There is a new sneaker destination in town.
Home to the latest kicks, clothing and even a basketball hoop, Sneaker District has opened its doors at The Mall at World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi.
The new warehouse-style space hopes to attract ‘sneaker-freakers’, with the latest must-haves and collectables displayed on industrial style metal shelving hanging from the ceiling, and behind walls of glass.
With graffiti strewn walls and bare concrete floors, Sneaker District celebrates the urban history of trainers. Spread over three floors, the 35,000 square feet space boasts an indoor basketball court, which is open for customers to play in, and an in-store cafe.
Created with UAE sneaker company, youbetterfly, customers can expect to shop Air Jordans, Yeezys, Louis Vuitton X NBA, to name just a few of the brands on the shelves. The new space is open seven days a week.
Far from being just footwear, the sneaker industry is booming, as growing numbers of collectors scrabble for the most covetable pieces.
Seen as being outside the normal boundaries of fashion, sneakers retain an element of rebellion, despite being worth $21 billion in the US alone.
Even the sneaker resale market is growing. With increasing numbers of collectors buying two or more pairs of hard-to-get styles, driven by a one-to-wear, one-to sell mentality, analysts Cowen Equity Research estimates that the resale market alone could be worth $30bn by 2030.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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SCHEDULE
December 8: UAE v USA (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
December 9: USA v Scotland (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
December 11: UAE v Scotland (Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
December 12: UAE v USA (ICC Academy Oval 1)
December 14: USA v Scotland (ICC Academy Oval 1)
December 15: UAE v Scotland (ICC Academy Oval 1)
All matches start at 10am
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
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Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
