● Eclectic mix of youth-driven and homegrown brands have been hand-picked for a shopping experience that cannot be found in any mall
● Event offers brands four-years-old and less a one-of-a-kind opportunity for exposure and forging connections with the local community
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 6 January, 2023: With a focus on supporting up-and-coming talent, and offering a platform to regional designers and retailers, Dubai Shopping Festival’s (DSF’s) eclectic outdoor pop-up market Etisalat MOTB offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to discover fresh brands and emerging culinary concepts. But more than that, it also provides a perfect springboard for up-and-coming local businesses and brands.
Now in its 11th edition, the market is a much-anticipated annual event that only gets better with every year. Opening yesterday (5 January) and running through to 14 January 2024, the DSF pop-up concept has evolved to become bigger and better with each edition, and will once take over a 17.7 sqm space in Dubai Design District (d3). As the city’s hub of creativity and design, the location provides an aptly buzzing backdrop for vendors to be part of a melting pot of one-of-a-kind experiences – from unique shopping experiences and gastronomic treats, to immersive activities and live performances.
Not your typical shopping destination, Etisalat MOTB aims to provide a youth-driven platform for fascinating discoveries and hidden gems that cannot be found at the mall, including pre-loved vintage treasures, handmade homeware, limited-line fashion designs, and handmade ethical jewellery that visitors can explore and enjoy.
Central to Etisalat MOTB’s success is its carefully curated selection of vendors, who are hand-picked to ensure a totally unique offering, giving vital visibility to emerging talent within the region, especially for young designers and small businesses. Only brands which have been in the market for four years or less are considered for a space at the pop-up, and those selected change with each and every edition, ensuring it always remains focussed on nurturing new businesses. Not only does this provide a unique perspective for visitors, but it also helps forge a bond with the community by recognising the essential role that homegrown brands play in nurturing the identity of Dubai and the wider region.
The eclectic mix of young brands at Etisalat MOTB
This year, with its most diverse selection of vendors yet, the event is supporting more brands than ever before. With a wide range of vendors such as 90s Memories Club, 90z Kids Club, Adore Sand, Alnihaya, Cléio & Co, E3K Jewellery, Horrible Pear, Jokes Aside, Lurk in Shrubs, Odis Studio, Pamuke, Rai The Label, Rewind Apparel, SWEY, The Purple Tag, TOPVIBES and Upcoming, Etisalat MOTB is teeming with unique deals and trendy finds just waiting to be discovered.
We spoke to some of these small business owners to discover what their presence at Etisalat MOTB means for their business…
Homegrown jewellery brand ODIS specialises in contemporary, clean-shaped jewellery which is all made locally in their Abu Dhabi studio from 100 percent recycled materials. Commenting on the brand’s presence at the market, founder Andreea Andres, said: “As a start-up, ODIS really values opportunities like this to provide vital exposure for our brand and products. Participating in Etisalat MOTB perfectly aligns with our goal to be seen as an emerging jewellery brand, making it an ideal platform for us. Events like Etisalat MOTB are vital, offering a stage for local and small brands. They weave connections, fostering support for businesses like ours. Choosing to shop locally is a powerful endorsement of creativity and craftsmanship, and the festival’s focus on regional brands amplifies this impact.”
Nada Arrweidi from Cleio & Co, a recently-launched fashion brand based in Dubai, echoes the statement. “Participating in the Etisalat MOTB offers an amazing opportunity to showcase our collection and directly interact with our customers,” she said. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Dubai Shopping Festival for this event, and we believe this partnership will enhance our connection with consumers, providing them with a memorable experience. Despite being new to the market, we’ve already garnered a tremendous response from our customers – and events such as this help further propel our brand,” she added.
Another young business excited to have a presence at Etisalat MOTB is Adore Sand, which specialises in vegan sand wax candles. “Participating in this extraordinary event is remarkable for us,” said founder Anna Nikolaeva. “Being a part of this local community is not just an opportunity but an absolute honour,” she added. Adore Sand is a brand that was designed to reflect the natural beauty and tranquillity of the UAE and its deserts. The products offer visitors a real chance to embrace an essence of the local landscape, from the fine desert-inspired Sand Wax, to the long-lasting flame which embodies the ancient Bedouin camps of times gone by.
Premium sneaker label BIRUKI was founded in the UAE and will be showcasing its high-quality everyday essentials, active streetwear, and a new line of organic fashion pieces at Etisalat MOTB. Its roots firmly in the UAE, BIRUKI is the Emirati word for “Barakah” in Arabic, a name which captures the essence of being blessed. “Our UAE local brand takes pride in staying connected to the rich culture and roots of the region, just like Etisalat, one of the esteemed companies in the UAE,” said founder Maryam Altaf. “When we saw Etisalat was partnering with MOTB, we recognised a shared vision and knew that joining forces would lead to a successful collaboration. Etisalat, with its long-standing presence in the UAE, exemplifies a commitment to excellence and innovation. BIRUKI resonates with this philosophy and strives to incorporate it into our own brand identity. By aligning with Etisalat, BIRUKI aims to showcase a mutual understanding of the importance of tradition, culture, and progress in the UAE.”
Maryam added that by becoming a part of MOTB, her brand would gain access to a vast network of consumers who are passionate about urban fashion and footwear, adding that MOTB’s diverse community of fashion enthusiasts provides an ideal target audience for BIRUKI’s unique streetwear and sneaker offerings. “By joining MOTB, BIRUKI gains access to endless opportunities for growth, brand recognition, and reaching a wider audience of fashion-forward individuals who value quality and trendsetting designs,” said Maryam.
The Kaho Brand specialises in clothing made from eco-friendly materials and produced using ethical practices. Commenting on being part of the event, Founder Andy Kaho Cheung said: “Partnering with MOTB provides our brand with a fresh opportunity to showcase our products to a wider audience in the UAE market. With our roots in the UAE, we take immense pride in both crafting our products locally and supporting other businesses in the region. Our achievements reflect the dedication to our community, and we stand proudly as a homegrown brand.”
A key pillar of The Kaho Brand is their sustainable credentials, which they say go hand-in-hand with living a more positive life. “By creating comfortable and stylish comfort wear that is made from eco-friendly materials and produced with ethical practices, we are not only taking care of the planet, but also contributing to a more positive and mindful lifestyle,” added Andy.
The mother-and-daughter designer duo who together launched RAÏ the label, also say they were eager to be involved in the market to help with exposure for their fashion brand, and are launching their new collection at the market. “The excitement and widespread recognition associated with Etisalat MOTB support our aspirations for increased brand visibility amongst the local community,” said co-founder Ghalia Gharbawi. “I am delighted that I could be part of this established and well-known event,” she added. RAÏ stands out for its sustainability, notably through the use of block print, an eco-friendly technique that minimizes environmental impact by using natural dyes and reducing water consumption.
Pliê Eyewear will be bringing its innovative and sustainable products to the pop-up market. “Our participation in Etisalat MOTB offers an opportunity to connect with a diverse audience,” said Josi Machado, CEO, Pliê Eyewear. “Pliê Eyewear is unique in that we offer a sustainable and luxury experience at affordable prices, which is the result of the Brazilian passion for fashion, sustainability, and inclusion. With Etisalat MOTB by our side, we are ready to spread this message to women of all cultures.”
With a focus on youth-driven brands, MOTB is set to welcome younger UAE residents and visitors, and vintage brand 90s Memories is a brand which celebrates the culture of the 1990s and 1980s and takes its customers on a trip down memory lane with vintage clothing and fashions featuring cartoon characters. “We wanted to participate and be part of the MOTB event to spread the word about our young business in order to spread the love amongst our generation,” said the company’s founder.
What else to expect at Etisalat MOTB
In between exploring the stalls, a packed schedule of live entertainment, music and dance performances, competitions, and kids’ activities will keep visitors to Etisalat MOTB entertained from day to night.
Don’t miss the ultra-cool Emarat Gen – Z Bubble Installation with a retro Insta-worthy backdrop of old petrol dispensers, or get immersed into the online world at the Gamers Hub in the dedicated E-gaming zone. Look forward to incredible performances by talented artists as a part of Tunes DXB on 6 January 2024 with Al Taj, along with skilled festival DJ’s every day. Basketball fans can also check out the Emarat SlamJam for some sporty fun.
Wanting to keep the kids busy? Check out Wild Paint which will see artists get busy with the brushes and sponges to transform faces with imaginative designs such as animals, fantasy and storybook characters. Show off your best moves and groves and flaunt your rhythm at the Dance Battle on 13 -14 January 2024 and don’t miss the Rap Olympics on 11 January 2024 to watch rappers go head-to-head to test the best lyrics and flow in this ultimate hip-hop battle.
Fashionistas can visit the all-new Fenty Beauty Drive In, in the parking lot to get your shade matched, snag the best products, and enjoy an exclusive sneak peek at upcoming launches by the global brand created by superstar Rihanna. Who knows, you might even score some extra Fenty goodies along the way.
Food trucks and foodie concepts such as Casa Pons, Club Mochi, Dynamitoz, Fritz, Mamacita, Mamafri, Mama Rama, Not So Guilty, Oddo’s Burgers, Rare, Rosa’s Thai, SMiZE & DREAM, Streetery, Tiger Sugar, Vietnamese Foodies, as well as an experiential café designer IRDK for Insta-worthy shots, will keep guests fuelled through the day.
Etisalat MOTB is open on Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 10pm, Friday from 4pm to 12am, and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 12am.
Dubai Shopping Festival is supported by Key Sponsor Jumbo and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Seef, Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, Bluewaters, Citywalk, Emirates Airline, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Etisalat by e&, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart 2, Palm West Beach, Nakheel Mall and The View), The Beach and The Outlet Village.
Experience exceptional entertainment and adventures for all, every day, in a city like no other, with the 29th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival. Running until 14 January 2024, see the city at its best during the most wonderful time of the year and enjoy Dubai’s perfect winter weather. Adventures are waiting to be discovered in every corner – from enchanting experiences to out of this world entertainment – each and every day, for 38 days. And of course, Dubai Shopping Festival promises the very best in retail experiences – with sales, discounts, pop-up markets featuring homegrown exclusives, high street favourites, the ultimate in luxury and a variety of retail offerings, with something for everyone.
To explore all that Dubai Shopping Festival has to offer, check out Visit Dubai and @CelebrateDubai, @DSFMarkets and @StyledbyDubai on social media channels.
