As home to the world’s biggest – as well as some of the most famous – malls, Dubai is known as a retail haven. But if you’re looking to take a break from the glitz and glamour of mall-crawling – or have very niche products on your need-to-buy list – it might be time to take the road less travelled.
Here’s a look at a few lesser-known stores in the UAE, and why they warrant a visit.
Antique Museum
Despite its name, Antique Museum – located in Dubai’s Al Quoz – is less of a museum and more of a vast storage facility and retail space. And, if you’re looking for offbeat souvenirs or a steal, this is as good as it gets.
The 6,690-square-metre space features a wide and eclectic range of goods, from handcrafted furniture and authentic Arabic coffee pots to a gamut of frames, vases, sculptures and more. Check it out if you’re on the hunt for unique products and have a couple of hours to spare.
Open daily, 9am-8.30pm; Al Quoz, Dubai; 04 347 9935; fakihonline.com
Mystique Costumes
Whether it’s for a creative project, a prank, a themed party or a murder-mystery night, this store in Al Barsha has everything you could possibly need to get into character.
From high-quality wigs to superhero costumes to everything in between, it’s a veritable paradise for the dramatic. Just ensure you don’t visit a day before Halloween when the store is at its busiest.
Open daily; 9am to 10pm; Umm Suqeim Street, Al Barsha 2; 04 394 0448; mystiquecostumes.com
Back to Games
Fancy a dose of nostalgia or looking to try something new? Back to Games in Times Square Centre Dubai should be on your radar. The humble store is packed with everything from role-playing games (think Dungeons and Dragons) to miniatures for collectors.
If you’re not sure about what to get, the staff are more than happy to offer knowledgeable advice. As the store’s motto goes, it’s time to get your geek on.
Open daily; 10am-10pm; ground floor, Times Square Centre Dubai; 050 334 6066; backtogames.com
La Brocante
If you’re looking to pick up a statement piece of furniture or an exclusive decor element, you might want to make a beeline for this eccentric little shop in Al Quoz.
La Brocante is inspired by flea markets found in other parts of the world and sells a range of second-hand products you probably won’t be able to find elsewhere. From antique beds to vintage movie posters, it’s a real treasure trove if you’re thinking of redecorating, and the stock is constantly changing.
La Brocante hosts bimonthly pop-up events on weekends, during which shoppers can sip on coffee from Loose Unicorns, check out work from local artists and browse for bargains.
Biweekly pop up events; for more information, follow instagram.com/labrocantedxb
Classic Quilts
This quaint store in Jumeirah Plaza was launched by husband-wife duo Shanker and Mala Ramakrishnan in 2016. From needles to materials, the store is packed to the brim with everything a quilter could possibly need while the space also showcases gorgeous tapestries – some of which are years in the making.
Apart from selling any materials you could need and imparting the necessary know-how, the store is also home to workshops and meet-ups with quilting groups in the UAE. A stellar place if you’re looking to get involved with the hobby.
Art of Guitar
Art of Guitar is a one-of-a-kind store located in Al Quoz’s Courtyard that specialises in high-end, vintage guitars. According to founder Rick Vlemmiks, the space meets a gap in the regional market thanks to its handmade masterpieces, many of which are presented as works of art within the store.
Memorabilia from some of rock music’s most historical moments can also be bought, including old posters of The Doors and the Grateful Dead as well as original photographs of The Beatles in recording sessions. Signed portraits of Def Leppard, Albert Lee, George Harrison, Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton are also up for grabs.
During the cooler months, Art of Guitar also intends to become a venue for local artists to perform, setting up an ad hoc stage in the Courtyard.
Open daily; 10am-7pm; The Courtyard, Al Quoz; 058 513 7173; artofguitar.me
The Flip Side
Another Alserkal Avenue spot for music lovers, The Flip Side has widely been credited with reviving vinyl culture in the UAE. You’ll find a carefully curated selection of tunes in boxes divided by genres, with the walls lined with records and posters featuring western and Middle Eastern artists.
Since its launch in 2017, the store has become something of a hub for like-minded music aficionados and it holds regular meet-ups and events.
Noon to 9pm (closed on Sunday); Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz; 04 221 6830; flipsidedxb.com
Kirakuya
You don’t need to hop on a plane to get a taste of Japanese culture – you can find it over at Kirakuya, a quaint Japanese mart that opened earlier this year.
Located in a quiet corner of Mina Rashid, the minimart stocks a range of products from food items, toys and key chains to mobile phone cases, all of which are imported from Japan. The store also features a quirky exterior, complete with adorable kawaii drawings that light up at night. Perfect if you’re looking to pick up hard-to-find items such as Hokkaido milk or authentic Japanese Kit-Kat.
Open daily; 10am to 11pm; Shop 14, Marina Cubes Street, Port Rashid, Dubai; instagram.com/kirakuya.ae
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Bareilly Ki Barfi
Directed by: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring: Kriti Sanon, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao
Three and a half stars
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
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Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net
Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.
Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.
A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.
Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.
The specS: 2018 Toyota Camry
Price: base / as tested: Dh91,000 / Dh114,000
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 298hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 356Nm @ 4,700rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Vines - In Miracle Land
Two stars
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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'The Batman'
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The biog
Age: 30
Position: Senior lab superintendent at Emirates Global Aluminium
Education: Bachelor of science in chemical engineering, post graduate degree in light metal reduction technology
Favourite part of job: The challenge, because it is challenging
Favourite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Gandi
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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