As the fight against racial injustice continues across the world, showing solidarity to the cause is crucial and defining. Apart from signing online petitions and making donations, one aspect you have direct control over is how you spend your money. A responsible way to support people of color is to shop at the UAE-based businesses owned by them. And here’s our edit of 5 such ventures that offer great service and merit your attention.
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Based in Dubai, Boon Coffee is an organic specialty cafe, providing the finest and most skillfully roasted Arabica coffee beans. It was founded by Ethiopian Orit Mohammed, who hails from a generation of coffee farmers in Harar, where coffee trading first began. The business has 3 retail outlets in the emirate.
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A multimedia content platform that started off as a podcast, Dukkan Show is a member of the Dukkan Media family. It’s female-owned and led by hosts with Arabian and Asian roots. The podcast surveys the concept of belonging, and what it means to be a third-culture kid, with some of the region’s most relatable and recognized individuals joining as guests.
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Kiza is a renowned authentic Pan-African restaurant. The fine-dining concept is the vision of Dubai-based Nigerian entrepreneur, Lukman Akanbi, who brings the colors and flavors of Africa to the UAE, with signature dishes such as pan-fried tilapia, ground mango stew, awaze tibs, mandazi.
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Afrofit is a high-intensity cardio workout in Afrobeats. Co-founded by Christian Nji, Afrofit Dubai blends fitness with fun, offering African dance and workout sessions on gripping beats.
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Dubai’s first holistic kitchen with African roots, Catfish Dubai specializes in delectable cuisine from the continent. It was founded by Nigerian entrepreneur Gbemi Giwa and launched in 2018.
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The brainchild of Nandi B, a New York City-native living in Dubai, ModBeautyKeeper is the world’s first hijab make-up protector. The beauty tool is entirely handmade and designed to prevent staining. The brand has pledged 100% of its sales in June towards supporting the Black Lives Matter movement by supporting The National Bail Fund Network in New York.
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Founded by Nancy Twine, the youngest African-American to launch a product line at Sephora, Briogeo is a clean hair product line that was rolled out in 2013. The brand’s products are sold at retail stores including Sephora and Nordstorm and can be purchased online at Sephora.ae as well.
Cover image credit: @Wishtrend
