For more than three decades, Al Boushiya has been synonymous with elegance in the region.

Founded in Abu Dhabi in 1993 by Lina Kaluti, the boutique began as a small space built on trust and connection. Today, Lina’s daughter Najwa Abdulhadi joins her at the helm, infusing the brand with a digital perspective while preserving its timeless style. Together, the mother–daughter duo continues to shape Al Boushiya’s next chapter, reviving its bridal legacy and carrying its unique artistry into the future.

Lina, when you think back to opening Al Boushiya in Abu Dhabi in 1993, which moments stand out most from those early days

I remember those early days vividly. I used to open and close the boutique myself every day, often working late into the night. I still remember the sound of the key turning in the door each morning, the scent of new fabrics, and the excitement of meeting our first clients. Many of those women became lifelong customers and friends. Those early moments of trust and connection defined Al Boushiya. It was never just about selling clothes; it was about creating a place where women felt understood, confident, and special.

Najwa, you grew up in the boutique and now work alongside your mother. How would you describe your working dynamic?

Working with my mother feels completely natural because Al Boushiya has always been part of my life. She has an incredible instinct for people and a meticulous eye for detail, while I bring a design-driven and digital perspective. Our dynamic is based on trust and shared purpose. She inspires me with her dedication, and I try to complement that with new ideas and a fresh approach. We have different strengths but the same vision.

Al Boushiya has evolved from a single boutique to a global destination. How has your vision evolved over the years?

Lina: The vision has always been about offering women something personal and meaningful. What has changed is how we deliver that experience. In the early days, luxury meant exclusivity and craftsmanship. Today, it also means accessibility and connection. Through our boutiques and our online platform, we can now reach women all over the world while maintaining the same intimacy and care.

Najwa: Our vision today is to keep bridging the gap between heritage and innovation. We want Al Boushiya to remain a celebration of couture artistry while embracing technology and global reach. It is about staying rooted in our history while continuing to evolve.

With more than 45 international designers in your portfolio, how do you decide which ones best reflect Al Boushiya’s vision?

Every designer we carry must share our values of craftsmanship, femininity, and individuality. We select designers who tell a story through their work, who understand the emotional connection women have with what they wear. We curate both established names and emerging talents, offering our clients a balance between the timeless and the new. We also believe in giving visibility to young designers who align with our philosophy, helping them grow alongside the icons.

Personal service has always been at the heart of Al Boushiya. How do you translate that same experience to your growing online community?

Najwa: When we launched alboushiya.com, the goal was to recreate the boutique’s warmth and attention to detail in a digital format. Even online, our clients are never anonymous. We know their preferences, their milestones, and what makes them feel beautiful. We offer personalised edits, styling consultations, and seamless delivery so that every client feels as valued online as she would in-store. For us, technology enhances connection; it doesn’t replace it.

Tell us about the refreshed bridal concept. What inspired it, and how do you want brides to feel when they visit?

Lina: We’re very excited to be reintroducing bridal to our offering in 2026 as part of Al Boushiya’s wider expansion plan. Bridal has always been close to our story — we were actually the first boutique to introduce couture-level bridalwear of this calibre to the UAE back in the early 2000s. Over time, as our eveningwear collections grew, we had to pause the category due to space limitations.

Now, with our upcoming expansion, we feel the timing is perfect to bring it back in a refreshed, more elevated way. While we’re keeping the full details confidential for now, we can share that the new concept will include some very special brands that are not yet available in the UAE.

Our vision is to create a space where brides feel calm, inspired, and celebrated — an experience that combines luxury and intimacy, where every detail reflects the timeless elegance and personal touch that have always defined Al Boushiya.

As you celebrate over three decades of success, what does the future look like for Al Boushiya, and what legacy do you hope to continue building together?

Lina: My hope is that Al Boushiya continues to be a place where women feel empowered, inspired, and appreciated. The brand was built on passion, hard work, and a personal connection with every client. I want that sincerity to always remain at its core.

Najwa: The future is about expanding our reach while staying true to our values. We want to keep evolving, whether through new collections, digital innovation, or supporting designers who inspire us. Our legacy will always be rooted in women, the ones who built Al Boushiya and the ones who wear it. The dialogue between generations will always guide our path forward.