There’s no better feeling when traveling through the world than seeing others that look like you on the same journey.
In the last decade, places like The United Arab Emirates have become popular among Black expats who have decided to stay long-term. Many have even made the leap to open Black-owned businesses in the country as well.
The next time you’re traveling through cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, here are some Black-owned businesses you can support.
1. Eat At The First Jamaican Restaurant in Abu Dhabi
View this post on Instagram
Kingston 21 is the first Jamaican restaurant in Abu Dhabi. The restaurant opened in April 2021 after owner Kesian Bennett realized Abu Dhabi did not have any Jamaican restaurants.
2. Shop At House of Kimmi
View this post on Instagram
House of Kimmi is where style meets confidence. The pieces are inspired by Arabian and African arts and cultures.
“Our greatest desire is that by dressing in Kimmi design, women can hold their heads high and step out with hearts filled with delight, brimming with love,” a statement reads on the website.
3. Spa Day At Scintillia Skincare
View this post on Instagram
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Scintillia Skincare is about empowering guests to feel beautiful in their own skin by putting their best face forward.
What you will love about Scintillia is that it offers a tailored approach to skincare, which means they offer treatments and facials that are uniquely designed for you.
4. Need A Hair Cut? Zool Barber Shop Has You Covered
View this post on Instagram
//www.instagram.com/embed.js
Zool began his career over 10 years ago in Jordan, then traveled on to South Africa where he worked for over 4 years and enhanced his experience and skill set.
With 3 years now in Dubai, Zool is a true expert in all hair types and never fails to leave a lasting impression on all clients.
5. Find Community With Afro Hair UAE
View this post on Instagram
Afro Hair UAE is a community for women with natural hair in the UAE. According to the Black-owned UAE website, it was founded by Helen Debrah-Ampofo who struggled to find places to help maintain her natural Afro hair when she moved in 2016.
Today, her group has grown into a community with hundreds of other people supporting one another by offering recommendations, tips, and sharing advice when it comes to our hair.
6. Eat At One Of Dubai's Best African Restaurants: BIggy African Restaurant
View this post on Instagram
From Jollof, Ehusi Soup, Ewa Agoyin, and more, Biggy Restaurant offers some of the best Nigerian cuisine in Dubai.
7. Grab A Cup Of Coffee At Boon
View this post on Instagram
//www.instagram.com/embed.js
You can purchase Boon online, but if you happen to be in the UAE, head over to one of its retail outlet centers to grab a cup of coffee.
Boon was founded by Orit Mohammed, who was born and raised in Ethiopia. She was inspired to start the brand by her hardworking parents and her children to show them to be proud of their Ethiopian heritage.
8. An Exclusive Coffee Experience At MOKHA 1450
View this post on Instagram
Mokha 1450 is an experience for coffee lovers unlike anything else in the world. The creators focus heavily on what the founder calls the twin origins of coffee; Ethiopia and Yemen.
The goal is “to emphasize where all coffee comes from and where coffee begins its journey to its drinkers across the world.”
What’s unique about Mokha 1450 is that they source coffees that are limited in quantity and exclusive to them only.
9. Get Into Shape With A Class At AfroFit
View this post on Instagram
//www.instagram.com/embed.js
Christian Nji is the founder and creator of Afrofit Dubai. It’s a high-intensity cardio workout to Afrobeats that blasts your core, improves all-over muscles tone, and increases your heart rate.
10. Indulge in Sudanese Flavors At Al Mufraka Restaurant
View this post on Instagram
Launched in 2018, Al Mufraka Restaurant was created to introduce authentic Sudanese cuisine to Abu Dhabi.