As women continue to support each other, female-led brands continue to grow and expand in this part of the world.
From sophisticated beauty brands to luxe concept stores, the UAE is all about empowering women and celebrating inspiring talent in every field.
As we move into 2023, Emirates Woman has curated a list of female-owned brands in the UAE to support throughout this year and forever after.
Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery
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Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery, the eponymous brand by Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum, first launched in 2020 with the debut collection entitled ‘My Treasure’, which is an ode to Her Highness’ late grandmother, the elder Sheikha Sana. Since then it has gone from strength to strength, with the mantra at the heart of the brand being that a special piece of jewellery tells a unique story and can mark a pivotal moment in an individual’s life. Having been an avid jewellery lover since she was young, Sheikha Sana – who was the cover star for Emirates Woman‘s prestigious April issue ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – previously told us, “Purchasing a piece of jewellery is mostly associated with a special occasion or moment in one’s lives.”
For more information visit sanaalmaktoum.com.
Al Mraikn
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Two Emirati sisters launched abaya brand Al Mraikn in 2011. Since then Maryam & Muna Saeed have emboldened the powerful modern Arab woman through their feminine, elegant yet practical designs. With a loyal client base along with unique and creative touches to their designs, the sisters have a winning formula.
The Edit
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A concept store and gallery based in Dubai, The Edit was founded by Rumana Nazim. Formerly a lawyer, Rumana now offers a simple alternative to the malls. The Jumeriah-based space offers an array of clothing, jewellery, beauty and homeware from both emerging and established brands.
Apotheca Beauty
Founded in 2013 by Kuwaiti sisters Sara, Nora and Dana Al-Ramadhan, they have built a beauty empire based on the premium brands that industry insiders love. Apotheca Beauty, based in both the UAE and Kuwait, is the hub of all things in luxury beauty for the GCC. Their portfolio of brands includes Anastasia Beverly Hills, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Hourglass Cosmetics, Sarah Chapman, Skinceuticals and more.
For more information visit apothecabeauty.com.
The Hundred Wellness Centre
Asma Hilal Lootah is a woman of firsts and has paved the way in the wellness space in the UAE after opening the first fully certified health clinic and wellness centre – The Hundred Wellness Centre – in the country in 2008. With a truly entrepreneurial spirit, it was Asma’s love for Pilates that sparked her to launch The Hundred nine years ago. The centre has now expanded into so many other avenues under the wellness umbrella including rehabilitation, homoeopathy, chiropractic therapies, emotional therapies and life coaching.
For more information visit thehundred.ae.
Shiffa
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Founded by Dr Lamees Hamdan, Shiffa Beauty offers totally natural but highly effective skincare and body care. Dr Lamees’ products aim to heal the skin from within with the brand’s unique Healing Essence™. The essence is a combination of active ingredients in therapeutic concentrations to protect and enhance the skin.
For more information visit shiffa.com.
Bouguessa
After undertaking a degree in English literature, Faiza Bouguessa founded her brand in 2014. Garment designing had always been present in her life from being taught the basics by her grandmother to completing internships whilst in university. The result is a contemporary ready-to-wear label that showcases three times a year. The collections are tailored to a minimalist wardrobe with clean cuts, attention to detail and a focus on silhouettes that support feminine elegance.
For more information visit bouguessa.com.
CTZN Cosmetics
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If you’re prone to scrolling on TikTok then you’re likely to have heard of CTZN Cosmetics. A beauty brand that promises to have a shade for every complexion within each collection and an ethos of enhancing cultural awareness through beauty. CTZN is a brand with a conscience, each product is cruelty-free and vegan and for every purchase, one tree is planted somewhere in the world.
For more information visit ctzncosmetics.com.
Browns & Co
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Friends Fiona Brown and Chloe Walsh launched Browns & Co in a villa in Jumeriah, to offer an array of treatments in a zen environment. From semi-permanent make-up to luxury facials, the salon makes every treatment bespoke and ensures you leave feeling relaxed and looking your best.
For more information visit brownsandco.ae
Kayali
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The UAE-based fragrance brand for founded to delve into the Middle Eastern traditions of perfume layering. Founded by beauty entrepreneurs Huda and Mona Kattan, this exclusive has created popular scents that are loved by many worldwide. Whether the scented vanilla perfume or the staple musk perfume, each ingredient makes this brand truly special. Created with luxe fragrance oils, this cult-favourite brand always spritzes things up with something new.
For more information visit kayalifragrance.com
The Fit Face
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By introducing face yoga in this part of the world, Isadora Peric launched the brand which includes daily use tools to tackle both aesthetic and emotional issues. For relaxing the face, she introduced tools such as the jade roller, the gua sha drainage and other workshops to help her audience improve their facial posture.
For more information visit fitfacemethod.com
Nina Ubhi Cosmetics
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Founded by renowned UAE-based makeup artist Nina Ubhi, her lashes are created for every face and every event. Designed to naturally enhance real lashes, the collection allows customers to achieve beautifully full, natural lashes at home themselves. As her creative artistry and rule-breaking approach have worked in the industry, she continues to be one of the most well-known make-up artists in the region. The lashes are available across several retailers in the region including Ounass, Boutiqaat, Watsons and Apotheca Beauty.
For more information visit ninaubhicosmetics.com
L’Couture
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Founded by Lyndsay Doran in 2019, this luxe activewear label has filled the gap in the athleisure industry here in the region. The brand has also officially received the Kardashian stamp of approval making this UAE athleisure brand one of the most sought after. From workout staples to sophisticated loungewear the options are endless. With two brick-and-mortar stores located in the UAE, it’s situated on Jumeirah road and in JBR.
For more information visit lcouture.com
KJ Serums
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Founded by Kathryn Jones in 2017, the serums have gained immense popularity for their fresh ingredients at an affordable range. Being a gamechanger in the skincare industry here in the industry, each product is made to deliver astounding results with simple yet effective ingredients. By focusing only on serums, this hand-blended skincare brand provides a nourishing formula for all skin types.
For more information visit kjserums.com
The Den Salon
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In 2019, founder and creative director, JaJa Jones opened the aptly named ‘The Den Salon’. Nestled away in Al Barsha the salon offers hair, nail, waxing, brow, lash and massage treatments. JaJa’s began her career in 2003 in Toni & Guy, her work has since been featured in The Beauty World Hall of Fame and Timeout Magazine. Other than hair, Jaja has a passion for spirituality so a visit to The Den also incorporates some positive vibes.
For more information visit thedensalondubai.com.
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