How did a quirky Chinese toy with a "creepy-cute" grin captivate the luxury capital of the world?
Ubiquitous in Everyday Life: Labubu-themed products are sweeping across the UAE. Custom Labubu cakes (starting at AED 200) have driven a surge in daily bakery orders. Supermarket checkout counters are lined with keychains ranging from AED 3 to AED 300. Even Labubu-shaped ice cream, mass-produced in local factories, is a hot commodity at family gatherings, with shelves routinely wiped clean. Plush toys in all sizes have become the go-to gift for children.
Skyrocketing Resale Prices: Limited editions have sparked a frenzy in the secondary market. A Vans x Labubu collaboration, originally priced at RMB 599, is now being resold for up to RMB 14,000—a markup of over 30x. The first-generation mint green Labubu fetched a record auction price of RMB 1.08 million. For some, these toys are no longer just collectibles, but speculative "art assets" with annual returns surpassing 500%.
Why the Sudden Hype?
Global Celebrity Endorsements: International icons like Lisa (Blackpink), Rihanna, and David Beckham have all been spotted carrying Labubu keychains, catapulting it into global fashion status. In Dubai, local elites further reinforce its luxury appeal—posing Labubu figures alongside supercars and private jets in a nod to the region's "display of wealth" culture.
Culturally Striking "Ugly-Cute" Design: Labubu's nine sharp teeth and mischievous grin embody a style that perfectly aligns with Gen Z's taste for uniqueness. Middle Eastern fans are even customizing Labubu with gold plating, gemstones, and traditional Arabic thobes—creating limited "Middle East Editions" that blend local identity with global trends.
Blind Box Mechanics & Viral FOMO: Pop Mart's use of mystery blind box drops (with hidden rare figures appearing only 1 in 72 boxes) and limited-time releases drives a sense of urgency and gambling-like excitement. On TikTok, the hashtag #Labubu has racked up over 1 billion views, with unboxing videos fueling viral social sharing.
Labubu's explosive global rise isn't just a win for designer toys—it's a cultural and economic phenomenon. It proves the global competitiveness of Chinese design and highlights a new generation's desire for self-expression and emotional resonance. Whether Labubu can sustain its popularity will depend on its ability to manage price bubbles, ensure product quality, and continue innovating culturally. But one thing is clear: Labubu has already become a youth icon worldwide—and its story is just beginning.
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