Why UAE Shoppers Can’t Get Enough of Labubu Dolls

In the glittering world of UAE retail, where fashion meets fantasy, a peculiar little creature with pointy ears and a toothy grin has stolen the spotlight. Meet Labubu—a mischief-loving doll that’s gradually become the hottest accessory in the Emirates. Once a little known collectible, Labubu is now flaunted in the hands and handbags of influencers, collectors, and fashion lovers from Dubai to Sharjah.

Labubu dolls

What Is Labubu, Anyway?

Labubu isn’t your average cute soft toy. Born from the imagination of Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung, Labubu is part of The Monsters universe—a whimsical world of storybook characters with edgy personalities. Labubu itself looks like a gremlin crossed with an elf: charming, mischievous, and endlessly expressive.

Originally introduced in 2015, Labubu became a global phenomenon after Chinese pop culture brand Pop Mart began producing blind-box Labubu figures in 2019. Each box hides one of dozens of possible variations—some themed, some seasonal, others ultra-rare. This surprise element has turned collecting Labubu into a treasure hunt, sparking global fan clubs and long queues at Pop mart stores.

Labubu dolls

The Pop Mart Power Play

Pop Mart, now a $7 billion company, has tapped into something powerful: the fusion of art toys and emotional expression. At the center of this phenomenon is Labubu—a wide-eyed, sharp-toothed creature that looks like trouble but has a heart of gold. According to the brand, despite her mischievous appearance, Labubu is actually kind-hearted and always means well, even if her actions sometimes lead to the opposite of what she intended.

It’s this playful contradiction—cute yet creepy, spooky yet sweet—that’s made her irresistible to collectors around the world. Pop Mart’s sleek, modern designs and limited-edition drops have struck a chord with Gen Z and millennial shoppers, who are drawn to the individuality and meaning behind each figure.

In the UAE, where exclusivity is everything, Labubu fits right in. These tiny toys have become much more than collectibles—they’re now style statements. Whether clipped to luxury handbags, perched on car dashboards, or decorating desks in sleek DIFC offices, Labubu is the new symbol of quirky cool.

Labubu dolls

Why UAE Shoppers Are Obsessed

There’s more than one reason for Labubu’s rapid in the Emirates:

• Cultural Fit: Labubu’s creative roots and collecting qualities really resonate with people in a region where design, art, and fashion all work together so well.

• Status Symbol: A few rare Labubu figures are currently being auctioned online for hundreds of dirhams.  Getting a limited edition is more than just something to appreciate; it’s a badge of honour.

•  Aesthetic for Instagram: Labubu dolls are very photogenic since their big eyes and dramatic facial expressions make them seem great in pictures.  They’ve been in high-end product placements, travel vlogs, and fashion shoots.

• Pop Culture Magnet: When foreign stars like Lisa from BLACKPINK and Rihanna join in, local fans quickly follow them.  Celebrities have given Labubu a lot of street cred in a short amount of time.

Fashion trend

Fashion’s New Favorite Accessory

Labubu is the new way to accessorize with personality. Fashionistas across the UAE are styling their Labubu dolls to match outfits, seasonal colours, or even moods. There’s something nostalgic yet edgy about the trend: a reminder of childhood joy mixed with adult-level.

Labubu dolls

What’s Next for Labubu?

With Pop Mart expanding in the Middle East and collaborations rumored with local designers, the Labubu wave is still building—its biggest moment is yet to come. Expect to see even more themed releases, regional exclusives, and possibly even events that merge fashion and collectible culture in bold new ways.

Labubu may be small in size, but its impact on UAE fashion is massive. Whether you’re a collector, a fashion devotee, or simply someone who enjoys a good trend with a twist—Labubu is here, and it’s fabulous.

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