What's in the box? Inside 7 subscription boxes available in the UAE

Having a package delivered to your door is always exciting - even if do you have a fair idea what's in it. And when that package is filled with things that you genuinely need, with the odd surprise thrown in for good measure, all the better. Delivered directly to your doorstep on a regular basis, subscription boxes are growing in popularity. Internationally, the trend has now given rise to niche categories like literary boxes, which contain books, teas and coffees, and boardgame boxes, which are packed with card games and party activities. In the UAE, there are tailored subscriptions targeting men, women and children. From pioneering brands like Glambox, which sends its subscribers cosmetics, to newer endeavours that cater to the country's more health-conscious residents, the market is hungry for home-grown, couriered packages that contain everything from flavoured nuts to men’s fashion accessories. Here are seven subscription-box startups, founded by UAE-based entrepreneurs, that offer something worth signing up for. Founded by: Parth Parekh and Vinit Sadhwani in April 2017 Inspired by: a dearth of subscription boxes dedicated to men in the Middle East Targeted at: men with a busy schedule who enjoy looking sharp and stylish with the help of conversation-starting accessories What's inside? A colour-coordinated assortment of men's accessories, including a tie, pocket square and socks, plus any two of the following metal accessories: tie clip, lapel pin, cuff links or bracelet. Delivers : across the UAE with free delivery. Subscription plans: Dh119 per box for a monthly subscription lasting one year (Total: Dh1,428) Dh139 per box for a three-month subscription (Total: Dh417) Dh159 for one box Contact: 055 420 1144; www.kaizenbox.ae Founded by: Alisa Sokoliuk in February 2016 Inspired by: London-based flower delivery service Bloom & Wild, which posts compact bouquets through recipients' letter boxes Targeted at: Creatives who have an eye for décor and enjoy the art of arranging flowers What's inside? A selection of flowers, a sachet of flower food, a pair of clippers, an info sheet about the flowers and instructions on flower arranging. Delivers: across Dubai with a Dh49 delivery charge for orders below Dh299, and other Emirates with a Dh99 delivery charge Subscription plans: Dh249 per box per week for one month (Total: Dh999) Dh274 per box every other week for one month (Total: Dh549) Dh299 for one box Contact: 04 379 7384; www.theflowerfulproject.com Founded by : Marie-Christine Luijckx, Yael Mejia, Lyla Rawi and Lindsey Fournie in June 2015 Inspired by: a desire to improve health, happiness and productivity in the workplace with a regular package of regionally-sourced, washed and ready-to-eat fruits Targeted at: busy mothers who seek healthy lunchbox add-ins and employees working corporate jobs with long hours and few wholesome food options What's inside? The Staples Box contains essential fruits like apples, bananas, pears and seasonal stone fruits, along with a selection of nuts, while The Discovery Box is packed with 15 to 20 fruit varieties. Delivers: across Dubai with free delivery Subscription plans: Dh95 for a 4.5kg and Dh175 for a 9kg Staples Box Dh125 for a 20-serving and Dh225 for a 50-serving Discover Box Contact: 04 883 5851; www.fruitfulday.com Founded by: Mahmoud Adham in January 2015 Inspired by: a lack of healthy, in-between-meals snacks that can be delivered to your doorstep Targeted at: individuals requiring tasty, nutritious snacks to munch on throughout the day What's inside? Small packages of specialty nuts and crunchy dried fruits and vegetables, like biryani-flavoured cashews, sweet honey sesame almonds and spicy roasted corn. Boxes can also be customised with add-ons like energy balls and protein pebbles. Delivers: across Dubai and, with a Dh300 minimum order, Abu Dhabi Subscription plans: Dh46 per box for a six-month subscription of weekly boxes (Total:Dh1,100) Dh50 per box for a monthly subscription of four weekly boxes (Total: Dh200) Dh60 for one box of six snacks Contact: 800 68624; www.munchbox.ae Founded by: Jumana and Linda Al Darwish in May 2014 Inspired by: a lack of wholesome activities that involve spending quality time with loved ones Targeted at: children between the ages of 3 and 11 What's inside? A selection of eight themed, do-it-yourself (DIY) arts and crafts activities, with instructions in English and Arabic, along with a stuffed toy, short storybook, balloons and glitter. Delivers: across the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman Subscription plans: Dhh220 for a six-box subscription, which can be redeemed over a one-year period (Total:Dh1,320) Dh235 for a three-box subscription, which can be redeemed over a six-month period (Total:Dh705) Dh250 for one box Contact: 050 504 2850; www.thehappybox.ae Founded by: Laura Keeley in January 2017 Inspired by: the desire to make women's lives easier at that time of the month Targeted at: women living in the UAE What's inside? A monthly supply of your preferred sanitary products, along with an edible treat and selection of pampering products, like face creams and scrubs. Delivers: across Dubai, with plans to expand to the rest of the UAE soon Subscription plans: Dh100 per box for a yearly subscription (Total: Dh1,200) Dh105 per box for six-month subscription (Total: Dh630) Dh110 per box for a three-month subscription (Total: Dh330) Contact: www.cyclelogicals.com Founded by : Matthieu Guinard in January 2012 (for her) and May 2017 (for him) Inspired by : rising demand for beauty-related subscription boxes around the world Targeted at: female beauty lovers who enjoy testing out new skincare and cosmetic brands, and men on the hunt for hip grooming products What's inside? Up to six small beauty or grooming products, plus one accessory, and five vouchers to use at stores, websites, salons or spas. Delivers: across the UAE and Saudi Arabia Subscription plans: For her: Dh90 per box for a monthly 12-month subscription (Total: Dh1,080) Dh95 per box for a six-month subscription (Total: Dh570) Dh100 per box for a three-month subscription (Total: Dh300) For him: Dh99 per box for a four-box (quarterly) subscription (Dh396) Dh119 per box for a two-box (bi-annual) subscription (Dh238) Dh129 for one box Contact: 04 455 8699; www.glambox.me

What's in the box? Inside 7 subscription boxes available in the UAE

The subscription boxes cater to different audiences and different needs - from fresh fruits for families to accessories for men