The story behind Nabat and Hagat
Nabat and Hagat (Arabic for Plants and Things) is a Dubai-based brand that blends nostalgic storytelling with wearable art, inspired by iconic plants we grew up with in the Middle East — each one telling a story of roots, heritage, and resilience.
Our mission and values
At Nabat and Hagat, our mission is to preserve and celebrate cultural memories through design. We create pieces that not only tell personal and collective stories, but also connect people to the landscapes, emotions, and everyday moments that shaped their upbringing in the Middle East. Through wearable art, we aim to inspire pride, spark conversation, and keep heritage alive in modern life.
Our Values
- Story-Driven Design
We turn memories into wearable art.
- Cultural Roots
We blend Middle Eastern heritage with modern style.
- Sustainability
We design with care for people and the planet. Not conforming to fast fashion methods. Locally produced.
- Connection
We celebrate belonging through shared stories.
- Resilience
Inspired by nature’s strength, we create with purpose.
Information about the team
Meet the Founder
Nabat and Hagat was founded by Fouad Yousif, who was born in Iraq and moved to Canada at the age of 16. After spending 25 years there, he returned to the Middle East and settled in Dubai.
The idea for the brand came during his first drive from the airport. Seeing palm trees along the road immediately brought back memories of his childhood in Baghdad — simple moments with family, familiar streets, and the everyday plants that surrounded him growing up. It reminded him how certain sights — especially plants — can carry deep connections to home and heritage.
That moment sparked the idea for Nabat and Hagat: a brand that highlights the resilient plants of the region — the ones that stay rooted, even as people move and change. Fouad created the brand as a way to turn those connections into something tangible — wearable pieces that carry stories, identity, and a sense of belonging.
Today, Fouad works with a small team of talented designers and skilled tailors in Dubai to locally produce each shirt. Together, they bring these stories to life through thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and a shared love for culture and creativity.
Always open to collaborations with local designers, reach out!