1.What inspired you to start Rug Rebels in Dubai, and was there a moment when you realised this idea had real potential?

Having been a carpet enthusiast for many years and having travelled extensively across carpet-producing countries, starting Rug Rebels felt like a natural extension of our passion for these beautiful, handmade works of art. We only sell hand-selected pieces we truly love ourselves, and it felt obvious that others would connect with them too. From the very beginning, the vision was clear: our collection would consist solely of ethically produced rugs.

2.One of the special things about Rug Rebels is that every rug is handmade by women. How did that become part of your story?

Beautiful carpets can be found in any furniture store. What makes our rugs special is that they are not mass-produced, are made from 100% natural materials, and provide meaningful income opportunities for the women who create them. With deep respect for craftsmanship, we wanted to invest in something that both empowers women artisans and helps preserve the ancient art of weaving..

3.What is one thing you have learned about yourself since starting Rug Rebels?

We’ve learned that nobody multitasks with clarity quite like a woman balancing family, children, pets, exercise, a full-time job—and a company of her own.

4.Finish this sentence: A great rug should always…

…ground the space—visually, physically, and emotionally.
A rug should not simply fill a room; it should belong in it and tell a story. That’s why we offer free at-home trials in Dubai, so our customers can truly see and feel how a rug fits into their home.

5.What has been the most rewarding part of building Rug Rebels so far?

Seeing our vision come to life after a year of hard work and extensive travel across carpet-producing regions has been incredibly rewarding. The true heart of our rugs lies in the hands of the artisans who create them. We are especially proud to work with talented women weavers in Turkey and Pakistan, where in many rural communities rug weaving is more than a skill—it is a pathway to income and independence. Supporting and empowering these women is something we are immensely proud of.