UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF
H.E. DR. AYNOUR TATANAKI

Hashtag Local
Brand Initiative

A strategic business acceleration program to discover, support, mentor and develop promising local brands across the UAE and GCC.

13 DAYS
18 HOURS
42 MINUTES
07 SECONDS
APPLY NOW
APPLICATION DEADLINE 31 JULY 2026
H.E. Dr. Aynour Tatanaki

Competition Overview

The Hashtag Local Brand Initiative is designed to identify high-potential local businesses and support their growth through retail, marketing, business development and mentorship.

Only the strongest brands demonstrating innovation, scalability and commercial potential will be shortlisted.

Brands That Grew Through The Hashtag Ecosystem

Hashtag has supported hundreds of entrepreneurs and emerging brands by providing infrastructure, community, retail exposure, and visibility in the UAE market.

600+

Brands launched and supported

30,000+

Sq ft curated retail space

30+

Entrepreneurial initiatives and events

3,000+

Community members and entrepreneurs

Global

Influencer and celebrity brand collaborations

Brand Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

We welcome ambitious brands that are ready to grow their business through Dubai's leading Retail Accelerator Program.

Local & International Brands

Open to UAE-based brands and international brands seeking to establish or expand their presence in Dubai.

Retail Categories

Fashion, Beauty, Accessories, Lifestyle, Home, Specialty Coffee, F&B, Technology, Wellness, Gifts and other innovative consumer brands.

Business Registration

Must have a legally registered business or be in the process of company registration before launch.

Product & Supply Capability

Demonstrate product quality and the ability to maintain a consistent supply.

Long-Term Growth Vision

Be committed to building a sustainable, long-term brand presence.

Accelerator Participation

Participate in Hashtag's Retail Accelerator Program, including retail, marketing and growth initiatives.

Required Documents

Provide brand profile, product information, and supporting business documentation.

Competition Timeline

1

Applications Open

Immediately

2

Application Deadline

10 July 2026

3

Review & Shortlisting

Evaluation Process

4

Business Pitch Event

18 July 2026

5

Final Evaluation

Winner Selection

Selection Process

STEP 1

Submit Application

Complete the official application form.

STEP 2

Evaluation

Applications reviewed by committee.

STEP 3

Business Pitch

Present your business to the panel.

STEP 4

Winner Selection

Final winners are selected.

Benefits For Winning Brands

Retail Space

E-Commerce

Mentorship

Marketing

Award

Accelerator

Expansion

Investment

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to join Hashtag?
Any local or international brand looking to launch, expand, or grow in Dubai is welcome to apply.
Is there a minimum business age?
No. We welcome both startups and established brands. However, brands with existing sales history may have an advantage during evaluation.
Can international brands apply?
Absolutely. We actively support international brands entering the UAE market through our Retail Accelerator Program.
What product categories do you accept?
Fashion, Beauty, Accessories, Lifestyle, Home, Specialty Coffee, F&B, Technology, Wellness, Gifts, and other innovative consumer brands.
Is there an application fee?
No. Submitting your application is completely free.
What happens after I submit my application?
Our Brand Partnership Team reviews your submission. If your brand matches our selection criteria, we'll contact you for the next stage, which may include additional documentation, product review, or a consultation meeting.
How long does the review process take?
Most applications are reviewed within 5–10 business days, depending on the completeness of the information provided.
Do I need an existing website?
No. A website is recommended but not mandatory. An active Instagram page, online store, or digital brand presence is sufficient.
Do you require previous sales history?
It's preferred but not mandatory. If available, sales reports help us better understand your brand's performance and growth potential.
Will I need to provide product samples?
Yes. Selected brands may be asked to submit product samples for quality and customer experience evaluation.
Does submitting an application guarantee acceptance?
No. Every application goes through a review process to ensure it aligns with Hashtag's brand standards, customer profile, and retail strategy.
Can I sell both in-store and online?
Yes. Depending on the selected partnership model, your brand may have opportunities to sell through Hashtag's physical retail space and e-commerce platform.
What makes Hashtag different?
Hashtag is more than a retail space. It's a Retail Accelerator that combines premium retail exposure, marketing support, business mentoring, events, digital promotion, and growth opportunities designed to help brands scale in Dubai and beyond.
How can I contact the Brand Partnership Team?
You can submit your application through this form, and our team will contact you if additional information is required.

    Online Application Form

    Section 1 – Applicant Information








    Section 2 – Company Information







    Section 3 – About Your Brand






    Section 4 – Current Sales Channels

    Section 5 – Document Upload

    Terms & Conditions

    Business Pitch Event & Evaluation Process

    Brands successfully shortlisted during the evaluation process

    will be invited to participate in the

    Hashtag Local Brand Business Pitch Event,

    where they will formally present their business before the

    official Evaluation Committee chaired by

    H.E. Dr. Aynour Tatanaki, Founder & Chairwoman of Hashtag Department Store.

    Each shortlisted applicant shall prepare a professional business

    presentation that includes, at a minimum, the following:

    • Brand Story

    • Vision, Mission & Core Values

    • Company & Brand Profile

    • Products and Services

    • Business Model

    • Pricing Strategy

    • Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

    • Innovation and Competitive Advantage

    • Marketing & Sales Strategy

    • Growth & Expansion Strategy

    • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

    • Financial Readiness (where applicable)

    • Reasons why the brand should be selected

    • How the brand intends to leverage and grow within the Hashtag Department Store ecosystem

    Applicants are also required to present a conceptual retail

    experience demonstrating how their boutique, retail concept,

    café, restaurant, kiosk, or service offering would be designed,

    merchandised, and operated within Hashtag Department Store.

    The Evaluation Committee will assess each presentation based on,

    but not limited to, the following criteria:

    • Business viability

    • Brand readiness

    • Innovation and originality

    • Customer experience

    • Commercial scalability

    • Presentation quality

    • Operational feasibility

    • Alignment with Hashtag Department Store's vision and retail standards

    Important Notice

    Submission of an application and participation in the Business

    Pitch Event do not constitute acceptance into the Hashtag

    Department Store Accelerator Programme or guarantee selection

    for retail space, investment, partnership, or any commercial

    agreement.

    Final selection shall be made solely at the discretion of the

    Evaluation Committee based on the established evaluation criteria.

    By selecting the checkbox below, I confirm that I have read,

    understood, and agree to the above requirements and acknowledge

    that the decision of the Evaluation Committee shall be final.