Our Editors-in-Chief, Cynthia from Madame Arabia and Milo from Villa 88 Travel, unveil their favorite travel picks, each imagined, designed, or brought to life by the region’s most inspiring creatives. From statement pieces and elegant accessories to perfumes and timeless essentials, their selections celebrate creativity, culture, and the art of travel.
Cynthia’s Picks:
Bykarenwazen–Tala Sunglasses:
“My Go-to shades, easy, effortless and always chic.”
Founded in Dubai by influencer and entrepreneur Karen Wazen, the brand reflects the UAE’s evolution into a global hub for modern, accessible luxury. Rooted in the city’s fast-paced, style-driven culture, By Karen Wazen blends minimalist design with a distinctly regional perspective, offering pieces that transition effortlessly from everyday life to elevated occasions. With its headquarters in Dubai and a strong presence across the Middle East, the brand embodies a new generation of UAE-based creativity, one that is globally relevant, digitally driven, and deeply connected to the region’s fashion identity.
Viranico–Margot Bucket Bag:
“The Bag that carries it all, without feeling like it.”
Crafted in the heart of Dubai, Viranico reflects the UAE’s growing reputation as a hub for contemporary design and artisanal craftsmanship. Based in Alserkal Avenue, one of the city’s most influential creative districts, the brand blends locally rooted creativity with global standards, producing handmade footwear using premium Italian materials.
Zaia–Loafers
“Classic, comfortable, and made for long days on the move.”
Founded in the UAE by Emirati designer Zainab Abdulla, Zaia is a reflection of the country’s growing emphasis on refined, homegrown craftsmanship. Rooted in Dubai, the brand focuses on timeless design through its signature loafers, each handcrafted locally using premium materials to balance elegance and everyday functionality.
The Giving Movement Set
“My Kind of travel uniform, soft, simple and easy.”
Founded in Dubai, The Giving Movement reflects the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to fashion, where style meets purpose. Built on principles of sustainability and social impact, the brand produces its collections locally, using eco-conscious materials and ethical practices that align with the region’s growing focus on responsible design.
Arcadia by Amna–Infinity Perfume
“A fresh scent i keep reaching for, whenever i land.”
Arcadia by Amna is a niche perfumery brand founded and based in the United Arab Emirates, specifically in Dubai, by Emirati entrepreneur Amna Al Habtoor. The fragrances are homegrown in the UAE and reflect both contemporary design and cultural inspirations tied to the region, with scents often inspired by memories and the heritage of the Gulf. The brand’s flagship presence and creative development are rooted in the UAE’s luxury and lifestyle scene, making it part of the country’s growing niche fragrance landscape.
Dinaia–Hiar oil
“The one i trust to keep my hair soft and shiny.”
Dinaïa is a beauty and haircare brand founded in Dubai, UAE, by entrepreneur Dina Shaban, and is deeply connected to the region’s climate, culture, and beauty traditions. The brand was created in response to the harsh desert environment of the UAE, where dry heat and frizz-inducing conditions inspired the founder to develop vegan, cruelty-free hair and skin oils tailored to the needs of Arab hair and skin types. Dinaïa blends ancestral Arab beauty rituals with modern clean-beauty principles, celebrating natural oils and heritage while being rooted in the UAE’s vibrant wellness and lifestyle scene.
Bex Beauty-Sweet candy Liquid lip
“Always in my bag for smooth lips.”
Bex Beauty is a beauty and makeup brand founded by Emirati singer Balqees Fathi, making it distinctly connected to the United Arab Emirates both in origin and identity. The brand was launched by the UAE-based artist with the aim of creating makeup that suits Arab women’s beauty needs and reflects regional preferences, beginning with a range of foundation shades and expanding into a full line of cosmetics and skincare products. Its headquarters and operations are based in Dubai, UAE, and its products are sold and shipped within the UAE and across the GCC, embedding the brand within the UAE’s growing beauty and lifestyle industry.
Milo’s Picks:
Minimalist–Duffle Bag
“Perfect companion for a weekend.”
Minimalist is a UAE-based and Emirati owned multi-brand retail shop that brings together a variety of products from different brands under one platform, making it a convenient destination for diverse shopping needs in the Emirates. The brand is also known for offering customization services, allowing customers in the UAE to personalize products according to their preferences.
Nadine Kanso–Bil Arabi–Hob Necklace
“Arabic heritage in a modern interpretation.”
Bil Arabi is a luxury jewellery brand founded by designer Nadine Kanso and based in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai). The brand is deeply connected to the UAE as it draws inspiration from Arabic calligraphy, language, and cultural heritage, turning meaningful Arabic words into modern, artistic jewellery pieces. Bil Arabi reflects the UAE’s role as a hub for creativity and luxury design, and it celebrates regional identity while appealing to both local and international audiences. The brand is a strong example of how Emirati and UAE-based designers’ express culture through contemporary fashion and craftsmanship.
Ahlem–GeorgeV-Sunglasses
“Minimal yet bold. A statement piece.”
Ahlem is an eyewear brand founded by Ahlem Manai-Platt, and it has a strong connection to the United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, where it is present in the luxury retail scene. The brand is known for its high-quality, handcrafted eyewear and is sold in select boutiques and concept stores across the UAE, reflecting the country’s position as a global hub for luxury fashion and design. Its presence in the UAE highlights the nation’s diverse retail market, where international premium brands are showcased alongside regional and global designers, catering to a style-conscious and multicultural population.
Tamashee–Meflaqua sandals
“Storytelling with every step you take.”
Tamashee is a UAE-based lifestyle and footwear brand co-founded by Emirati entrepreneur Mohammed Kazimin Dubai. The brand is strongly connected to the UAE as it was created to reimagine traditional Emirati footwear (such as sandals and slippers) in a modern, contemporary way. Tamashee blends local culture and heritage with modern design, making it both culturally rooted and fashion-forward. It also reflects the UAE’s growing creative and entrepreneurial scene, where homegrown brands are redefining traditional concepts for today’s lifestyle while celebrating Emirati identity.
Qasimi–Trousers
“I love their avant-garde and, at the same time, nostalgic feel.”
Qasimi is a luxury fashion brand founded by Emirati designer Khalid Al Qasimi, and it has a strong connection to the United Arab Emirates. The brand is inspired by Middle Eastern culture, politics, and social themes, often reflecting ideas connected to the region’s identity and heritage. Although it has an international presence and is shown at global fashion events, Qasimi is rooted in the UAE through its founder and its cultural inspiration, representing the country’s influence in the global fashion industry and its support for contemporary, thought-provoking design.
Carter&White–Linnen Shirt
“White shirts are my signature piece, even while traveling.”
Carter & White is a UAE-based fashion and lifestyle brand that is part of the country’s growing homegrown retail and e-commerce scene. It is connected to the United Arab Emirates through its operations and presence in the local market, where it offers a variety of products such as clothing, accessories, and lifestyle items. The brand reflects the UAE’s dynamic retail environment, where local businesses combine modern design with accessible shopping experiences to cater to the diverse population in the Emirates.
The Giving Movement–Basic T-shirt
“You can’t have enough of these.”
Zaid Farouki–Custom field jacket
“Impress them straight from the airplane? Pretty much in anything by Zaid Farouki”
Zaid Farouki is a UAE-based designer and brand name connected to the country’s creative and luxury market, particularly in Dubai. His work is associated with the UAE through its presence in the local fashion and lifestyle scene, where products and designs reflect the region’s appreciation for modern, high-quality, and stylish creations. Brands like Zaid Farouki contribute to the UAE’s growing reputation as a hub for homegrown and emerging designers, showcasing local talent within a competitive and international retail environment.
Montroi–Oriental Garden-one&only Royal mirage
“I love bringing a bit of orient with me, whenever I go.”
Montroi is a UAE-based luxury leather goods and lifestyle brand that is strongly connected to the country through its design philosophy and presence in Dubai. The brand is built on values of craftsmanship, authenticity, and travel-inspired design, which align with the UAE’s position as a global hub for travel and luxury. Montroi works with skilled artisans across regions such as Marrakech, Jaipur, and Italy, while maintaining its identity and operations in the UAE, reflecting the country’s role as a meeting point of global cultures. Its focus on high-quality, durable, and timeless products mirrors the UAE’s appreciation for refined, premium lifestyle brands that emphasize both tradition and modern elegance.
