Labubu Craze Takes Over UAE

Labubu Craze Takes Over UAE: Why Youth are Hooked

The era of traditional, cute dolls seems to be over—at least according to Generation Z. A new craze has swept across the United Arab Emirates: the Labubu dolls, fearsomely adorable monster figures, have dominated not just the online world but also the shelves of stores. Long lines form at Dubai's shopping centers and pop-up stands as fans eagerly hunt for their own piece of this peculiar toy.

What is a Labubu doll?

Labubu is a character created by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-born illustrator with a Dutch upbringing. The creator made this wide-mouthed, demonically grinning creature, who is mischievous yet kind-hearted, the main character of a picture book series inspired by Northern mythology. While initially daunting at first glance, it is exactly this "aesthetic dissonance"—like blending a Tim Burton world with a cute plush toy—that makes the doll special.

Why is it so popular?

The thrill of the unknown is a key factor in its success: Labubu dolls are sold in so-called "blind boxes," meaning the buyer does not know in advance which version they will get. The surprise element, the constant new design variations, and the promotion by online content creators and celebrities have all contributed to the trend's rapid growth.

Furthermore, the unique design, unusual facial features, and "spookily cute" character set Labubu apart from the overly familiar dolls. Young people, especially members of Generation Z, are eager to find unique items that allow them to express themselves—and this whimsical little creature is perfect for that.

Blind box as a business strategy

The blind box technique is a brilliant commercial move: it not only motivates the buyer to get their first doll but also to find their favorite version. Many keep buying more boxes, hoping that luck will eventually smile their way. This "collective mechanism" resembles the logic of gambling, which is why it's so effective.

Affordable alternatives: here come the Lafufus

The original Labubu versions can cost up to 350 dirhams, something not everyone is willing to pay for a small toy. This has led to the rise of Lafufu lookalikes, which, whether amusing or disturbingly accurate copies, allow fans to join the trend on a smaller budget.

More than just a toy?

Labubu is not merely a doll. It's more of a generational phenomenon, a new tool for self-expression. It embodies the overturning of conventional beauty ideals, embracing strangeness, and loving diversity. While some see it only as a passing trend, what is certain is that these small "monsterlings" have achieved serious cult status among the youth in the UAE—especially in the youthful districts of Dubai and Sharjah.

How long will the Labubu craze last?

Like every fashion wave, the Labubu craze will likely end one day. However, it’s certain that this toy is more than a simple child's plaything: it meets at the intersection of identity, trend sensitivity, and communal experience. And who knows, by the time this trend fades, the next one might already be looming—perhaps in the form of an even stranger, more divisive toy.

(The article is based on the character created by Kasing Lung.)