The rise of local businesses incorporating the country’s rich local heritage into ideas and products
For decades the UAE has made a name for itself as a major shopping capital for big name brands. And while the malls play host to global and international giants, the UAE government has also provided support and funding for hundreds of locally-grown start-ups. It’s this support that has has organically created a niche market for home-grown ideas and designs to flourish, making the UAE a land of opportunity, especially when it comes to new products.
Local entrepreneurs, as well as consumers, have become increasingly experimental, not shying away from trying new things, which in turn has opened the door for innovative enterprises.
With UAE National Day just around the corner, on 2 December, it’s time to buy local.. Here are six home-grown brands you should be keeping an eye on.
Chilly Date
A great example of a homegrown UAE brand. The palm tree in the cosy garden of a local Dubai couple gave fruit to some 15 kilos of dates. At first, they thought of gifting them to friends and family, but soon realised it would take them weeks to clean, pack and distribute them. Instead, they mixed them with chilies and made chutney. All made from natural ingredients, Chilly Date now produce date spreads, date coffee and seed bread.
TRY: This blend of tangy sundried tomatoes, curry leaves and green chili gives this spread its fresh and tantalizing taste. Enjoy in your pasta dishes, spread on top of crisp bruschetta or as part of a famous family recipes.
Chilly Date sun-dried tomato spread 130g
Dhs27.50 each
The Protein Bakeshop
Founded in 2013 with the intention of helping sugar addicts, to live a better and happier life, local residents Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani created The Protein Bakeshop. Each protein-packed product has been designed with balanced macros and great taste, so it can become a part of your daily eating habits and not just a cheat meal. The whole ingredients are great for your gut, hormones, waistline and taste buds.
TRY: Let the smooth flavours of dark chocolate and almond contained in these delicious protein balls take over this holiday season.
Protein Bakeshop almond butter truffles 60g
Dhs18.00 each
Saba Plant-Based
Saba Kombucha is the first all-natural brewed beverage in the UAE. Recently rebranded to Saba Plant-Based, the Dubai born brand has announced the expansion of its probiotic offerings with an all-natural probiotic yoghurt. Handcrafted in Dubai, the yoghurt is available in four different flavours – Mango, Vanilla, Chocolate, and Natural. But it’s the innovative kombucha that really put this company on the map. Health and wellness enthusiasts are going kombucha crazy around the world and the UAE is no exception.
TRY: A wonderful mix of hibiscus and basil creates a taste sensation for this thirst-quenching kombucha. It’s a drink that has been around for decades, but has only recently started to hit the mainstream. It's a healthy fermented drink made from black or green tea that comes in a variety of flavours.
Saba hibiscus & basil kombucha 275ml
Dhs16.00 each
Camelicious
More than 35 years ago, the idea of a camel-milking facility was born at the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) in Dubai. Research commenced on a small number of camels that were raised with the specific aim to obtain scientific proof of the health benefits of camel milk as an important part of the traditional Bedouin staple diet. Today, thanks to strong and sustainable production in the UAE, camel milk is available all over the world, accessible to a large number of consumers. Camelicious has a full herd of happy and healthy camels and animal welfare is a priority. The feed is natural and all plant based with no additional proteins or hormones. The camels live in their natural environment meaning the camel milk is 100% natural and pure from any GMO ingredients.
TRY: Camel milk’s popularity is growing across the globe, with its health benefits demonstrated by desert nomads and Bedouin tribes, who could survive for weeks on camel milk alone. Give this new date flavoured Camelicious camel milk for a welcome change.
Camelicious date flavoured camel milk 250ml
Dhs4.75 each
Nadiya
A Dubai based company, Nadiya was born from the desire to bring fresh dates, a traditional expression of Arabian hospitality, to a wider market. Today the UAE-born brand offers a range of beautifully packaged luxury dates for the corporate, hotel, food service and retail sectors, specialising in unique presentation gift boxes that reflect the local heritage of the UAE.
TRY: These luxury dates with nuts, considered to be the world’s finest in terms of taste, colour and size, come from local farms across the country. Celebrate UAE National Day with Nadiya luxury dates, the perfect expression of the traditions of Arabian hospitality.
Nadiya luxury Arabian dates with nuts 360g
Dhs46.50 each
Coffee Planet
This home-grown roasting comapny began in Dubai in 2005 with the aim of helping people experience the finest global speciality Arabica coffee. The company roasts green coffee beans in its Dubai roastery, creating roasted whole bean, ground coffee and coffee capsules. Coffee Planet is one of the Middle East’s biggest and best roasters of coffee.
TRY: This Peru blend is the perfect coffee to drink when you need an instant hit of mind-focusing caffeine. It is 100% Arabica speciality coffee, sourced from the best farmers across the coffee-producing regions of the world and brought to you in fully biodegradable and compostable capsules. Certified as Mother Earth-friendly, you can enjoy a coffee that's full of renewable goodness while doing your part for the planet.
Coffee Planet organic Peru Satipo intensity 7 x10 capsules
Dhs27.00 each
