Celebrating International Women’s Day: 40 Inspiring Female-Led Businesses Thriving in Dubai
Dubai has witnessed a remarkable surge in female entrepreneurship over the years. From shops and fitness studios to restaurants and online platforms, women are making significant strides in the business landscape. In honor of International Women’s Day, we highlight 40 exceptional female-led businesses that are flourishing in the city.
14 Stitches
During the pandemic, Badreeya transformed her passion for crochet into a thriving business. After gaining recognition for her handmade garments, she launched her first pop-up market. Her eclectic pieces quickly gained popularity, leading to the establishment of 14 Stitches, which offers a variety of colorful styles, including cozy cardigans and boho chic pullovers.
Follow on Instagram: @14stitches_
Amadal
Amadal specializes in nutritious snacks, focusing on gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free options. The brand has gained a following for its delicious granolas, crackers, and vegan cheese infused with za’atar. Notably, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has expressed his fondness for Amadal’s date and cardamom granola. Orders can be placed via WhatsApp or Instagram.
Follow on Instagram: @amadal.ae
Bianco
Bianco, a salon and spa founded by Mara Giogaki, reflects her love for beauty and fashion through its classic European design. Since its opening in 2018, Bianco has focused on diversity and aims to make every woman feel beautiful.
Location: Cedre Villas Community Centre, Dubai
Hours: Mon to Sun, 9 AM to 9 PM
Contact: (0)4 333 6166
Website: biancospae.ae
The Botanist
Ruby Giroux founded The Botanist to create eco-friendly home and cleaning products. Her brand emphasizes sustainability by using natural ingredients and refillable packaging. The products are available in various locations throughout Dubai, including Spinneys and Waitrose.
Follow on Instagram: @thebotanistdubai
Booncoffee
Booncoffee, established by an Ethiopian entrepreneur, serves ethically sourced coffee while supporting agricultural initiatives in developing nations. Known for its exceptional cold brew, it has become a must-visit for iced coffee enthusiasts.
Location: JLT, Cluster T
Hours: Mon to Fri, 7 AM to 6 PM; Sat, 8 AM to 4 PM; Closed on Sun
Contact: (0)4 430 2775
Follow on Instagram: @booncoffee
Bait Maryam
Located in Jumeirah Lake Tower, Bait Maryam offers family-style Levantine cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. Chef Salam Dakkak, a former teacher, named the restaurant after her mother, honoring her family’s culinary heritage. Dakkak was recognized as the MENA’s best female chef of 2022 by the World’s 50 Best.
Location: Cluster D, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 11 PM
Contact: (0)4 241 8447
Follow on Instagram: @bait.maryam
Café Isan
Café Isan, run by Lisa Knight and Chef New, offers authentic Thai cuisine in a rustic setting. The menu features a variety of spicy soups, curries, and noodle dishes, with affordable pricing on drinks.
Location: JLT, Cluster B, Waterfront, Dubai
Hours: Tues to Sun, 12 PM to 10 PM; Closed on Mon
Contact: (0)58 529 1003
Website: cafeisan.com
Charliholic
Charliholic specializes in unique accessories for pets, including custom-made bandanas and bow ties. A portion of the proceeds is donated to local animal shelters, making each purchase both stylish and charitable.
Follow on Instagram: @_charlieholic
Drink Dry
Erika Doyle founded Drink Dry to provide a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, catering to the growing demand for alcohol-free options. The shop offers a selection of non-alcoholic beers, spirits, and wines.
Hours: Mon to Sat, 9 AM to 5 PM; Closed on Sun
Contact: (0)56 749 5255
Website: drinkdrystore.com
The Edit
Rumana Nazim transitioned from law to fashion by launching The Edit, a concept store that combines her love for fashion and art. The store supports female-run businesses by stocking their products, making it a hub for unique clothing and accessories.
Location: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
Hours: Mon to Sun, 10 AM to 8 PM
Contact: (0)4 548 9553
Follow on Instagram: @theeditdubai
Fusion Ceviche
Penelope Diaz’s restaurant, Fusion Ceviche, showcases her Peruvian heritage through a menu rich in flavors and traditions. The establishment has quickly gained popularity among food enthusiasts in Dubai.
Location: JLT, Cluster Q
Hours: Daily, 1 PM to 11 PM
Contact: (0)50 421 4509
Follow on Instagram: @fusioncevichedxb
Hayawiia
Hayawiia is an Emirati-owned e-commerce platform that offers a wide range of healthy foods and natural products. The brand aims to make healthy eating accessible and affordable for everyone.
Website: hayawiia.com
Contact: (0)4 548 9956
Follow on Instagram: @hayawiiacom
Helya Jewelry
Founded by two Emirati sisters, Helya Jewelry combines cultural heritage with modern design. The brand offers a range of accessories inspired by native flora, making it a perfect choice for gifts or personal collections.
Website: heyla.store
Follow on Instagram: @helya.ae
Intellect Coffee
Gabriela Cury established Intellect Coffee to provide high-quality coffee while prioritizing the hiring of women from diverse backgrounds. The brand has gained traction for its coffee-on-wheels service and showroom.
Location: Al Quoz, Industrial Area 3, Dubai
Contact: (0)50 466 9376
Follow on Instagram: @intellectcoffee
Island People.Co
This artisanal brand collaborates with Sri Lankan artists to offer unique home products. Island People.Co focuses on sustainability, providing handwoven linen items and crockery that enhance home aesthetics.
Follow on Instagram: @islandpeople.co
Kinoya
Kinoya is a ramen restaurant known for its laid-back atmosphere and high-quality dishes. The menu features a variety of ramen options, alongside traditional Japanese cuisine.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Hours: Tue to Sun, 12 PM to 1 AM; Closed on Mon
Contact: (0)4 220 2920
Website: kinoya.ae
Lila Taqueria
Chef Shaw’s Lila Taqueria serves authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on sustainability. The restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals for its delicious flavors and welcoming environment.
Location: 786 Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
Hours: Tues to Sun, 9 AM to 10 PM; Closed on Mon
Contact: (0)55 560 1778
Website: lilataqueria.com
Le Guépard
Le Guépard is a chic brasserie that offers a French dining experience in Alserkal Avenue. The venue features an elegant tea room and a private space for events, creating a sophisticated atmosphere for guests.
Location: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 7 PM
Contact: (0)56 687 8486
Follow on Instagram: @le_guepard_dubai
LC Official
As one of Dubai’s pioneering female athleisure brands, LC Official empowers women through its range of activewear. The collection includes leggings, sports bras, and loungewear suitable for various occasions.
Locations: Multiple
Hours: Mon to Fri, 10 AM to 9 PM
Contact: (0)4 320 3222
Follow on Instagram: @lcoutureofficial
Little Majilis
Little Majilis is one of the region’s first artisan marketplaces, offering boutique gifts that reflect Emirati culture. The brand focuses on storytelling through its designs.
Maiz Tacos
Maiz Tacos began as a food truck and has expanded into two restaurants in Dubai. The menu features authentic Mexican dishes at affordable prices.
Location: JLT, Cluster Y
Hours: Mon to Thur, 12 PM to 9:45 PM; Fri to Sun, 12 PM to 10:45 PM
Contact: (0)4 514 4712
Website: maiztacos.com
Mama Rita
The mother-daughter duo, Rita and Jessica Kahawaty, offer a diverse menu inspired by various cuisines. Their focus on healthy, home-cooked meals has garnered a loyal customer base.
Location: Al Quoz, Dubai
Hours: Daily, 11 AM to 10 PM
Contact: (0)4 376 9145
Website: mamarita.com
Megumi Matcha
Rie, a Japanese entrepreneur, established Megumi Matcha to sell ceremonial-grade matcha and host workshops. The brand emphasizes the cultural significance of tea in Japan.
Follow on Instagram: @megumi_matcha
Moreish by K
Kunwal Safdar leads Moreish by K, one of Dubai’s first zero-waste kitchens. The menu reflects her cultural heritage, offering dishes that blend flavors from the Emirates and beyond.
Location: Bur Dubai
Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Contact: (0)4 591 0441
Follow on Instagram: @moreish.by.k
Motion Cycling
Motion Cycling offers a unique candlelit spin class designed to foster community and provide a full-body workout. The studio is known for its engaging atmosphere.
Location: The Oberoi Center, Dubai
Hours: Sun to Thur, 6:30 AM to 9 PM; Fri, 8 AM to 7 PM; Sat, 8 AM to 9 PM
Contact: (0)4 875 5104
Website: motion-cycling.ae
Nuaimi
Huda Al Nuaimi’s luxury print and product design label allows customers to create personalized items from a selection of beautiful fabrics.
Contact: (0)5 5550 0294
Website: nuaimicollective.ae
The PiercingSpot
Aya founded The PiercingSpot to offer stylish jewelry and piercing services. The brand has recently expanded with a new location in Dubai Healthcare City.
Location: Umm Hurair 2, Dubai Healthcare City
Hours: Mon to Sat, 10 AM to 7 PM; Closed on Sun
Contact: (0)4 878 1697
Website: piercingspot.net
Pop and Toast
Anna Mckeown, an Irish artist, creates vibrant artwork inspired by fashion and pop culture. Her signature pieces often feature distinctive alcohol bottles.
Website: annamckeowncollection.com
Pure Born
Hannah Curran founded Pure Born to provide eco-friendly baby products. The brand has expanded globally, offering organic and compostable items.
RETOLD
RETOLD is a pioneer in promoting pre-owned fashion in Dubai. The store encourages sustainable shopping by offering a range of second-hand clothing and accessories.
Location: Al Quoz, Dubai
Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 7 PM
Contact: (0)50 524 5721
Follow on Instagram: @shopretold
Ripe
Becky Balderstone founded Ripe to provide fresh, organic produce in Dubai. The brand has grown from a weekly farmers market to a permanent location with home delivery options.
Contact: (0)55 543 1282
Website: ripeme.com
Salt Dubai
Amal Al Marri and Deem Al Bassam are the founders of Salt, a popular burger joint that started on Kite Beach in 2014. The brand has since expanded to multiple locations across Dubai.
Follow on Instagram: @findsalt
SHE Burger
Shaikha Eissa, a self-taught cook, founded SHE Burger to introduce unique flavors to the burger scene in Dubai. Her dishes have gained a loyal following.
Location: Dar Wasl Mall, Dubai
Hours: Sun to Thurs, 1 PM to 11 PM; Fri and Sat, 1 PM to 11 PM
Contact: (0)4 333 3258
Follow on Instagram: @she_burger
Shimi’s
Simona Stanton created Shimi’s to combine fitness and mindfulness through yoga. The studio features two distinct workout areas designed for different experiences.
Location: Warehouse 42, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
Hours: Mon to Fri, 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM; Sat, 8:30 AM to 4 PM; Sun, 8:30 AM to 8 PM
Contact: (0)4 284 2077
Website: shimis.com
SHI
Diana Rysbaeva’s SHI restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a focus on Chinese and Japanese cuisine. The venue boasts stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
Location: Bluewater’s Island, Dubai
Hours: Sun to Thur, 1 PM to 1 AM; Fri and Sat, 1 PM to 2 AM
Contact: (0)4 393 9990
Website: shirestaurant.com
So Free Organics
So Free Organics is a bakery that caters to those with dietary restrictions, offering gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free options.
Location: JLT, Dubai
Hours: Daily, 7 AM to 7 PM
Contact: (0)56 108 8782
Follow on Instagram: @sofreeorganics
Stomping Grounds
Stomping Grounds is an indie café that offers Australian-inspired dishes and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Location: Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Hours: Sun to Thur, 7:30 AM to 11:30 PM; Sat & Sun, 7:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Contact: (0)4 344 4451
Follow on Instagram: @stompinggroundsdxb
Tashas Group
Natasha Sideris has established multiple venues across Dubai, each offering a unique dining experience with a focus on detail and quality.
Tanias Teahouse
Tanias Teahouse, founded by Tania, offers a unique tea experience inspired by her health journey. The venue combines a cozy atmosphere with a diverse tea selection.
Location: Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai
Hours: Daily, 8 AM to 6 PM
Contact: (0)4 324 0021
Website: taniasteahouse.com
Vanilla Sukkar
This mother-and-daughter-owned coffee shop and bakery in Jumeirah is known for its freshly baked goods and inviting atmosphere.
Location: Umm al Sheif, Jumeirah, Dubai
Hours: Daily, 8 AM to 8 PM
Contact: (0)4 422 8843
Follow on Instagram: @vanillasukkar
WYT Cafe
Maha Hassan’s WYT Cafe combines Mediterranean cuisine with Parisian pastries in a tranquil setting, making it a perfect spot for gatherings.
Location: Dubai Hills Mall, Al Khail Rd, Dubai
Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM to 11 PM
Contact: (0)4 448 5033
Website: dubaihillsmall.ae
21 Grams
This family-style bistro offers Balkan soul food, featuring signature dishes like burek, a traditional pastry filled with cheese or minced beef.
Location: Meyaan Mall, Al Thanya Street, Umm Suqeim 2
Hours: Mon to Thur, 9 AM to 6 PM; Fri to Sun, 9 AM to 10 PM
Contact: (0)50 841 5021
Website: 21grams.me
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Published on 2026-03-08 12:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk