Sheikh Mohammed in London: UAE brands he has championed during summer visit

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai has been visiting outlets founded by Emiratis or that have other connections to the country

Emirati designer brand Shatha Essa has a dedicated space at famed London department store Harrods. Photo: Shatha Essa

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has been spotted around London, where he appears to be spending his summer holiday in Britain.

During his trip, Sheikh Mohammed has been proudly supporting UAE enterprises, visiting London branches of brands that are either found in the Emirates or have Emirati founders.

Here’s a look at where he has been.

Shatha Essa Kids at Harrods

Sheikh Mohammed was spotted meeting Emirati designer Shatha Essa Al Mulla, who launched her eponymous modestwear label in Dubai in 2016. She added childrenswear last year, and now has her own retail space at Harrods, the famed luxury department store in London.

Part of an initiative by Dubai Culture, Al Mulla now showcases her childrenswear line, Shatha Essa Kids, in the dedicated section located on the fourth floor. All pieces, created for toddlers and girls up to the age of 14, were designed and produced in Dubai, Al Mulla says.

Shatha Essa Kids was inspired by the designer's daughters – Hessa and Hind – who she said helped shape her latest collection, which is influenced by dreams and fairy tales. The collection features voluminous dresses, outerwear, accessories and embellishments handcrafted from sequins and threads.

Saddle London in Knightsbridge

Sheikh Mohammed was also seen having coffee at Saddle. Founded by Emirati entrepreneur Mohamed M Al Falasi in 2017, Saddle first launched as a specialty coffee truck. It quickly gained popularity for its all-day breakfast and coffee, leading Al Falasi to expand the concept into a coffee chain known as Saddle Cafe.

He further expanded by opening a restaurant called Saddle House. Today, there are 14 locations of the brand worldwide, including in Riyadh, Cannes and London.

Saddle London opened in October, offering a menu filled with delectable treats – such as a pistachio milkshake made from the finest Italian pistachios, alongside crepes, acai bowls and an alluring selection of breakfast options. The cafe’s interior also pays homage to the UAE, with Saddle collaborating with Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej to create its unique and culturally inspired decor.

Parker’s at Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel

Sheikh Mohammed was the first guest at Parker’s, London’s newest restaurant, located in the Jumeirah Lowndes hotel. A popular home-grown Dubai eatery with Emirati owners, it is also famed for its viral Matilda cake, an indulgent chocolate creation inspired by the Roald Dahl book.

Parker's was founded in 2015 as a pop-up in Al Khazzan Park, one of Dubai’s oldest and most loved neighbourhood parks. It then opened its original flagship outlet in Dubai Mall in 2016. The concept comes from UAE hospitality company Independent Food, the same group behind the region’s beloved burger venture, Salt.

Currently in its soft-launch phase, the restaurant is exclusively open to residents of London’s Jumeirah hotels and those who have discovered hidden keys around the city, adding an element of adventure to the dining experience.