• 5 minute read
  • July 15, 2026
Roots to Routes

The Emirati Brands Making a Case for a Home-Grown Travel Wardrobe, This Summer.

Words by Lindsay Judge

As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to look closer to home for pieces that will define your holiday wardrobe. From lightweight clothing and comfortable and comfortable footwear to versatile jewellery that’s easy to pack, these Emirati-founded brands offer thoughtfully designed pieces that are ideal for summer escapes.

Clothing

By Amal

By Amal

Designed with summer travel in mind, By Amal’s abayas combine lightweight fabrics with fluid silhouettes. Ideal for warm climates, the pieces are easy to wear from day to night and pair well with loose trousers, maxi dresses, or two-piece resort sets. The latest collection sports a light-hued colour palette with soft details perfect for summer trips. “Our abayas are designed with summer travel in mind, using lightweight fabrics that move effortlessly with you. Each piece blends comfort and elegance, keeping you cool without compromising on style. It’s travelwear that feels as beautiful as it looks,” says founder Amal Alarif.

Onori

Onori

ONORI’s Pre-Summer ’26 collection embraces soft florals, fluid silhouettes, and lightweight fabrics, ideal for warm-weather destinations. “The collection is defined by soft, feminine florals that beautifully complement summer destinations,” says founder Sharifa AlHashemi. “Pieces transition effortlessly from day to evening, perfect for post-beach moments or elevated for dinner.”

By Hashmi

Emirati womenswear label By HASHMI offers timeless separates designed to be paired with classic pieces. The latest collection features lightweight linens, pyjama-style loungewear and relaxed abayas that are perfect for a summer trip. Great for wearing under abayas or on long journeys, the pieces’ versatility allows travellers to pack fewer items while maintaining a refined style throughout their trip.

Evada

Evada 

Evada’s designs are perfect for long travel days or even relaxed evenings in your suite. “For me, summer travel style is about ease without compromise – pieces that move with you, adapt across destinations, and still feel elevated,” says founder Dr Moza S. “The Voyage Set was designed with travel in mind – lightweight, breathable, and effortless to wear from long flights to city arrivals.”

Accessories 

Zaia

Zaia

Summer travel requires footwear that is both stylish and, long-lasting, and ZAIA’s Classic Loafers offer an effortlessly refined solution that’s comfortable enough for long days without compromising on elegance. ZAIA’s summer collection introduces a pop of pink, adding vibrancy to any ensemble. Designed to complement multiple looks throughout a trip, the Classic Loafers are guaranteed to become a reliable travel essential.

Thara

Thara 

THARA’s ballerina flats are ideal for long travel days and city exploration. Crafted from breathable natural leathers, they offer both practicality and understated style. “THARA was never designed to follow a season,” says founder Meera AlOtaiba. “It was created to hold a feeling of quiet strength – something that stays.” Lightweight and supportive, the flats are a timeless option for summer travel wardrobes.

Bags

Aimée Moreau

Aimée Moreau

Aimée Moreau’s sculptural leather bags are designed for everyday use, making them particularly suited to long days of exploration. Crafted in small batches, the structured silhouettes balance minimalism with practicality. “As an Emirati designer, it was important to create a brand that feels rooted here but speaks to women everywhere,” says founder Noura Alqemzi. The bags’ understated tones and architectural shapes make them easy to pair with multiple outfits throughout a summer trip.

Odeem

Odeem 

Travel during the hotter months calls for accessories you can rely on, and Odeem’s hand-crafted leather bags offer a refined solution. Founded by Emirati designer Fatma AlOtaiba, the brand focuses on a modern, understated approach to accessories. From the structured elegance of the Mini Duffle Bag in calf leather to the laid-back appeal of the Carry Canvas Granulated Ring Clutch, each design delivers versatility for summer itineraries.

Jewellery

Toi Fine Jewelry

Toi Fine Jewelry

Toi Fine Jewelry offers lightweight pieces that are instantly recognisable. With an eye-catching star motif, the brand’s creations will add a touch of sparkle to any look without feeling heavy or over-styled – perfect for laid-back getaways. “TOi Fine Jewelry is sparkle that reminds you of your own uniqueness…encouraging you to be fully yourself wherever you are,” says founder Aisha Bin Hendi.

Noora Shawqi

Noora Shawqi

When travelling, packing jewellery that can be worn in multiple ways is a must. Noora Shawqi’s designs are designed to be stacked and layered, allowing travellers to build multiple looks without over-packing. “The jewellery is lightweight, easy to wear, and versatile, which makes it perfect for summer travel,” says the eponymous founder. “A few essentials go a long way.” The brand’s new reversible Mosaic designs,with their playful colour combinations, offer multiple styling options in a single piece.

Shams Fine Jewellery

Shams Fine Jewellery 

Shams Fine Jewellery was inspired by the founders’ own summer escapes, so it perfectly captures the spirit of warm-weather travel. “Shams was created from the magic of summer escapes, the glow of the sun, the salt in the air, the pull of the sea,” reveal founders Alyazya and Afra Humaid Alshamsi. Coral-inspired designs and sunlit tones make the brand’s pieces particularly suited to beach destinations and summer wardrobes.

Beauty

OLAH Haircare

OLAH Haircare

OLAH Haircare, an Emirati brand, founded by Alia Al Marzooqi, offers a range of products perfect for Arab hair. Inspired by Alia’s grandmother’s traditional haircare rituals, the brand uses all-natural products designed to nourish and protect hair in warm climates. “OLAH Haircare is rooted in Emirati heritage and crafted with natural ingredients that support healthy, effortless hair,” says Alia. “For summer travel, our products are designed to keep your hair nourished, hydrated and manageable, no matter the climate.”

Lootah Perfumes

Lootah Perfumes 

Any travel during the summer calls for fragrances that feel light, refreshing and effortlessly elegant. Lootah Perfumes’ newest scent, Titan, captures exactly that mood. Blending crisp citrus and ginger with soft florals, it feels clean and uplifting, making it ideal for warm destinations, beach escapes, and city breaks.

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