Labubu doll craze in UAE: Why everyone's going crazy for these quirky collectible dolls

Dubai: The internet loves a good trend, and the latest sensation sweeping through social media is none other than Labubu. This delightful and slightly cheeky character has captured the hearts of many, including those in the UAE! Spanning from high-end fashion to everyday posts, these collectible doll charms are spreading their whimsical appeal far and wide. Influencers and trendsetters throughout the UAE are eagerly adopting the Labubu phenomenon, proudly displaying their collections and finding inventive ways to blend these quirky dolls into their personal fashion statements.

Labubu is a character created by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung as part of his "The Monsters" toy series, produced by Pop Mart. These vinyl figures, often sold in blind boxes, feature elf-like creatures with pointy ears, mischievous grins, and distinctive jagged teeth. Originally launched in 2019, Labubu has seen a recent surge in global popularity, captivating collectors with their unique designs and the thrill of the blind box unboxing experience. The anticipation of discovering which Labubu variant lies within each box has fueled a vibrant online community of enthusiasts sharing their hauls and trades.

The vibrant and trend-conscious social media scene in the UAE is currently awash with Labubu sightings. Fashion influencers are seen adorning their luxury handbags with playful charms, adding a touch of unexpected whimsy to their sophisticated ensembles. Beauty gurus are incorporating Labubu into their flat lays and showcasing the dolls alongside their favourite products. Lifestyle influencers are sharing their unboxing videos, creating a buzz around the thrill of the "hunt" for rare and coveted Labubu figures.

"I just love how quirky and cute they are!" exclaimed Dubai-based fashion influencer @StyleSavvyDXB in a recent Instagram story showcasing her growing collection attached to her designer tote. "They add such a fun element to my outfits, and everyone always asks me about them!"

Another prominent Abu Dhabi-based influencer, @GlamorousGlow, posted a reel showcasing her Labubu collection displayed on a shelf, captioning it, "Obsessed is an understatement! Each one has its own little personality, and I can't resist adding more to my family."

The Labubu love extends far beyond the UAE, with several global icons reportedly falling under its spell:

BLACKPINK's Lisa: Known for her trendsetting style, Lisa has been spotted with Labubu charms adorning her accessories, further amplifying the doll's popularity among her massive international fanbase. Social media has been abuzz with fans trying to identify and acquire the specific Labubu figures seen with the K-pop superstar.

Rihanna: The global music and fashion icon has reportedly added Labubu charms to her collection, adding a playful touch to her already eclectic and influential style.

Huda Kattan: The Dubai-based beauty mogul and founder of Huda Beauty also shared her excitement in one of her TikTok videos for Labubu. Given her finger on the pulse of all things trendy, it wouldn't be surprising to see Labubu appearing on her social media.

Paris Hilton: The socialite and entrepreneur, known for her love of all things cute and collectible, has also reportedly embraced the Labubu trend, adding another layer of mainstream appeal to the charming figures.

Across various social media platforms, the #Labubu hashtag is exploding with activity. Enthusiasts are sharing pictures of their collections, engaging in trades, and even creating fan art inspired by the characters. TikTok is filled with unboxing videos and creative ways to display and style Labubu charms. Twitter (now X) sees daily discussions about the latest releases and the thrill of the hunt for rare figures.

"It's like a nostalgic throwback to collecting toys as a kid, but with a trendy, modern twist," commented a user on Reddit's toy collecting forum. "The designs are so unique, and the blind box element adds an exciting element of surprise." Another user on Instagram wrote, "I never thought I'd be so invested in little dolls, but Labubu's charm is just irresistible! My friends and I are constantly trading and comparing our collections."

The Labubu trend shows no signs of slowing down, captivating hearts and collections worldwide. With its unique aesthetic, the thrill of the blind box, and the endorsement of global icons and influential figures, Labubu has solidified its place as the must-have collectible of the moment, and the UAE's vibrant social media landscape is proudly showcasing its enthusiastic embrace of these adorable monsters.

Labubu figures may be a bit hard to find, but you can potentially purchase them directly from PopMart’s official website if you're in Dubai. They are also available on Amazon, though it’s important to be cautious of counterfeit versions. In the UAE, check out The Little Things, located in Bluewaters, Dubai Mall, and Mall of the Emirates, as they are the official PopMart retailer and offer Labubu figures starting at Dh79. Alternatively, Mad Kicks in Box Park, Dubai, has Labubu figures priced at Dh300 each, or you can get six blind boxes for Dh1,250.

For a unique dining experience, guests who order a Petit Meal at Beau in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai can enjoy one of their signature burgers, fries, a drink, and receive a surprise Labubu collectible for AED 290. It’s a great option for those who appreciate a little excitement with their meals.