Diana Farah

DUBAI: LOJEL, the Japanese travel and lifestyle brand, has taken a step in its global expansion by opening its first flagship store in Dubai.

In an interview with Arab News Japan, the CEO, An Chieh Chiang, shared the vision behind this move, the brand’s commitment to sustainability, and how LOJEL seamlessly integrates functionality with design to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers.

Dubai was a natural choice for LOJEL’s first flagship store, given its position as a global hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.

With Dubai International Airport reaching record-high passenger traffic in 2024, it’s the right location for LOJEL’s first Middle East store, which opened on Feb. 20.

“Dubai is the heart of the Middle East’s travel industry,” the CEO said. “Its dynamic nature aligns perfectly with our audience’s lifestyles.”

The brand’s presence in the UAE is thanks to LOJEL’s collaboration with Kling Trading, which opened the first LOJEL store in Dubai.

CEO of Kling Trading Saeed Kamali said the new partnership with the Japanese brand was “exciting.”

“We look forward to opening nine more stores across the GCC in the next three years. This collaboration with LOJEL reflects our commitment to bringing high-quality and functional products to the Middle Eastern market,” he added.

Chiang also confirmed plans to expand into key GCC markets, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.

“The Middle East is experiencing a surge in tourism and infrastructure development, particularly with major events like Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034 in Riyadh. We see tremendous opportunities here,” he said.

LOJEL’s reputation is built on its ability to blend unique designs with practical uses. Chiang said the brand prioritizes “quality, durability and material science.”

The brand’s best-selling luggage, Cubo, is a prime example. Designed with a front-opening feature inspired by Tokyo’s compact hotel rooms, it caters to travelers who need packing solutions in tight spaces.

“We don’t just create suitcases; we solve real travel problems,” LOJEL’s CEO said.

With sustainability taking much of the focus in today’s society, Chiang said it was the core of LOJEL’s philosophy.

“For us, sustainability is not just a goal—it’s a mindset,” he said. LOJEL adopts a holistic approach, integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into its decision-making process.

One key initiative is the use of upcycled materials in luggage production. The brand carefully balances recycled components to maintain durability, ensuring that a suitcase lasts at least five years rather than degrading prematurely.

LOJEL is also known for its luggage repair with its “design for repair” concept.

By simplifying the process and allowing users to replace wheels with a simple, the company significantly reduces waste and carbon footprints.

Although LOJEL was founded in Japan, its design philosophy extends beyond heritage.

“We respect Japanese minimalism, but our focus is on the future,” Chiang said.

Rather than integrating excessive tech features that may become obsolete, LOJEL designs with adaptability in mind.

For example, instead of embedding tracking systems, the brand includes a dedicated slot for Apple AirTags, allowing travelers to use technology without relying on built-in components.

LOJEL’s entry into the Middle Eastern market signals a new era for the brand. As the CEO put it: “We are not just about where we come from, we are about where we are going. And we want to bring travelers along with us.”