This list celebrates Nine incredible brands from Dubai, all founded and led by inspiring women. From beauty and fashion to coffee and jewelry, these diverse businesses are making their mark on the world, each with a unique story and a passion for excellence. Get ready to discover innovative products, powerful messages, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Dubai’s vibrant scene.
1. Sana Al Makhtoum Fine Jewellery
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.
2. Huda Beauty
Huda Beauty is one of the world’s fastest-growing beauty brands based in the UAE. It was started by Huda, Mona, and Alya Kattan in 2013, when they launched their first collection of false eyelashes under the brand at Sephora in Dubai Mall. The idea for the brand and its first product came about when Huda did not feel satisfied with the lashes available at the time, often customizing them to suit her better. She found that many were willing to buy these custom lashes and was inspired to start her own brand.
3. Apparel Group
Founded by Sima Ganwani Ved in 1996, the apparel group is an international retailer based out of the middle east with a massive global presence through its 2100 stores spread across 14 different countries. Some of the brands under the apparel group are Aeropostale, Nine West, Aldo, Charles & Keith, Tim Hortons, Dune London & Tommy Hilfiger etc.
4. Skin Story
Skin Story is one of our top emerging female-owned businesses in the beauty sector that we’ve come across this year. Founded by two sisters, their products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic, and perfect for sensitive skin. Their innovative products consist of multi-use sticks for lips, eyes, or cheeks, perfect for those who love a natural makeup look with minimal products.
5. Intellect Coffee
This female run brand is the creation of Gabriela Cury, who places a large emphasis on hiring women from all backgrounds from all across the world. Like many other brands, its formation occurred during the pandemic, supplying high-quality blends of coffee as well as machines and equipment. An instant success, you can now get all your coffee needs from intellect coffee, with their coffee-on-wheels experience, their website or at their showroom.
6. Lilo
Gen-Z fashion designer, Leen Mattar, decided to carve out her own unique path after university by launching her brand Lilo in 2022. She debuted her bold and fearless collection, Life After Death, at Dubai Fashion Week and has already caught the eyes of fashion enthusiasts and influencers in the region. Lilo’s Instagram feed is bursting with creative and innovative designs.
7. October 13
Sayka Abbas is a big believer in celebrating every version of yourself as you navigate through your life’s journey. She creatively infused her mindset into a homegrown fine jewellery biz consisting of contemporary collections that serve as a reminder of self-love. We’re obsessed with all the pieces and have major heart eyes for October 13’s Heart of Gold ring.
8. Lojain Omran Fashions
Founded by TV personality Lojain Omran in 2023, the fashion line contains elegant and feminine pieces with tweed pieces that are elevated with feathers and crystals to update the pieces to look modern. The brand philosophy is to create professional and daily wear pieces for elegant women who are looking to stand out from the crowd and wear unique pieces.
9. I Am The Company
A brand born out of the most viral scene from Dubai Bling season 1, was the brain child of Zeina Khoury, real estate maven and business woman who entered the world of fashion upon finding inspiration from an unpleasant moment to do something that would empower women. She creates high performance workout gear and bold statement pieces in formal wear. The mantra of the brand seems to be create a brand new generation of women, brimming with confidence who can take on the world!
These 9 women-owned brands are just a glimpse of the incredible talent and dedication shaping Dubai’s business landscape. From established names to rising stars, they represent a wave of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
