Dubai Aims To Become Global Fashion Hub By 2020

Dubai, which recently revealed plans to develop a massive design district, has now announced further plans to create ‘Dubai Fashion 2020’.

The General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai has signed an MoU with the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA) to develop Dubai as a global fashion hub by 2020.

The strategic plan will support the design and fashion industry in Dubai and the Middle East, official news agency WAM reported.

Dubai Fashion 2020 is expected to boost the emirate’s economy and “have a significant impact on employment” across the value chain such as manufacturing, retail and design, a statement said.

It will offer development and training programs, support with the hosting of fashion events and attract specialised global fashion enterprises. It will also help local designers and attract investment from international institutions in the industry.

The new plan also aims to “increase the role of contemporary regional fashion, Islamic fashion as well as identifying opportunities for marketing to the specific needs of the regional and global markets,” said the statement.

The plan is closely aligned to the recently announced Dubai Design District, which is designed to become a full service community for design industry related organisations, brands, and supporting enterprises.

Abdulla Al Shaibani, secretary general of the Dubai Executive Council, said: “The memorandum we are signing with DTMFZA aims to develop economic opportunities and enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness on several levels, as well as to Dubai Design District… We will work in the coming period on developing a strategic plan that supports the objectives of the fashion industry and promotes the emirate’s position.”

Ahmad bin Byat, director general of DTMFZA, added: “Experts estimate that the global fashion industry generates over a trillion dollars a year. With the growing demand for brands and luxury goods across the region as well as the success achieved by local designers internationally, we believe that Dubai is well positioned to enhance its role in the global fashion industry.”

“While Dubai Fashion 2020 focuses on developing a destination for the top international players in the industry, it also includes putting a particular emphasis on nurturing local talent, entrepreneurs and small businesses,” he added.