UAE’s Gen Z Obsessed With These 2025 Trends

REAL ESTATE2 months ago

In the fast-moving lifestyle of the UAE, a new generation is setting the pace Gen Z. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, this digital-savvy group is now reshaping everything from fashion and food to tech and entertainment. With their unique mindset, Gen Z in the UAE is embracing trends that blend modern culture with local identity, sustainability, and global influence.

Here’s a look into what Gen Z in the UAE is obsessed with right now.

For Gen Z in the UAE, social media is more than an app it’s a way of life. TikTok and Instagram Reels are the top choices, with Snapchat still playing a big role in daily updates. Influencers are no longer just celebrities; even local university students with relatable content are gaining thousands of followers.

This generation is using social media to express creativity, build side hustles, and stay connected. Viral challenges, micro-vlogs, aesthetic fashion tips, and local travel content are leading the trend. Many Gen Z users are even creating content in both Arabic and English, showing the unique bilingual nature of the region.

Fashion Goes Sustainable and Modest

Gen Z is driving change in how young people in the UAE view fashion. While designer brands like Off-White, Balenciaga, and Fear of God are still popular, there’s growing love for sustainable and modest fashion.

Eco-conscious UAE-based brands, thrift shops, and pre-loved luxury items are on the rise. Apps and websites selling second-hand clothes are becoming popular among Gen Z buyers who want to save the planet and stay stylish.

Modest wear, including modern abayas and street-style hijab fashion, is trending not just among girls but also fashion influencers who mix tradition with high-end looks. This shows how Gen Z respects their roots while staying trendy.

Obsessed With K-Culture

Korean music, food, and skincare are now a part of daily life for many Gen Z residents in the UAE. K-pop concerts in Dubai are selling out, Korean food delivery services are booming, and K-beauty products are flying off the shelves.

From BTS to Blackpink, Korean culture continues to influence music choices and fashion trends. Many teens and young adults are learning Korean online and using it in daily conversations. Korean street fashion is also being adapted into local wardrobes.

Korean cafés and ramen bars have become hangout spots in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, showing how powerful the global K-wave really is in the Emirates.

Mental Health Awareness on the Rise

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z in the UAE is openly talking about mental health. From school pressure to social anxiety, many are sharing their stories online, joining awareness campaigns, and pushing for more open conversations.

Podcasts, TikTok therapists, and self-care pages are gaining thousands of views. The use of mental wellness apps and journaling tools is also increasing. Schools and universities are now organizing more workshops and events around emotional well-being.

This shift shows that Gen Z values both success and self-care and wants a balanced life.

Digital Money and Side Hustles

Another major trend among Gen Z in the UAE is their interest in financial freedom. Digital wallets, crypto knowledge, and stock investment platforms are attracting many young users. Even teenagers are talking about NFTs, trading, and saving tips.

Gen Z is also highly entrepreneurial. From selling handmade goods on Instagram to managing drop-shipping businesses, this generation is not waiting until graduation to start earning. Social media influencers, gamers, coders, and artists are turning hobbies into money-making ventures.

The UAE’s flexible digital economy and platforms like Noon, Amazon, and Talabat have made it easier for young people to launch small businesses and reach customers.

Local Travel and Hidden Gems

While international travel is still a dream for many, Gen Z is falling in love with exploring the UAE. From Ras Al Khaimah’s mountains to Fujairah’s beaches, young people are spending weekends on road trips and nature escapes.

They prefer destinations that are “Insta-worthy,” budget-friendly, and less commercial. Desert camping, beach cafes, hiking trails, and local farms are all trending places to visit.

With mobile photography and travel vlogs on the rise, many Gen Z influencers are showing off beautiful corners of the Emirates that even longtime residents haven’t discovered.

Tech-Savvy and Always Online

Gen Z is the first generation that grew up with smartphones. They expect everything to be fast, mobile, and smart from food delivery to education and shopping. UAE brands that don’t offer digital-first experiences risk losing this audience.

From using for homework help to managing their schedules with AI-powered planners, this generation is embracing automation like never before. Augmented reality shopping, virtual try-ons, and digital avatars are no longer the futurethey’re now.

Gaming is also a big part of their lives, with platforms like Roblox, Fortnite, and PUBG continuing to attract both casual and serious players. Esports events and tournaments in Dubai are regularly filled with young attendees and gamers.

Gen Z in the UAE is also using their digital power to raise awareness on key issues. From climate change and equality to Palestinian rights and animal welfare, they are unafraid to speak out, sign petitions, and support online campaigns.

This generation doesn’t just scroll they share, support, and stand up. Many are also joining NGOs, volunteering in community events, and creating meaningful content with a purpose.

Conclusion

Gen Z in the UAE is setting new standards for what’s cool, what matters, and what’s next. Their obsession is not just about trends it’s about shaping a future where style meets substance, tech meets culture, and identity is proudly embraced.

Whether it’s sustainable fashion, mental health, digital tools, or global culture, one thing is clear—Gen Z in the UAE isn’t just following trends. They are creating them.

As brands, educators, and leaders pay closer attention, the voices of Gen Z will only grow louder, shaping the UAE’s future in unexpected and exciting ways.