Flexing Sustainable Moves

Born from a need for well-made, versatile activewear that transitions seamlessly into everyday life, Me & My Activewear is committed to redefining premium sportswear with an eco-conscious ethos. Designed in the UAE and crafted in Italy, each piece is a testament to ethical production, high-performance innovation, and timeless design.

At the heart of Me & My Activewear is a dedication to sustainability. Every garment is crafted from recycled ocean waste and eco-friendly fabrics, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximizing quality and durability. With features like UPF 50+ sun protection, sweat-proof technology, and muscle-supportive compression, the collection is tailored to meet the needs of modern women—whether they’re in the gym, on the go, or embracing an active lifestyle in the Middle East’s demanding climate.

In this exclusive interview, Nujood Khaled Mohamed, Co-Founder & CCO of Me & My Activewear, shares insights on the brand’s journey, challenges, and the future of sustainable athleisure in the region. From overcoming the competitive landscape to shaping the next wave of fashion-forward activewear, Me & My Activewear is setting a new benchmark for conscious, performance-driven fashion.

What inspired the launch of Me & My Activewear, and what challenges did you face in the UAE’s competitive athleisure market?

Me & My Activewear was born from a simple yet powerful idea: activewear should be more than just clothing—it should embody confidence, strength, and purpose. Founded by three women from diverse backgrounds, our vision was to create timeless, durable, and sustainable activewear that aligns with the values of modern women.

Launching in a competitive market meant more than just introducing another activewear brand; it was about redefining what premium activewear should be. The UAE’s athleisure market is thriving, but many options either prioritize style over performance or sustainability over durability. We saw a gap for activewear that could do it all—designed for movement, made to last, and consciously crafted.

One of our biggest challenges was finding the right manufacturing partners who could uphold our commitment to sustainability and ethical production. We chose Italy for its expertise in responsible craftsmanship, ensuring that every piece is created with precision, built for performance, and designed with purpose.

What makes your signature pieces unique in terms of design, materials, and production?

Every piece at Me & My Activewear is designed in-house in the UAE, with meticulous attention to detail. Our production process blends functionality with sustainability to ensure that each item not only looks good but also performs exceptionally well.

Here’s what sets our collection apart:

• Sustainability First – 87% of our range is made from regenerated ocean waste, including discarded fishing nets and carpets. The remaining 13% is sourced from recycled plastic bottles.
• Ethical Craftsmanship – Our production partners in Italy carry the Bluesign® certification, ensuring safe working conditions and minimal environmental impact.
• Skin-Safe & Performance-Driven – Our fabrics are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning every thread is free from harmful substances.
• Engineered for the Middle East Climate – Our activewear is designed with breathability, muscle compression, moisture-wicking properties, and UPF 50+ protection to perform in warm climates.

From concept to final product, we rigorously test each prototype to ensure durability, comfort, and freedom of movement. Our commitment is to create activewear that moves with you, feels like second skin, and lasts beyond trends.

How do homegrown brands like Me & My Activewear shape the future of retail in the Middle East?

Homegrown brands are transforming the retail landscape in the Middle East by embracing sustainability, cultural relevance, and community-driven values. Consumers today seek brands that understand their lifestyle, climate, and preferences. That’s exactly what homegrown brands offer—products that resonate on a deeper level.

Me & My Activewear is a reflection of the region’s progressive mindset, offering activewear that is both modest and modern, stylish yet performance-driven. The rise of UAE-born brands in global markets proves that local innovation is thriving. By focusing on quality, ethical production, and a strong personal connection with customers, brands like ours demonstrate that sustainability and premium craftsmanship can be rooted locally yet celebrated worldwide.

What consumer trends in the GCC are shaping the future of athleisure?

Athleisure has evolved beyond gym wear—it’s now a lifestyle essential. Women today want activewear that transitions effortlessly from workouts to daily activities. Here are some key trends shaping the future:

• Athleisure as Everyday Wear – Functional activewear that blends style with practicality.
• Sustainability Matters – Consumers are making conscious choices, opting for eco-friendly and ethical brands.
• Climate-Adapted Fabrics – Breathability, moisture-wicking technology, and UV protection are in high demand.
• Modesty Meets Performance – There’s a growing preference for high-coverage styles that offer both support and elegance.

The next wave of athleisure will focus on multi-functional, long-lasting, and ethically produced activewear that supports women’s lifestyles, not just their workouts.

How does Me & My Activewear balance sustainability with luxury and exclusivity?

Sustainability is the foundation of our brand. We blend timeless design, premium recycled fabrics, and ethical production to create activewear that is both eco-conscious and high performing. Rather than following fleeting trends, we emphasize durability and versatility. We produce in small, limited batches to reduce waste, ensuring that each piece is made with intention and care. Crafted in Italy using certified sustainable practices, our activewear proves that luxury, performance, and responsibility can coexist.

You launched online. Do you plan to expand into brick-and-mortar retail?

Yes. While we began as a digital-first brand, we recognize the value of physical retail, especially in the activewear space where fit and feel are essential. Our vision is to open a signature store in Abu Dhabi, offering an immersive shopping experience where customers can touch, try, and truly appreciate the quality of our pieces. Beyond retail, we want this space to serve as a community hub for fitness events, styling sessions, and brand activations. Expansion will be strategic, focusing on maintaining quality and sustainability.

How do you plan to scale while preserving the brand’s artisanal quality?

Scaling without compromising quality is a top priority for us. Here’s how we plan to achieve it:

• Sustainable Growth – Instead of mass production, we focus on small, high-quality releases.
• Selective Retail Partnerships – We will collaborate with premium studios and retailers that align with our brand values.
• Commitment to Ethical Manufacturing – Our production will remain in Italy, maintaining artisanal craftsmanship and sustainable practices.
• Customer-Centric Approach – Our expansion strategy will be driven by customer demand rather than industry trends.

Our goal is simple: to stay true to our values while reaching more women who share them.