Top Local Brands to Watch from the UAE in 2025
Sunday, 15 June 2025
The United Arab Emirates has long been a land of ambition, innovation, and entrepreneurial energy. While it’s often recognized for hosting global powerhouses and luxury brands, a new generation of homegrown businesses is reshaping the regional and international marketplace. From fashion to food, fintech to hospitality, these UAE-born brands are pushing boundaries and earning the spotlight.
Here’s a closer look at the top local UAE brands to watch in 2025 — companies that are not only thriving but redefining what it means to be “Made in the UAE.”
Table of Contents
- Project Chaiwala
- Switch Foods
- MyFarm Dubai
- Yalla Group
- Al Ain Water
- The Giving Movement
- Arabian Oud – The Prestige of Authentic Arabian Scents
- Tamashee – Where Emirati Heritage Meets Footwear Artistry
- Ounass – Homegrown Luxury by Al Tayer Group (UAE)
- Namshi – UAE’s Go-To Destination for Online Fashion
- Why UAE Brands Are Going Global
- Frequently asked questions
Project Chaiwala
Industry: Food & Beverage
Founded in: Dubai, UAE
Born as a nostalgic tribute to South Asian street tea culture, Project Chaiwala has reinvented the humble cup of chai for modern urban spaces. The brand serves a fusion of karak, saffron, and matcha teas in funky outlets that mix tradition with modern design. Its success has made it a staple in UAE malls and cultural hubs.
Why :
- Strong local brand identity
- Expanding across UAE and GCC
- Known for experiential store design and branding
Switch Foods
Industry: Plant-Based Food Tech
Founded in: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Touted as the UAE’s answer to Beyond Meat, Switch Foods is a homegrown plant-based meat producer. Their lab-developed proteins are made to cater specifically to Middle Eastern tastes — think kofta, kebabs, and shawarma, all meat-free.
Why :
- First of its kind in the UAE
- Backed by Abu Dhabi’s sustainable food strategy
- Targeting regional and global food security goals
MyFarm Dubai
Industry: AgriTech & Sustainability
Founded in: Dubai, UAE
As the UAE moves toward sustainable agriculture, MyFarm Dubai stands out for its community-supported farming model. It empowers families to grow their own organic food in the desert using hydroponic and aquaponic systems.
Why :
- Strong alignment with UAE’s green agenda
- Educational programs for kids and schools
- Expanding into wellness and organic retail
Yalla Group
Industry: Technology – Social Media & Gaming
Founded in: UAE
Yalla is the Middle East’s answer to Clubhouse and online gaming platforms. This UAE-born social audio app focuses on group chat rooms for Arabic-speaking users. It has rapidly grown among youth across the region and is publicly listed on the NYSE.
Why :
- First UAE tech unicorn to go public
- Dominant in regional social audio market
- Expanding into gaming and virtual events
Al Ain Water
Industry: FMCG – Bottled Water
Founded in: Al Ain, UAE
While not new, Al Ain Water is a legacy brand that’s evolving rapidly. Owned by Agthia Group, it is now focused on sustainable packaging and low-sodium water variants, staying ahead in a competitive market.
Why :
- National brand with strong distribution
- Innovative sustainability push (plant-based bottles)
- Increased exports to regional markets
Top Emirati Brands To Shop In
The Giving Movement
Industry: Sustainable Fashion
Founded in: Dubai, UAE
One of the most disruptive fashion brands from the region, The Giving Movement blends style with sustainability. Created with the mission to produce ethical streetwear, all items are made from eco-friendly fabrics such as recycled PET and organic bamboo. The brand also donates AED 15 from every purchase to charity, supporting causes across education, healthcare, and more.
Why :
- Rapid international growth
- Strong ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) credentials
- Appeals to conscious Gen Z and millennial consumers
Arabian Oud – The Prestige of Authentic Arabian Scents
A global ambassador of Arabic perfumery, Arabian Oud is one of the most iconic Emirati-founded fragrance houses. Known for its powerful, long-lasting scents rooted in oud, musk, amber, and floral notes, the brand captures the UAE’s deep heritage in perfumery. Its elegant glass bottles and luxurious packaging reflect timeless sophistication, making it a favorite for weddings, cultural celebrations, and collectors.
Why it stands out:
- Rich, traditional fragrance profiles with global appeal
- Premium, natural ingredients for long-lasting wear
- Perfect gifting option wrapped in elegant, collector-worthy packaging
Pro Tip: Apply on pulse points for a warm, evolving scent throughout the day.
Tamashee – Where Emirati Heritage Meets Footwear Artistry
Tamashek is redefining luxury footwear in the region by blending heritage with high fashion. Each pair is handcrafted with premium materials and inspired by traditional Emirati design elements. The brand is committed to preserving cultural narratives through unique patterns, artisanal detailing, and historical symbolism—all while maintaining a modern, stylish edge.
Why it stands out:
- Handcrafted footwear with cultural storytelling
- Combines tradition and innovation for modern Emiratis
- Ideal for gifting and collectors who value design heritage
Pro Tip: Wear with traditional attire or neutral modern outfits to highlight the craftsmanship.
Ounass – Homegrown Luxury by Al Tayer Group (UAE)
Ounass redefines online luxury shopping in the Middle East. Created by UAE’s Al Tayer Group, the platform curates premium fashion, accessories, and home décor from both global and regional designers. Ounass delivers a highly polished experience with elegant packaging, concierge-style delivery, and two-hour shipping in select areas.
Why it stands for:
- Exclusive Designer Selection: Access to top-tier fashion labels, some available only in the UAE.
- VIP Services: Personal styling and exclusive previews for loyal shoppers.
- Premium Local Execution: Elevates local e-commerce with luxury at its core.
Namshi – UAE’s Go-To Destination for Online Fashion
Namshi has carved out a space as one of the leading e-commerce platforms for fashion in the UAE. Offering a stylish blend of Emirati and international labels, it caters to the country’s diverse fashion needs—from streetwear to premium collections. Namshi’s user-friendly app, lightning-fast delivery, and regular sales have made it a daily stop for trend-savvy shoppers across the Emirates.
Why it stands out:
- Curated Fashion Mix: Features everything from local designers to major global brands.
- Speedy Delivery Options: Same-day and next-day delivery services across the UAE.
- Ongoing Sales & Flash Deals: Keeps fashion affordable with regular promotions, exclusive UAE-only discounts, and loyalty rewards.
Why UAE Brands Are Going Global
The success of these brands isn’t accidental — it’s driven by:
- Strong government support for startups and innovation
- Free zones and business-friendly policies
- Access to top logistics and tech infrastructure
- A multinational consumer base eager for both luxury and sustainability
As the UAE continues to position itself as a global innovation hub, its local brands are stepping confidently onto the world stage. These businesses are rewriting the narrative of what UAE entrepreneurship looks like — balancing heritage with innovation, and tradition with disruption.
If you’re an investor, consumer, or brand enthusiast, keep an eye on these rising stars. They’re not just shaping the UAE market; they’re poised to impact global trends in fashion, food, tech, and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes a brand a “local UAE brand”?
A local UAE brand is a business that was founded in the United Arab Emirates, often by Emirati entrepreneurs or long-time UAE residents. These brands are typically registered and headquartered in the UAE and reflect the region’s values, culture, or innovation.
Are UAE brands only popular locally, or do they have international reach?
Many local UAE brands have expanded internationally or have plans to go global. Brands like The Giving Movement, Emirates, and Kamal Osman Jamjoom Group have gained attention beyond the UAE for their quality, innovation, and strong identity.
Which sectors are UAE brands thriving in the most?
UAE homegrown brands are thriving across various sectors, including fashion, food & beverage, beauty, wellness, tech, e-commerce, and sustainable innovation.
Are local UAE brands sustainable or eco-friendly?
Yes, many modern UAE brands are built with sustainability at their core. For example, The Giving Movement uses eco-friendly materials, and brands like Kava & Chai focus on ethical sourcing and waste reduction.
Can tourists or expats support these UAE brands?
Absolutely! Many UAE-born brands have physical stores in malls, cafes across the city, and offer e-commerce options with international shipping, making them accessible to tourists and expats alike.
How can I discover more upcoming local brands in the UAE?
Keep an eye on local startup events, Dubai SME listings, and regional exhibitions like GITEX or Gulf Food. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok also showcase many emerging UAE-based entrepreneurs and their brands.
Why are UAE brands gaining more attention in 2025?
With government support for entrepreneurship, tax benefits in free zones, and a booming digital economy, UAE brands are now better equipped to scale and innovate. 2025 marks a turning point for many to emerge as global contenders.
