More than just a doll: How UAE residents have been passing on the love of Barbie over generations

More than just a doll: How UAE residents have been passing on the love of Barbie over generations

The new Barbie movie which was released worldwide earlier this month has unearthed a flood of memories for many

For illustrative purpose only (Photo: AFP)

Published: Sun 30 Jul 2023, 1:47 PM

For Dubai resident Ann Thomas, the love for Barbie dolls is something she shares with her mother Jessy, as well as her daughters and nieces. “I used to write letters to Santa to gift me a Barbie for Christmas,” she said. “They were terribly expensive then, so I took good care of them. My mum used to brush the hair of the doll, stitch clothes and even crochet dresses. I used to be so crazy about my doll.”

Barbie is a family passion for Ann, her mother Jessy, her daughters and nieces

Ann is one of the many UAE residents for whom the Barbie doll represents a passion that they shared with other family members. The new Barbie movie which was released worldwide earlier this month has unearthed a flood of memories for many.

“My Barbie dolls were always neatly dressed and kept in the display cupboards after use,” she said. “Many days I travelled with them, ate with them and even slept with them.”

With these memories, Ann lavished on Barbie dolls for her