This Emirati Women’s Day, Meraas turns the spotlight on Emirati women-owned businesses that have been shaping the retail and F&B offerings across its destinations, including La Mer, The Beach, City Walk, Last Exit, and Boxpark.

The 2019 Emirati Women’s Day is themed ‘Women, Icons of Tolerance’, which aims to highlight the values of tolerance enjoyed by Emirati women, as well as their ability to raise future generations and their success in various fields of work. Nowhere is this better exemplified than in some of Meraas’ destinations. Head down to its signature retail destinations to visit these female entrepreneurs of substance, and experience first-hand their authentic, home-grown businesses that reflect an innovative vision and pioneering spirit.

#1 – ST by Gossip @ La Mer

Asian food with an Emirati twist? Sounds just the sort of thing that would be delivered by someone with a keen sense of the local culture and its myriad influences. And that’s exactly what you have with this cool noir, F&B concept owned by Dr. Shayma Fawwaz.

#2 – Beauty Capsule @ The Beach

Because the 21^st century demands flexible beauty – at any given time or place – Lamya Farid came up with the Beauty Capsule, which is exactly what it says it is: a capsule in the middle of The Beach that does all things beauty. Manicures, pedicures, hairstyling, facials…you name it, this giant egg-like pod offers it all at your convenience, after a day of catching the rays on The Beach.

#3 – Human & Beings @ City Walk

Human & Beings was founded three years ago by three lifelong friends – Hamda Abbas, Zainab AlShaikh and Mariam AlKhan – at City Walk. It’s a first-of-its-kind concept store in Dubai with the desire to bring sustainable, quality fashion to the city. The outlet curates unique collections of clothing, footwear, accessories, beauty products and homeware. It handpicks like-minded contemporary designers and independent labels from all around the world and delivers them in a cosy retail space. This boutique lives by its promise to only fill its racks with fabrics and materials that can be reused, unaffected by the fast-paced world of fads.

#4 – Voguish Boutique @ City Walk

Asma Alsuwaidi and Sumaya Almansoori’s Voguish Boutique brings notable women’s fashion apparel, luxury beauty products and accessories to Dubai from a wide range of regional and international designers. Beyond the beautiful range of products in stock, Voguish Boutique has a contemporary café space built into its retail store. Voguish Boutique has become the go-to destination for style icons of the latest multi-fashion trends.

#5 – The Lab Beauty Store @ City Walk

Founded by Nouf AlFalasi, The Lab Beauty Store offers a plethora of products when it comes to cosmetics essentials. With beauty being a limitless concept for the brand, they are a one stop shop for all your glam needs, housing popular makeup brands exclusively, in one place.

#6 – Roux Cafe @ City Walk

The contemporary styled social space, known as the epicentre of relaxation at City Walk was founded by Mariam Al Hashemi in 2016. Roux café offers delicious food, refreshing beverages and an inviting décor. Whether it’s a quick stop-off for some breakfast before a busy day at the office, a shared lunch or dinner with friends, a cosy meal with a loved one, or a dessert indulgence with family, there’s something for everyone at this casual dining haven.

#7 – Suit Supply @ City Walk

European brand Suit Supply has created an entirely new market in men’s fashion by showcasing European styling and using only the finest fabrics – coupled with unbeatable in-store service and an attainable price bracket. Mariam Al Hashemi’s revolutionary brand offers men suits that fit exceptionally well, with no attention to detail being spared.

#8 – Jolie Café @ City Walk 

Eman Al Owais opened the first floral boutique café in the region – Jolie Café, combining her passion for flowers, food and family perfectly. Inspired by the coffee shops and flower stands of Paris, the café provides an inspiring and delightful experience for shoppers looking for a quaint, peaceful spot to enjoy a floral inspired signature menu of afternoon teas, coffee and cakes.

#9 – Doctor Pasta Café @ Last Exit Al Khawaneej

If you like your pasta smart, sophisticated and expedient, then Suad Abdulla Alkhoori’s food truck concept (which also serves juicy burgers) is just for you.

#10 – Pattern Garments @ Last Exit Al Khawaneej

Nothing says local heritage like a neatly-tailored, bespoke abaya. And that’s precisely what AlAnoud Ali AlShehail has brought to life with her creations at Pattern Garments, an intimate retailer specialising in the tailoring of high-end abayas at Last Exit Al Khawaneej.

#11 – Out of Line @ Last Exit Al Khawaneej

The evocative lines of Arabic calligraphy are a treasure to behold and can leave lasting impressions. One reason why Alia Salem Alnuaimi set up this workshop of local painters and calligraphers at Last Exit Al Khawaneej. The works on display here make for an ideal cultural love-from-Dubai gift.

#12 – Gossip Café @ Last Exit Al Khawaneej & Boxpark

The coffee culture is a micro-culture of its own on these Emirati shores. Dr. Shayma Fawwaz’s coffee and pastry food truck concept at Last Exit Al Khawaneej and Boxpark, both confirm and take this notion to another level. Road-side caffeine fixes have never been so worthwhile.