When Emirati entrepreneur Hadir Soliman tried to sell her Louis Vuitton bag online back in 2010, she was met with endless doubts: Is it authentic? Where’s the receipt? What’s the condition? That experience sparked an idea that would change the resale market in the UAE.
Together with her husband, Jamal AlObeidli, whose expertise lay in logistics and international trade, she founded The Closet Dubai—a marketplace built on trust, transparency, and authenticity. What started as a personal frustration has now grown into one of the region’s most respected destinations for authentic pre-owned luxury.
Shifting Attitudes Toward Pre-Owned Luxury
Fifteen years ago, the concept of secondhand designer bags in Dubai was met with skepticism. Many viewed resale as a compromise rather than a choice. But with global fashion shifting toward sustainability, the UAE market evolved.
Younger shoppers, especially, began to see value in preloved luxury fashion, not just for affordability, but as a smarter, more sustainable way of enjoying timeless pieces. Today, buying and selling authentic luxury resale in Dubai is a mark of conscious style.
The Closet’s Formula for Trust
The Closet’s reputation has been built on an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Every item passes through three stages of verification: two in-house experts and one AI-powered check. Counterfeit products are firmly rejected, reinforcing the brand’s promise that only verified authentic designer bags reach customers.
Beyond authentication, The Closet has prioritized customer convenience. From white-glove pickup services for consignors, to free delivery and returns, flexible installment payments, and VAT refunds for tourists—the experience is designed to match the luxury of the items themselves.
Expanding Horizons with The Luxe Society
In 2025, The Closet introduced The Luxe Society, a curated platform for brand-new and hard-to-find luxury items. While continuing to lead in authentic pre-owned luxury, this new venture reflects the founders’ vision of giving customers access to both rare preloved pieces and exclusive new editions.
A Philosophy Rooted in Transparency
For Hadir and Jamal, success has been about more than building a business. Their journey reflects a philosophy:
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Build around real market needs rather than passing trends.
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Place trust and transparency above everything else.
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Treat resale as a full ecosystem: combining fashion, logistics, technology, and customer psychology.
Conclusion
From a single Louis Vuitton bag to a thriving preloved luxury marketplace in the UAE, The Closet’s story is one of persistence, vision, and a commitment to doing things differently. In an era where fashion and sustainability must go hand in hand, The Closet stands as proof that authentic pre-owned luxury is not just a trend, it’s the future of fashion in Dubai.
