Forget American Girl This Emirati Doll Has Henna on Her Hands

You know the American Girl dolls, the ones with the matching nightgowns and the historical backstories? Now there's an Emirati version. Meet Salama, Hessa and Mahra – three new dolls from Uju, a homegrown brand with a "proudly made in the UAE" stamp. These aren't your average blonde ponytails and floral sundresses. Salama and her sisters come with henna on their hands and feet – the kind your auntie does before Eid. Their hair is long enough to actually braid. And their wardrobe? Straight out of an Emirati family photo album. Each doll wears a different traditional dress. Salama is in black with red threading. Hessa is in soft pink. Mahra is in yellow with flowers scattered across the fabric like someone's grandmother picked the pattern herself – tradition, stitched into tiny doll‑sized seams. Every doll comes with a birth certificate (yes, an actual certificate). The dolls are priced at AED 455 with free delivery across the GCC, and 2% of every order going to charity. You can order via DM or pick one up at Boutique Five Roses. The first batch of Salama sold out, so they released Hessa and Mahra to keep up with demand. If you know a kid who's been waiting to see herself in a doll's face – or an adult who still sleeps with her childhood doll – Uju just made that possible.