The Brand Story
Origins
The story of Adidas is inseparable from one of the most dramatic family feuds in business history. Adolf 'Adi' Dassler began making sports shoes in his mother's laundry room in Herzogenaurach, Germany in the 1920s. Together with his brother Rudolf, he built a successful shoe business that supplied shoes to Jesse Owens at the 1936 Berlin Olympics — shoes that helped Owens win four gold medals. However, a bitter falling-out between the brothers after World War II split the business in two: Adi founded Adidas, and Rudolf founded Puma. The two companies' headquarters are still located on opposite sides of the same river in Herzogenaurach.
Growth & Global Expansion
Adidas grew into a global powerhouse through strategic sports partnerships and iconic product launches. The Adidas Stan Smith tennis shoe (1965) and the Superstar basketball shoe (1969) became cultural icons worn far beyond their original sports contexts. Adidas's partnership with Run-DMC in the 1980s — when the hip-hop group wore Adidas tracksuits and sneakers without laces — marked the birth of sneaker culture. Today, Adidas is the world's second-largest sportswear manufacturer with annual revenues exceeding €22 billion.
Presence in UAE & GCC
Adidas has had a strong presence in the UAE since the 1990s, growing alongside the country's passion for sports and fitness. With over 60 stores across UAE malls and sports centers, Adidas is one of the most visible sportswear brands in the country. The UAE's year-round fitness culture — from beach running to indoor gyms — has made it a natural home for Adidas. The brand has also been a major sponsor of UAE sporting events and has partnered with local athletes and influencers to build its regional presence.
Why Shop Here
Adidas UAE offers the full range of the brand's iconic collections — from the classic Originals line celebrating the brand's heritage to the cutting-edge performance gear used by professional athletes. The brand's collaboration collections with designers like Stella McCartney and celebrities like Beyoncé (Ivy Park) and Kanye West (Yeezy) have made Adidas a fashion statement as much as a sports brand. Adidas's adiClub loyalty program rewards shoppers with points on every purchase, exclusive early access to new releases, and invitations to special events.