Remember when dolls used to look like they were off to prom? Glossy hair, high heels, perfect teeth, and not a speck of personality? Yeah, we’ve collectively thrown those in the emotional donation bin. Say hello to Labubu! The feral, freaky-cute monster doll who’s won over Gen Z hearts with their ultra mischievous grin. She’s small and spooky. And she looks like she’s plotting something mildly illegal but still wants a cuddle. Plus somehow, she’s everywhere right now. UAE malls are swarming, TikToks are multiplying, and adults with full-time jobs are queueing up for hours to buy something that looks like it bites.
So, what’s actually going on?
Labubu: The Doll That Launched a Thousand Screams (Of Joy and Slight Panic)
Okay, so this all started with a very artistic man named Kasing Lung who created a Nordic-style monster world called The Monsters. Among them is Labubu, a chaotic-good little she-demon who plays pranks, smiles devilishly, and allegedly means well (a bit like your cousin who keeps “accidentally” stealing your hoodies). Unlike traditional dolls who are all poise and politeness, Labubu looks like she stayed up too late bingeing conspiracy theories and still has eyeliner from last week. Precisely why everyone loves her.
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The Hype Is REAL
So how did this feral-looking toy become the collector’s item of the year?
Part of the craze lies in the mystery. Labubus are sold in blind boxes – a retail roulette where you don’t know which version you’re getting until you rip the box open. Could be a common one, could be a rare glow-in-the-dark version. Either way, you’re buying hope, chaos, and a serotonin hit.
There’s also the clout factor. When celebs and influencers started casually flexing their Labubu collections, the internet lost it. Instagram reels became shrine-like displays of mini monster dolls arranged in aesthetic corners of apartments. Suddenly, everyone wanted one.
Unlike traditional dolls that scream “made for kids,” Labubu fits right into the ironic, self-aware Gen Z aesthetic. It’s creepy, it’s cute, it’s collectible, and it looks iconic on a shelf beside your plants and obscure vinyl collection. Some even treat them like emotional support monsters. Others just want them for the memes. Whatever you say, these monsters with a kooky grin that flashes nine serrated teeth are hard to ignore!
Where to Get One in the UAE (Before They Sell Out)
Now that the Labubu fever has officially hit the UAE, you can get yours – but only if you’re quick. Here’s where the Labubu treasure hunt begins:
- The Little Things (Bluewaters, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates): The official PopMart retailer, with prices starting at just AED 79. These stores are known for random rushes, so some days you can just stroll in and grab one; other days… good luck.
- Amazon App : Yes, your go-to shopping app does have Labubu stocked. Just make sure you check the seller details before hitting ‘buy’. Or wait, I’ll just drop the link from the official seller here to save you from doing that!
- Mad Kicks, Box Park: Grab it for AED 300 per figure, or a pack of six for AED 1,250.
- PopMart Official Website: Another option if you prefer shopping from your phone without risking leg cramps in a mall queue. But beware of international shipping costs and knockoffs.
- Petit Meal at Beau (Abu Dhabi & Dubai): Order a meal for Dh290 and get a Labubu surprise along with your burger and fries.
- Costa Coffee: Costa’s giving away 50 Labubu dolls and dropped a Labubu-inspired pink coffee – frothy, cute, and totally on trend. Until May 30, 5 winners daily can snag a doll. Just order the coffee, snap a Story, tag & follow Costa. Easy peasy, yeah?
- Noon App: Labubu blind boxes are available here in limited drops. They’re restocked daily, but you’ll want to be online early – these sell out fast. Collections include ‘Have a Seat’, ‘Macarons’, and ‘Big Into Energy’.
- House Of Hype – Yup, there’s a giant Labubu claw machine at House of Hype. Insert the coin, take shot and take home one chaotic little monster.
Sure, the obsession may fade when the next shiny trend rolls around – but until then, it’s Labubu’s world, and we’re just unboxing it.
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