Over the past few months, a rather quirky trend has taken the UAE by storm; this is not just another luxury item or fashion accessory, it’s the Labubu dolls! While influencers, collectors, and fashionistas from all over the Emirates spread an irresistible buzz about these collectible toys UAE, Labubu dolls with their unique designs, playfully wicked characters, and links to different hues of global pop culture have turned out to be one of the most desirable commodities in the world of fun in the UAE. Let us take a look at why these naughty little darlings are loved so much and how a Labubu doll craze is rolling across the nation.
What Are Labubu Dolls?
Labubu dolls are collectible vinyl figures produced under the “The Monsters” toy series developed by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-based artist. Made by Pop Mart, these dolls are small elf-like creatures with pointy ears, mischievous grins, and jagged teeth. Since the debut of Labubu dolls in 2019, they have garnered worldwide popularity for their distinctive designs and the thrill of the blind box unboxing experience. The dolls come in a variety of designs, but you don’t know which one you’ll get until you open the box, adding a level of mystery and anticipation that has captivated toy collectors globally.
The Labubu Doll Craze in the UAE
The Labubu doll phenomenon has travelled through the UAE as anything but a mere collectible, becoming a widespread cultural obsession in terms of lifestyle and the culture surrounding the dolls. Celebrities and influencers have helped to fuel the hype, showing off Labubu collections and unboxings on various social media platforms.
Social Media and Celebrity Endorsement
It should be mentioned that social media cannot be discounted as a driver of trends. Hauls and unboxings of Labubu dolls have invaded both Instagram and TikTok, thanks in large part to the many influencers striving to show what new things have just come into their hands. Influencers spending time covering the whereabouts of everything from Orinn to Azlan have manifested what they call the weirdness of these dolls.
But there’s more than just home-grown influencers endorsing this trend. The likes of Blackpink’s Lisa and global celebrity Rihanna have been rumored to acquire Labubu dolls, adding to their cries of global popularity. Yet it is these celebrity endorsements that have made the Labubu doll a coveted piece that fans and trend watchers alike could not resist.
The Thrill of the Blind Box
What makes Labubu dolls even more enticing is their “blind box” format. These dolls are hidden inside a box from which you can never be sure which design you get until you open it. The surprise factor works like magic, especially for collectors who enjoy the thrill of the unboxing experience. It’s like a treasure hunt to spice up the fun with excitement about what you might find.
Labubu dolls are priced at around Dh350, and a box with six dolls can put you back more than Dh1600. The excitement is all about being a collector! A few selected restaurants even run Labubu blind box promotions, enabling you to get a collectible doll with your meal.
Where to Buy Labubu Dolls in the UAE
So now that you know where to buy Labubu dolls, you’re not alone: These collectible toys are all the Demand has soared for, causing the need for them to hunt for these toys. While there are quite a number of places, such as online and physical stores, where Labubu dolls can be obtained, selling out quickly means that these toys are popular.
Pop up shops and concept cafés
Such are the pop up shops to visit for Labubu dolls, being in very high-end shopping places, such as the Museum of the Future and Mall of the Emirates. Such shops only run for a limited time and bring buyers of dolls a one-off drop of special edition dolls exclusive to these places.
Some concept cafes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have also embraced this new trend of putting Labubu dolls into their menus and offering themed meals or drinks along with blind box fun. But in the restocking time, it is easy to hear news about how these Labubu dolls out of collections are sold in just hours after restocking due to high demand.
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Online Platforms
For those who prefer shopping from home, various online sites sell designer toys UAE. Websites such as Pop Mart’s official page and other local toy shops have moved quickly to cater to this increased demand. Just be prepared to wait for a restock or spend some extra bucks on a special edition doll.
Imitations and Cheaper Options
Labubu dolls carry a premium price tag that many cannot afford. But that, as they say, did not stop the trend. Many fakes are already in, for example, the fragrances called ‘Lafufus.’ While these imitation dolls may be cheaper, they can hardly match the exclusiveness and collectibility of the original Labubu dolls. They are still an option for those who cannot afford it, and can therefore enjoy a fashionable pastime without guilt.
The Labubu Way of Life
The emergence of Labubu dolls in the United Arab Emirates is much more than a fad; it’s a lifestyle that has changed. Labubu dolls are now seen as fashion accessories, style statements, and amulets of good luck. Fashionistas often flaunt their Labubu doll on luxury handbags or tie it to their keychain as they integrate the toys into their daily styles. Some even coordinate outfits with their dolls, creating a quirky dolls trend in their wardrobes.
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These popular toys in UAE aficionados take the trend even a step further and transform it into a travel with a Labubu doll-themed holiday. Fans will travel to pop-up events, flash sales, and exclusive cafes just to soak up everything there is to know about Labubu dolls. In the case of anyone residing in the UAE, a Dubai car rental is now one of the must-have tools needed to cover such events and not miss the next limited-edition drop.
What Are the Features That Make Labubus So Hot? Well, here are a few reasons why Labubus has gotten hot and hot:
1. Quirky and Unique Designs
The Labubu Doll has an unmistakable visage, which consists of forest green elf-like creatures that playfully bare jagged teeth and striking designs. This individuality has appealed to collectors, therefore being highly demanded.
2. Surprise Element
The excitement and anxious anticipation inherent in the blind box format make unboxing fun. Anytime you order another doll, the surprise of what doll will be next becomes an alluring platform, drawing collectors ever so back in.
3. Celebrity Endorsement
When international superstars like Rihanna and Lisa from Blackpink start posing with their Labubu dolls, almost as if incorporating it into their lifestyle, that would push the trend further into the mainstream, bordering almost on becoming a cultural statement and less on being just a child’s toy.
4. Community and Lifestyle
The culture surrounding Labubu dolls in the UAE is beyond just a distant connection to collecting toys. It is about the experience: meeting like-minded enthusiasts, sharing unboxing stories, and making the dolls a part of their lifestyle.
Conclusion
The Labubu doll mania in the UAE proves that trends catch fire within a flick of social media. The quirkiness of the dolls, paired with whimsical designs and the added fun of a blind box, grabbed the attention of collectors and some casual fans. With the influence of influencers, the thrill of the hunt, and the growing community of fans, Labubu dolls have become more than just collectible toys—they’ve become a cultural phenomenon in the UAE.
If you’re looking to get your hands on one of these adorable figures, be sure to check out pop-up stores, online platforms, and local cafes. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for special edition releases—who knows, your next Labubu doll could be waiting for you just around the corner!
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