Homegrown, handcrafted, this Dubai pop up has it all!

Whether you visit for a coffee or just a curious browse, you're likely to leave with more — a story, a keepsake, a handmade memory.

You've been there, done that, shopped it, and 'grammed it too. Pop-ups in Dubai are commonplace, but now and then, one stands apart—not because it's louder, but because it's more honest. We stepped into Boho Beach Pop-Up (with 30+ local brands), a celebration of locally created self-expression, thoughtfully curated by the creative minds at @360_ipopup, and indulged in the three-day affair (ending tonight, July 27) at Flat 12 Café, Dubai Port Rashid, which is about more than just shopping. It's about stories.  Sure, we're all borrowing TikTok trends, playing with AI-generated captions, and riding the wave of what's cool. But here, what's cool is also real. What you carry home is more than a bag or bracelet—it's a piece of someone's dream.

Theatre, but make it retail

There are no re-takes here. Like the magic of theatre, once the lights come on, it's all or nothing. The brands that show up at this pop-up bring their voice, vision, and vulnerability. No elaborate backdrops, no dramatic lighting—just craft, character, and courage. Each stall is a stage. Each maker is a performer. Their products are their lines, and their passion is the play. You, the audience, get a front-row seat to something unscripted and deeply personal.

A café, a few cars, and a whole lot of creativity

The usual residents of Flat 12 Café—those gorgeous classic cars—have quietly rolled aside, making room for something equally iconic: authenticity. The café, with its warm aroma of coffee and cool industrial vibe, becomes the perfect venue for showcasing homegrown talent. And the cars don't seem to mind one bit.

Small brands, big stories

Most of the vendors here are small entrepreneurs, and their passion speaks far louder than any boardroom meeting or sales target spreadsheet.

Take Maha, for example. Just 11 years old and already the founder of Mahavella, a beauty line bursting with pink and personality. Her smile is disarming, her products are in pink, and her brand is packed with glow-up energy. Her lip gloss sticks come with built-in lights and mirror stickers—because why not shine while you gloss? She wins you over first with her smile, but it's her confidence and genuine passion—not just to sell, but to share her business—that truly stays with you.

If you're into charms (and even if you're not), good luck leaving without a handful—from bag charms to bracelets and phone accessories, they're irresistible.

There are fresh flowers from Luvflowers; you can order straight from farms in Ajman, delivered to your loved ones in Dubai. There's a lipstick station where you can craft your perfect shade, and perfume corners to master your signature scent.

We also got curious about permanent jewelry—dainty bracelets and chains, sized for your wrist and soldered right there. No clasps. No removals. Just an elegant keepsake that stays put—like a tattoo made of gold.

Then there's Nourai Jewelry, where each piece whispers charm, beauty, and grace. Founder Nour gleams with pride as she walks you through her collection—passionate, perfectly poised.

Abayas and modest fashion also shine across the space, each piece locally designed and lovingly curated. This isn't fast fashion. It's felt fashion.

The curtain call

This pop-up isn't just another market—it's a space where homegrown brands dare to dream aloud, where creativity replaces commercialism, and where every item comes with a story worth telling.

Go, explore, and support the stage because we've all stood in the wings long enough. 

The Boho Beach Pop-Up is on till tonight, July 27.

Venue: Flat 12 Café, Dubai Port Rashid

Timings: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Entry: Free