Although the fact that I've written 'down with the kids,' probably means I wasn't. I listen closely to my Gen-Z colleagues when they talk in their array of anagrams. In fact, I'd go as far as to (apprehensively) say I know when to use NGL, GOAT and TFW – all recently added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary – in context. But more and more I find myself somewhat happily being left behind. Artist announcements that draw gasps and squeals of excitement from those born in the 00s have me scrambling to google 'who is *inserts artist name*?' When office talk turns to Tiktok stars I'm equally as in the dark. And the fashion trends (or fits, as they're now called) that dominate runways and high street stores have got me feeling kind of… old.
I'm much more comfortable in the duo of decades that we dedicate this issue to. The nineties and noughties are familiar territory for me. We sang along to hairbrush hits on our iPod shuffles, texted our mates – in as few characters as possible – on a Motorola flip phone, and our uniform was slogan tees, Ugg boots, and double denim.
Luckily, Dubai loves throwing it back to those days just as much as I do. Taking centre stage in the city between now and the end of the year are a string of artists made famous in the years of MySpace and CD Walkmans, bringing with them their bubblegum hits and emo-anthems that got many of us through our confusing teenage years. We've also been through the archives to pick out the Dubai spots turning it back to the 90s and 00s with retro nights and drinks prices that would still fit perfectly in place on a bar menu from 20 years ago. Your invitation to travel back in time starts from p21.
Enjoy the issue,
Alice Holtham Group Editor | 
