A new collectible craze has taken the world by storm, and Dubai has emerged as the unlikely global trading hub for it. Labubu, the mischievous, toothy elf-like creature created by Hong Kong designer Kasing Lung and brought to market by Chinese collectibles giant Pop Mart, has become a must-have item, and the UAE is one of the easiest places in the world to get it.
By the Numbers
The business model behind Labubu is staggering, with the toy driving massive growth for Pop Mart:
- $1.9 Billion: Pop Mart’s revenue in the first half of 2025, a threefold increase.
- $650 Million: The company’s net profit in the same period.
- >33%: The percentage of Pop Mart’s revenue that came from Labubu alone.
- $4.2 Billion: The company’s projected revenue for the full year.
- $22B – $27B: The estimated net worth of Pop Mart’s founder, Wang Ning.
A Global Phenomenon with a Dubai Epicenter
While Labubu toys are notoriously difficult to find in America and Europe, in Dubai they are readily available with fast delivery and a broad selection. This has turned the city into a de facto global trading hub for the collectibles, where a toy that can be purchased for AED 200 ($54) can be sold for at least $200 in Los Angeles. As with many global lifestyle trends, the Gulf finds itself ahead of the curve.
China’s First Breakout Pop Culture Icon
The success of Labubu is not just commercial; it’s a cultural breakthrough. For years, China has been accused of not exporting its own pop culture, but Labubu has become a global pop icon with massive resonance. This is not accidental. Pop Mart has been explicit about its ambition to turn designer toys into a soft-power industry, and judging by the global mania, it is working.
Controversy and Geopolitical Crosshairs
With popularity comes controversy. In India, social media claims linked Labubu to demons, sparking influencer burnings and minor bans. While mainstream Islamic scholars have not issued rulings against them, a handful of online preachers have warned of demonic undertones. On the business side, the toy’s massive success could also attract geopolitical attention, with the possibility of US tariffs on the popular Chinese import. For now, however, the Labubu craze continues unchecked, with Dubai at the center of the global trade.
Source: AGBI
