Fashion

Shabab Intl and Medina Reunite for a Five-Day Creative Link-Up in Dubai

BYKhaoula Ghanem

December 11, 2025

This week, Shabab Intl, the Dubai-based label spearheaded by pseudonymous Iraqi-Canadian photographer and designer Chebmoha and his twin sister Zainab joined forces with London-based Medina, the cult imprint helmed by Libyan designer Mabruk Ali. Their joint takeover of The Laboratory— Shabab’s store-slash-hangout in Alserkal Avenue— is transforming the space into a five-day block party celebrating fashion, music, food.

Running from December 10 to 14, the pop-up is their second collaboration this year; the first was a four-day summer takeover in London where they debuted a plain cotton tee trimmed with long white lace sleeves.

For their Dubai reunion, the duo brought the shirt back, this time with black hand-crocheted sleeves. There’s also limited-edition caps (the Shabab camo country hat remade with Medina’s distressed camouflage fabric and topped with bold 3D neon embroidery), and, of course, a fresh drop of the already-coveted Arab Cup t-shirt. In addition to the co-created pieces, Medina is also staging its own pop-up inside The Laboratory.

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What’s more, Shabab resurrected one of their most legendary ideas: the 1 dirham t-shirt. Those who missed out on the most democratic drop of the year the first time are sure to revel in the fact that they can now get their hands on the iconic piece, which launched on UAE National Day in collaboration with amongst few and Talabat Mart. The tee became instant lore— a tongue-in-cheek nod to accessibility, community, and the brand’s habit of subverting hype culture.

The energy extends well beyond the racks. The Laboratory has morphed into a chilled-out gathering spot, complete with DJ sets, delicious Libyan bites, and spontaneous conversations that last longer than intended. If the two brands have mastered anything, it’s the art of making retail feel like a place where culture is made in real time, not just consumed.

Supplied

Shabab Intl and Medina Reunite for a Five-Day Creative Link-Up in Dubai

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Shabab Intl and Medina Reunite for a Five-Day Creative Link-Up in Dubai

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