store in Alserkal Avenue where you can pit your palate against a rapidly escalating scale of Schoville scorch.
Below Farm
Desert oases can take many forms, not least because there’s so mushroom for diversity. Dad jokes firmly out of the system now. Abu Dhabi’s Below Farm grows premium specialty mushrooms locally, including oyster, king oyster, shiitake and lion’s mane, using controlled-environment farming and a sustainability-minded approach that makes clever use of regional waste biomass. Fresh, futuristic and very Abu Dhabi.
Curious Elephant
A Dubai-born pantry hero bringing fiery Far Eastern flavours into home kitchens across the UAE. Curious Elephant started with handcrafted Asian chilli sauces sold on a stall at the Ripe market, the brand has since built out a loyal following for its big flavours, thoughtful recipes and richly authentic taste. The range now includes dumplings and products can be purchased online through the website, Deliveroo, Instashop, through Kinbson’s, Waitrose, Spinney’s and more.
Dibba Bay Oysters
One of the UAE’s most impressive local produce stories. Dibba Bay grows gourmet oysters in the waters of Fujairah and is widely described as the first and only gourmet oyster farm in the Middle East. They also now have their own restaurant (JBR) which offers special sundowner deals with bargain bivalve pricing from Dhs8 per shuck.
House of Pops
What began with a bike, a farmers’ market and a handful of natural ice pops in Dubai has become one of the UAE’s most-craved better-for-you treat brands. House of Pops makes plant-based, natural frozen pops with a clean-label, feel-good positioning, and still feels homegrown despite its expansion.
Tapenaz
In the pantheon of gourmet condiments, tapenade sits alone. This olive-based spread is an umami tsunami, that upcycles almost any cracker, salad, rustic tartine, fish or grazing board. And if you’re looking for a UAE-made version of this pantry-essential flavour-enhancer, look no further than Tapenaz. This product gives the classic tapenade a more modern, giftable spin with olive-based spreads that provide the kind of polished, small-batch presentation that screams ‘picnic hamper me now’.
Mazaraa Farm Shop
Mazaraa in Abu Dhabi is widely described as the UAE’s first certified organic farm, with fresh produce, eggs, honey and a proper farm-shop feel that makes it as much a local food destination as a producer. It brings a wholesome, field-to-shelf vibe to any mid-week fridge-stocking mission.
Images: Supplied and Instagram
