Put it on a t-shirt

The coolest merchandise collections you need to know about

From burger joints to independent cinemas, more and more UAE brands are launching their own merchandise ranges.

Featuring collaborations with regional artists, eye-catching branded clothing, and fun accessories that proudly yet subtly show your loyalty to your favourite local concepts, here are some of the best ones that are definitely worth spending your hard-earned money on.

Maiz Tacos

Got a weakness for tacos? We know the feeling, and the cute and quirky t-shirts and bucket hats from Maiz Tacos are the perfect way of proclaiming your love for all things Mexican food. For AED 170 you can take home the cheeky ‘legalise birria’ t-shirt, the cute ‘essentials’ t-shirt (because what isn’t made better with avocado and lime?) and, for the really fashionable ones, Maiz bucket hats for AED 100. A family-run restaurant founded in Dubai in 2018, the range of small-batch hot sauces make great gifts, too.

Visit: maiztacos.com

Pitfire Pizza

Another cult favourite amongst UAE residents, Pitfire Pizza has reigned high as one of the country’s top spots for lighter-than-air artisan pizzas for more than a decade. Also known for its ever-changing pizza box designs (each one featuring the work of a different UAE artist), the beloved brand celebrated its 10th anniversary by releasing a range of stickers (AED 15 per sheet) inspired by its arty boxes and best-selling dishes (the legendary garlic knots of course make an appearance). 

Additional highlights of its ever-so-trendy merch collection include a cheeky illustrated T-shirt by Dina Sami that serves as an ode to Pitfire’s signature marinara sauce.

Visit: pitfirepizzabakers.com

Good Burger

Initially launched as a delivery only service during the unforgettable year that was 2020, Good Burger has now firmly established itself as one of the best burger joints in Dubai. 

After opening its first eat-in location at Damac Hills Mall back in April, it has teamed up with Columbia-based photography studio Gooper to create some seriously amazing graphic-led merchandise. Refreshingly creative and anything but boring, the full range includes t-shirts (AED 80), caps (AED 65) and tote bags (AED 50) all released just in time for the region’s busiest season.

Visit: goodburgerdubai.com

riina

Wholesome Mediterranean cafe riina has launched its own lifestyle store called mandariina, and it’s got so many gorgeous little bits you won’t be able to resist treating yourself to a few things next time you’re visiting for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a hearty lunchtime salad or sandwich. 

Spanning chic reusable water bottles, stylish tote bags and other bits of homeware alongside homemade granola, coffee beans, jams, infused olive oils and other pantry essentials, the build-your-own-hampers are particularly delightful.

Visit: riina.com

Pickl

Arguably the most famous Dubai-born fast-food outlet, Pickl has long had a legion of fans. If you count yourself amongst them (who doesn’t?) we suggest getting your hands on a pair of royal blue or hot pink Pickl socks ASAP. Bound to be snapped up fast, they’re also a fun pressie for anyone addicted to Pick’s insanely fresh, simple and wonderfully delicious burgers (don’t forget the fries, sides and shakes either). 

Available to buy at Pickl branches across the Middle East, including in Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman and, of course, throughout the UAE, further locations in Kuwait and Iraq are also set to open very soon.

Visit: eatpickl.com

Cinema Akil

As alternative as its incredible programme of film screenings, the merch from Cinema Akil is made for those who want to stand out from the crowd. Having made history as the GCC’s first independent cinema, you can show your support for the movement by purchasing Cinema Akil-branded tote bags (AED 50) and T-shirts (AED 120) or treat yourself to some of the limited-edition collections created in honour of Reel Palestine, Arab Cinema Week and some of the many other festivals and special events hosted at the iconic institution. 

Available to buy in the cinema and online, it’s a range that every film fanatic will be desperate to get their hands on.

Visit: cinemaakil.com