Dubai: Dubai Shopping Festival’s flagship alternative shopping destination, Etisalat Market OTB, is back and wowing the crowds in its ninth successive edition at its seasonal home at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai.  Open daily until 30 December, this week is your last chance to indulge in some shopping, food and festive fun, all while supporting Emirati and UAE-based entrepreneurs and discovering unique fashion and flavours from dozens of homegrown brands.  

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Name: Aisha Saeed Harib, 32 

Outlet: Social Bandage 

Background: Social Bandage was founded on the belief that business can be a force for good and that the single actions of individual people, collectively, have the power to make a better place. Social Bandage is an online eco-friendly concept store that focuses on collaboration and impact on mitigating plastic waste. Our products and drinks are designed to tell our story. 

Etisalat Market OTB experience: We loved the vibes at the market. The community is diversified and has a great network. 

Name: Lina Mane, 42 

Outlet: L’mane 

Background: As a contemporary luxury brand playing with the vibrancy of colour and fun of prints, L’Mane has been dedicated to creating pieces that stand out for their unique look. 

Etisalat Market OTB experience: Market OTB has given me the opportunity to showcase my talent and meet customers from all avenues of life, further catapulting my brand to success. 

Name: Afra Alabdulla  

Outlet: Afra 

Background: My company is a fashion designing house named Dar Afra Alabdulla. It started as a family business in 2003, and used to be called Gathercole Atelier. We do all kinds of women’s wear in haute couture, and we have a ready to wear line  called GLAAMUP. I am also a fashion teacher for fashion illustration at the Dubai Women’s Association. 

Etisalat Market OTB experience: I have been a local Emarati fashion designer based in Dubai since 2004, and am the first Emarati girl to graduate from Milano in haute couture  women's wear. It’s my second year. In MOTB, and it’s a great experience. The organisers are professional and wonderful people. 

Name: Valeria Baigacheva 

Outlet: Ekadot Boutique 

Background: Ekadot is inspired by Asian tradition style twisted with modern fabrics and creative cuts. The style is modern, architectural, it is fashionable yet simplified. All fabrics are made with natural fibers 100% premium linen or Silk. Each piece is uniquely created in Dubai. Inspired by the Japanese kimono combining elegance with comfort. 

Etisalat Market OTB Experience: Ekadot Boutique participates in MOTB every year and it’s an amazing and festive experience as always. Absolutely great family place to go to, with daily performing shows, various options of food and of course the market with different designer goods! 

Name: Anika Agarwal, 32  

Outlet: Amolika by Anika 

Background: It's been five years since I started this brand with the aim in mind to get fashion in a sustainable way. People want to get street fashion and want to be up there in the fashion industry, and carry leather bags and such. I thought I wanted to provide them with the same fashion in a much more sustainable manner. We changed the fabric from leather to jute, which is made from plants - it stays as it is for 20 years, it's biodegradable, it's sustainable, it's organic, it's vegan. Our hand embroideries are beautiful, unique and one of a kind, we don't copy anyone, we don't follow anyone. We're trying here to create a niche market of our own for people who actually value sustainable elements and don't care for labels, but value what they're wearing. 

Etisalat Market OTB Experience: Dubai has so many multinational citizens, people from all over the world. Coming to DSF, it's my first time.  

Name: Issa Elhaj  

Outlet: Wasted Youth 

Background: Wasted Youth™ is defined by its clean and minimal aesthetic, exclusive drops and collaborations bring artful essentials that compliment all styles and individualities. Wasted Youth™ is Palestinian-Canadian owned apparel company ethically produced in Dubai, with a registered trademark in Canada and the U.S. The inspiration behind the name draws on missed opportunities as a youth, although time was wasted, it is never too late to begin again, rewrite your story and attain or achieve things you've always wanted to. The name also plays on misconceptions in society and judgmental false labels, at first glance the name may be perceived to promote indulgence amongst youth but as explained earlier it's quite the contrary.  

Etisalat Market OTB Experience: Our experience in MOTB has been great so far, exposure and footfall are the highlights. The location in the heart of everything makes it even better, surrounded by iconic landmarks and shopping centres we're sure to partake again in the near future. 

FOOD & BEVERAGE 

Name: Yazan Ala Atari, 21 

Outlet: Mihbash Bubbles 

Background: Mihbash Bubble Tea is a chain of Food trucks and stores that specialize in providing a modern and contemporary twist on the original and classic drinks of bubble tea, coffee and smoothies. Even though Mihbash is fairly young, opening in February 2021, its name has gained a famed reputation across the United Arab Emirates, through a strong and young customer base. It is a family owned business and has created a very strong community presence in its multiple locations! 

Etisalat Market OTB experience: The MOTB branch has been one of the most incredible events that Mihbash attended, from the exciting Burj Khalifa backdrop, to the amazing live performances, it has been an honor to be a part of such well managed and planned event that attracted all ages to come shop, dine and enjoy! 

Name: Andreas Montero 

Outlet: Lamba 

Background: Lamba is a home grown brand, specializing in desserts with a twist. Our motto is "More than just desserts."  

Etisalat Market OTB experience: After a long time with Covid-19 restrictions and the pandemic, it has been great to once again be able to showcase our brand at MOTB. MOTB has been a great exposure for our brand, as there have been quite a lot of tourists and visitors that might normally not go to food festivals - here we got the opportunity to also reach out to them.  

Name: Mohamed Abdelwahid Fikri 

Outlet: Zaleej 

Background: Zaleej Ice Pops was established in 2012 with 100% Emirati ownership. We mainly make Italian gelato ice pops, including other products such as mojitos, coffees, Croffle and brownies. We are using natural ingredients and have 2 branches in the UAE: Khorfakkan and Kalba. 

Etisalat Market OTB experience: It was our first time to participate in MOTB. It is a great chance to be there near the highest tower in the world, surrounded by the festival vibes. The visitors are so happy, and surely our ice pops are a great addition to the festival. 

Name: Hessa Khansaheb, 26 

Outlet: Trouvaille 

Background: Trouvaille, a lucky find! Trouvaille is based on French Lebanese cuisine that is part of Khansaheb lifestyle. Inspired by two exquisite and favored cuisines, the menu intertwines classic, gourmet and comforting French and Lebanese dishes with an unparalleled infusion of creativity and imagination that bring the art of dining to life. We specialize in modern fusion cuisines and offer gourmet food at an affordable price point. 

Etisalat Market OTB experience: OTB was a great opportunity to put Trouvaille out there and be exposed to many people from all around the UAE. We thought it was the best place to feature our specialized items to the public. 

Name: Riad Dibajeh, 29 

Outlet: Crave Cafe 

Background: During the pandemic lockdown of spring 2020, staying at home had become unbearable, and as a way to pass time and entertainment I started playing around with the science of baking and found a deep passion for it. Losing my 9 to 5 job as a civil engineer was a relief, as I felt that I have found my true calling to focus on creating a small business that gives me the freedom to experiment and be creative. Thus, Crave Box was born. I wanted to provide a box of little sweet cravings that just made you feel happy and loved. Alongside my baking, I have decided to invite one of my closest friends who is obsessed with coffee and is pretty good at it too, to join me, as our creations complement each other so seamlessly. It’s been over a year now and I haven't looked back ever since. 

Etisalat Market OTB experience: Since we started, we mainly focused on deliveries through Instagram, and catering at a few private events. However, my partner and I started joining pop up markets in January earlier this year, as we believe the best way for us to improve and grow is to personally connect with our customers. MOTB has introduced a new type of audience to us, with not only locals or residents visiting but a vast number of tourists that share ideas with us and are impressed with the support we have received to be part of a big market such as MOTB. We have learned so much from our customers and want to share what we love doing with them as we consider them an essential part of our growth. 

Name: Ahmad Almuhassin, 28 

Outlet: IYKYK 

Background: “IYKYK coffee is currently based at Villa Aumedan, a concept store and a full scale flower studio. Coffee culture is major in the UAE, however IYKYK coffee, which stands for “If you know, you know” is as mysterious and unique as its name. Every month IYKYK collaborates with emerging Emirati and international brands to widen its creative journey whilst supporting and pushing talents. 

The specialty coffee culture is tremendously demanding, people are eager and attracted to coffee concepts that have a different approach from the norm that we see daily, and that is exactly what IYKYK has to offer.” 

Etisalat Market OTB experience: We had an amazing experience, people coming from different places of the world and as well families, couples, and youth with different age ranges. The crowd is nice and beautiful and the best of it all is that it is organized and the safety measures are taken. 

Name: Abdulla Ahmed Bu Omaira, 29 

Outlet: Mad Buns 

Background: When the restaurant started, it started off as an idea and became a course of action. It took a few creatives to gather together and make a reality of something that was simply just a dream. People all around Dubai, as well as every other Emirate such as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Ras Al Khor, would come out of the comfort of their home to MadBuns, just to step into another comfort zone and feel the warmth of every employee as well as the aura that brings the restaurant to life. The chef Udi Singh has a famous line: “You can never get tired of the food and the flavours.” It’s something you look forward to when going to anyone’s home. It allows you to feel welcomed and enjoy your time with them. Madbuns is an American greasy style concept with doughy burgers that are homemade as well as the crispy texture of the fried chicken and the softness of the inside. 

Etisalat Market OTB experience: Since MadBuns is a new burger restaurant, our experience in MOTB is very fabulous. We made new customers that tried our food for the first time and they are coming again and again with their friends. We are hoping to expand more in other events. 

Name: Ali Yazdi 

Outlet: House of Slaw 

Etisalat Market OTB experience: "MOTB has been an amazing opportunity to meet and connect with a great crowd! Being a homegrown burger concept, we created an exclusive menu with sliders; the "SLAWders", which everyone seems to love. This has been a great chance for myself and my team to test out our new products on a much wider crowd. With the weather getting cooler and winter really setting in, it's nice to see family and friends coming together to enjoy a nice meal at MOTB." 

Name: Mohammed Hamza Al-Qasimi, 37 

Outlet: Senor Gonzales 

Background: Senor Gonzales Mexican Restaurant is a homegrown concept that offers fusion Mexican street food, all made using the best quality and hand picked ingredients. We make everything with passion in-house and from scratch i.e. tortillas, nacho chips, tacos, bolillo bread - as well as sauces and condiments. Senor Gonzales caters to different diets i.e. vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low carb. 

Etisalat Market OTB experience: By participating in Market OTB we prove how global and diverse are the homegrown businesses. Although 100% Emirati founded and owned, we are excited to share rico comida Mexican dishes with everyone. After all, Mexican is a state of mind!