The UAE’s luxury image is shifting as secondhand shopping gains momentum. Driven by sustainability concerns and changing consumer habits, preloved fashion and goods, from designer clothes to vintage furniture, are becoming increasingly popular. This growing thrift culture reflects a broader movement toward conscious consumption, blending affordability with style and ethics, signaling a significant transformation in the region’s retail landscape.
The Thrift Culture in the UAE
The UAE is known worldwide for its glossy skyscrapers, sprawling malls, and luxury shopping experiences. From the iconic Dubai Mall to the high-end storefronts of Mall of the Emirates, fast fashion and luxury brands dominate the visual and retail landscape. But behind the gleaming glass facades, a quieter, more conscious revolution is underway. An increasing number of UAE residents are turning to thrift shopping – for fashion, furniture, collectibles, and even baby gear. Once considered niche or culturally unfamiliar, the pre-loved market is fast gaining traction, driven by younger, environmentally aware consumers and supported by social media-based thrift communities, physical stores, and curated pop-ups.
And the growth is no small matter: according to Future Market Insights, the secondhand apparel market in the GCC is projected to be worth $1.3 billion in 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 11.6%, and reaching $4 billion by 2035. These numbers aren’t just promising – they’re proof that preloved is becoming mainstream.
Forces Driving the Secondhand Boom
Sustainability awareness: According to the UN Environment Programme, making a single pair of jeans uses around 3,781 litres of water. With facts and figures like these gaining attention, more shoppers are turning to thrift as a lower-impact alternative.
High-quality imports: The UAE is the second largest importer of used clothing globally, bringing in $237 million worth in 2023 from countries like the UK, US, Australia, China, and Spain.
Digital resale culture: Instagram stores, online platforms, and app-based businesses are making thrifting as convenient as it is conscious.
Youth-driven minimalism: Younger shoppers are turning to thrifting not just for affordability, but for ethical reasons and style individuality.
Circular economy adoption: Repairs, upcycling, and reselling are increasingly part of the region’s evolving retail culture.
Thrifting Destinations in the UAE
Whether you’re after a vintage designer bag, a funky Y2K dress, a collectible vinyl, or a refurbished Eames chair, the UAE’s thrift scene has a destination for every taste:
Nestled in a villa on Al Wasl Road, Garderobe is a longtime favorite for preloved luxury fashion. Expect authentic pieces from Chanel, Dior, and Manolo Blahnik at a fraction of their original cost. It’s also a great place to consign your own high-end wardrobe.
A social enterprise with a purpose, Thrift for Good donates 100% of profits to children’s charities through its partnership with Gulf for Good.
With shops in Times Square Center, Al Quoz, and Golden Mile Galleria, they offer apparel, accessories, and community workshops on sustainability topics like natural dyeing and composting.
A powerhouse in the UAE’s pre-owned luxury market, this store combines online convenience with an authenticity guarantee. From Valentino gowns to Rolex watches, shoppers can snag top-tier brands at up to 70% off retail.
