Just weeks before the men’s team participates at the 2024 AFC Asian Cup, adidas has launched two new jerseys for the United Arab Emirates football association for both men and women.
Reflective of the UAE’s flag colors, the home kit boasts a classic white canvas adorned with the iconic three red stripes, while the away jersey features a bold patterned design in striking green and black. Infusing the love for the game and support for the environment, both pieces are crafted using 100% recycled materials in line with the German brand’s eco-friendly mission to reduce plastic waste.
However, you don’t have to be an athlete or diehard fan to co-opt the football jersey into your wardrobe. This year, adidas decided to celebrate the launch of the new home and away kits by tapping into four trailblazers who have called the UAE their home for decades to showcase the different ways to sport the iconic drop. Kenyan director sister duo Wafa and Amirah Tajdin, Filipino cyclist and upcycle designer Kris Balerite, and Lebanese father and son restaurateurs Ali and Mohamed Jameleddine were captured in a campaign by Yemeni photographer and filmmaker Ghassan Luqman embracing the “blokecore” trend — oversized football jerseys tucked into high-waisted jeans or paired with adidas Sambas — proving that the sport’s influence in fashion is here to stay beyond the pitch.
Below, meet the campaign stars.
Wafa and Amirah Tajdin
For Wafa and Amirah Tajdin, the journey to the UAE is more than a geographical shift—it’s a homecoming. Ancestrally linked to the Gulf, their parents’ migration from Kenya to Dubai in 2001 marked a migratory return. The family embraced this vibrant city as one of their many homes, and the sisters, after years spent away at university and work, decided to make Dubai the hub of their creative endeavors. “We now proudly rep Dubai as our hometown,” they declare, embodying a sense of belonging that transcends borders.
Dubai’s allure goes beyond sentiment for the sisters. As women of color navigating the film industry, they found the city to be an open door, facilitating their entry into the world of cinema. Amirah finds something enchanting about living in Dubai and being part of “a new piece of earth,” a feeling that subconsciously fosters a fresh perspective on storytelling. According to the sisters, Dubai is an incubator that has not only impacted their careers but has allowed them, particularly as women, opportunities that might not have unfolded elsewhere.
The roots of their cinematic journey lie in childhood expressions and early inklings of creative callings. Wafa, drawn to storytelling through her collection of Nancy Drew books, felt an innate connection to the power of narrative. Amirah, fueled by a love for drawing, coloring, and creating miniature worlds, discovered her passion for directing early on. Their paths converged naturally, driven by an unsaid trust and a shared understanding that would become the bedrock of their collaborative journey.
The decision to embark on this cinematic odyssey as a sister duo wasn’t planned; it was a cosmic alignment, as Wafa puts it. Navigating the delicate balance between the professional and personal realms, the sisters credit their success to raw honesty, mutual respect, and the occasional visit to a very good therapist. Individual roles in the filmmaking process contribute to their harmonious collaboration, with Amirah as the writer and director and Wafa as the producer. The clear demarcation of roles, they assert, is pivotal in maintaining healthy balance.
In their journey, the sister duo gleaned lessons that they generously share with aspiring producers and directors. Wafa advises starting in roles where mentorship and inspiration align with financial compensation. Meanwhile, Amirah emphasizes the timeless principles of hard work, resilience, and humility—a reminder to keep the ego in check through the highs and lows of a creative career.
Kris Balerite
In the bustling city of Dubai, where architectural marvels stand tall against the desert skyline, there exists a unique blend of cultures and stories. Among the vibrant narratives weaving through this metropolis, one that stands out is the journey of Kris Balerite, a Filipino cyclist and upcycle designer whose story is as diverse as the city he calls home.
Balerite is a second-generation Filipino expat, tracing his roots back to his father’s arrival in the UAE in 1989. The family, following suit, joined the patriarch in 1992, making Dubai their new home. Witnessing the city’s transformation from a humble desert outpost to a global hub, the cyclist found himself intrigued by the possibilities that lay ahead. “I’m still playing with the cards I’m dealt with,” he reflects, encapsulating the essence of his journey.
Cycling, for Balerite, is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a way of life. The pandemic prompted a reevaluation, and the cyclist found solace and rejuvenation on two wheels. “Cycling did all that for me and more,” he shares, emphasizing the transformative power of this simple yet profound activity. Beyond the physical benefits, the joy of encountering new faces on the open road became a highlight of his cycling expedition. His favorite routes, including Deira Island, Sharjah Corniche, Blue Waters, and the NAS cycling track, showcase not only the diverse landscapes of the UAE but also the sense of freedom and exploration that cycling imparts.
Cycling, he acknowledges, is not just a sport but a lifestyle that demands commitment. Sacrifices, from early nights to fiscal discipline, became stepping stones on his path to self-discovery. For him, the shared laughter and camaraderie after a long ride became a remedy for the anxieties and frustrations of professional life in the bustling city. His cycling community became a support system, a testament to the transformative power of shared passion.
His journey took an unexpected turn as he ventured into the realm of fashion upcycling. Motivated by the need for clothes that aligned with his evolving physique during his weight loss journey, he began modifying and creating his own garments. The process involved sourcing vintage fabrics from thrift stores and collaborating with tailors to achieve the perfect fit. However, Balerite’s foray into fashion went beyond personal style. It became a conscious choice to address the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Unwanted garments, he realized, could find new life and purpose rather than contributing to landfills. He decided to use his clothing as a canvas for change, raising awareness about the environmental toll of fast fashion without compromising on style and comfort.
Mohamed and Ali Jameleddine
In the heart of Dubai, there exists a culinary haven that transcends time and taste – Al Mallah, a cherished family business founded by Lebanese entrepreneur Mohamed Jamelddine that has been serving authentic Lebanese delights for over 40-years. At the helm of this gastronomic legacy is Mohamed’s son, Ali, a restaurateur whose journey seamlessly intertwines with the history of this beloved establishment.
Born in Lebanon, Jameleddine’s roots in the UAE run deep. Moving to the UAE with his family at just one-month-old, he was raised within the vibrant cultural mosaic of the Emirates. His educational journey, from school to university, unfolded in this dynamic setting. However, Ali’s path was initially set on a different course when he pursued graduate studies in the United States, before going on to embrace his long-held passion for magic and mindreading performances.
However, after he returned to Dubai following his studies, Ali found himself at a crossroads. While he initially envisioned a different trajectory, the call of the family business proved irresistible. The restaurant, Al Mallah, was his father’s brainchild, originating in the ‘70s when Abu Dhabi lacked the Lebanese culinary touch. Starting as a humble juice joint, the establishment quickly gained acclaim for introducing novel items like the “Tahiti” and “Chubby Melon.” It wasn’t just a business; it was a mission to bring the authentic taste of Lebanon to the UAE streets.
Four decades on, Al Mallah remains a thriving culinary landmark. Ali attributes this success to what he calls the 3 P’s: passion, people, and patience. Cherishing the advice imparted by his father, Ali shares his management philosophy: “As a business owner, you are a ‘father.’ No matter how old your employees are, treat them like your own children. They are your family, and you are responsible for all of them.”
Beyond being a culinary destination, Al Mallah has become an integral part of Dubai’s narrative. Ali recounts a myriad of cherished moments– from crafting the largest glass of juice to hosting international celebrities and witnessing generations make memories within its walls. The restaurant’s shawarmas and manakish have accompanied travelers on flights, and its welcoming ambiance has been the backdrop for countless tales of newcomers to the UAE.
