We are all guilty of being extremely passionate about certain things at some point of our lives. And as the world is obsessing over the Pokemon Go trend at the moment, let’s have a look at some of most popular trends that gripped the local Emirati community in the past few years:
1. Abaya designing
At one point almost all young Emirati ladies wanted to become abaya designers, especially after the appearance of modern and chic abaya brands such as DAS and Mauzan.
2. CrossFit
This sport became so popular among Emirati men and even women in the past three years that many CrossFit gyms are actually owned by locals. Emiratis became so good at this demanding sport that they now participate in regional and international CrossFit competitions. Not all obsessions are bad after all!
3. Owning a Mercedes-Benz G Class
Since it became Sheikh Mohammed’s got-to car, Emiratis followed suit. It is a perfectly normal sight to see at least seven G Class vehicles next to you at a Jumeirah road traffic light, with chill Emiratis inside them of course.
4. Hanging out in PappaRoti Cafe
When it first opened back in 2009, this cafe became the favorite spot for Emiratis to hang out and satisfy their chocolate and sweets cravings. The famous bun the cafe offers also became the most desired thing on the menu. Today, it’s still a favorite but it faces competition from other cool cafes in places like Cit Walk and BoxPark.
5. Lotus
From Lotus biscuits to lotus flavored shakes and spreads… anything with the Lotus Biscoff became an instant hit on the taste palette of Emiratis. But who can blame them, these sugary, buttery things taste really good!
6. Home businesses
Social media helped transformed many people into entrepreneurs who operate businesses from the comfort of their own homes, and Emiratis are no exception. The UAE‘s Instagram realm is rich with pages dedicated to home businesses from cupcakes and catering to online boutiques and jewelry shops.
7. Traveling to Azerbaijan
This small country is taking over London and Vienna as the new favourite travel destination for Emiratis. It is much cooler now to take selfies in Baku than at London’s Knightsbridge.