Dubai, Riyadh: Rising fashion week hubs

When it comes to Arab fashion, there’s far more than abayas, thobes, and keffiyehs. A look at the region’s runways reveals a rich tapestry of styles and influences, from architectural couture to edgy, youthful streetwear. Destinations like Dubai, Riyadh, and the Red Sea are now home to their own fashion weeks, bringing fresh talent to a global stage. In a calendar long dominated by the Big Four — New York, Paris, Milan, and London — the Middle East is carving out its own space, becoming a nexus of culture, creativity, and commerce. As luxury brands eye deeper engagement with Arab consumers, these fashion weeks are becoming essential for scouting new talent, analyzing consumer preferences, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry. But the question remains: can they truly rival the world’s biggest fashion events? Dubai: A springboard for global talent Dubai Fashion Week (DFW), the most established of the region’s showcases, has emerged as a must-watch event. Rebranded from Arab Fashion Week in 2023, it now draws designers from across the globe, including Lebanon, France, India, and the UK. The 2025 edition, which ran from February 1 to 6, featured notable names like Iraqi haute couture designer Zeena Zaki, Istanbul-based luxury streetwear label Les Benjamins, and bridal atelier Paolo Sebastian, the latter becoming the first Australian brand to debut at DFW. The week also saw a multi-designer showcase curated by That Concept store, owned by Emirati conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim, celebrating contemporary luxury and innovative design. “From the diverse lineup of designers to the international buyers in attendance, Dubai continues to solidify its place as a hub of creativity and opportunity,” said Mohammed Aqra, Chief Strategy Officer, Arab Fashion Council, in a press release. “Designers aren’t just drawn here for the exposure; they come for the vision, the collaboration, and the unmatched ecosystem that allows their brands to grow.” Building on its commercial focus, DFW now includes a dedicated buyer’s program to provide an intimate environment for designers to present collections to a select group of international buyers. Additionally, exclusive presentations, private dinners, and brand launches continue to energize Dubai’s fashion calendar — further cementing the UAE as a transformative force in the industry. Riyadh: Spotlighting Saudi heritage and innovation Following in Dubai’s footsteps, Saudi Arabia launched its inaugural Riyadh Fashion Week (RFW) in late 2023, establishing a premier platform to spotlight its burgeoning fashion scene — including evening wear, ready-to-wear, and streetwear. The debut edition presented 29 local brands, including Abadia, Adnan Akbar, and Atelier Hekayat. The second edition saw the number of Saudi designers rise to 37, with several, such as Kaf by Kaf, also being participants of the Saudi Fashion Commission’s Saudi 100 Brands mentorship program. Each day featured dynamic fashion presentations, a curated showroom of local brands, and citywide events — all blending traditional Saudi aesthetics with modern elegance. As Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, described, “This event is a gateway for fostering homegrown talent, igniting new opportunities in fashion and retail, and driving both local and international engagement.” Indeed, RFW reflects the Kingdom’s broader vision: to fuel the growth of its creative economy and redefine its global image as a cultural leader. Red Sea: Redefining resort and swimwear Taking its fashion ambitions a step further, Saudi Arabia launched another fashion week, Red Sea Fashion Week (RSFW), in May 2024. Held at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, the event brought together names like Saudi Arabian haute couture designer Tima Abid, Miami-based vegan silkwear brand Niluu, and Moroccan swimwear label eau. Unlike RFW, which largely features luxury fashion and ready-to-wear, RSFW focuses on resort wear, swimwear, and elevated leisurewear. Moreover, while the former amplifies homegrown designers, the latter has already welcomed several non-Saudi creatives — highlighting the event’s international appeal and commitment to cultural exchange. Its location in the Red Sea serves another purpose: positioning Saudi Arabia as the next luxury travel hotspot. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, the country is developing the Red Sea into a large-scale regenerative tourism destination, rolling out a host of luxury resorts focused on sustainability and wellness. Room for growth Still, with these fashion weeks all relatively new, it will take time — and strategic growth — to truly compete with the long-established Big Four. Dubai Fashion Week, which evolved from Arab Fashion Week founded in 2015, is still in its early chapters compared to the world’s oldest, New York Fashion Week, which dates back to 1943. Key to this growth will be building a more complete fashion ecosystem and accessibility for international visitors, says Reiting Lee, founder of The Oriental Hybrid, a boutique consulting firm specializing in sustainable fashion. “There isn’t yet a structure of a variety of showrooms and curated side events by local concept stores like in Paris or Shanghai. Meanwhile, it is still a challenge for foreign media professionals to gain access to the press materials of fashion weeks in KSA and for international buyers to enter the showroom,” she explains. That said, not being part of the “Big Four” may actually be a strength. RSFW, for instance, can’t compete with Paris in legacy, but it can offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience rooted in natural beauty and rich cultural immersion. Meanwhile, DFW benefits from its strategic location, serving as a gateway for brands looking to reach consumers across the GCC, South Asia, and North Africa — markets that are increasingly influential in shaping global fashion demand. For emerging brands, these settings offer prime opportunities to gain visibility. “Brands on the GCC runway get significant media traction, and the Fashion Weeks here are a good starting point to test the market reaction,” Lee continues. “It is slightly less competitive compared to the major Fashion Weeks, and more likely for designers to stand out.” Ultimately, these Arab fashion weeks are more than just photo ops or spectacles — they’re power plays. Through fashion, cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and the Red Sea are transforming into cultural capitals and ushering in a new era of creative leadership.

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Dubai, Riyadh: Rising fashion week hubs