Dubai, UAE – 19 September 2016: The Arab Fashion Council (AFC), a Dubai based non-profit fashion association promoting ‘Ready-Couture from around the world has officially announced the venue for the third edition of the highly anticipated Huawei Arab Fashion Week (HAFW). The bi-annual event is taking place from October 6th-10th at the iconic Meydan Hotel and will be presented by Huawei.

 

HAFW aims to promote and realize the dreams of designers from the Arab world and beyond by providing them with an exclusive opportunity to showcase their creativity. At the same time, the mandate of the AFC looks to pave the way for international designers within the region who are looking to make their mark on the Middle Eastern fashion scene.

 

The team behind HAFW looks to establish the UAE and specifically Dubai, as the destination for ‘Ready Couture’ – a term coined by the Arab Fashion Council in 2014 – which bridges the Arab fashion market and wider international industry. The AFC is looking to cement Dubai’s position as the fifth international fashion hub alongside New York, London, Milan and Paris.

 

Commenting on the fashion calendar event for the wider Arab region, Jacob Abrian, CEO of the Arab Fashion Council said, “The Arab Fashion Week presents for the first time the men's Ready-Couture, renewing its commitment to support the development of entrepreneurship and fashion industry. Thanks to dedicated workshops and presentations in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), fashion experts and buyers will be able to both attend fashion shows as well as seek opportunities to learn about advanced techniques in the textile and embroidery sectors. The designers and businesses will find at their disposal a comprehensive support platform to facilitate the most interesting proposals and creative visions”.

 

Season three of the Arab Fashion Week sees the continued partnership with Huawei, a collaboration that witnesses a seamless synergy between technology and design. The global technology giant seeks to continue promoting up-and-coming international designers to foster a spirit of creativity and innovation across the Middle East. Set to take place at the iconic The Meydan Hotel Dubai from October 6th-10th, the Arab Fashion Week will share its new home with major international events such as the Dubai World Cup, the world's richest horse race, held annually in March.

 

The AFC brings together fashion, technology and design across the region and acts as an incubator, supporting young talent, and helping them to develop a strong fashion brand. Its main aim is to create an effective, proven system of production now taking shape in the UAE and branching out thanks to the support of international fashion industry pioneers. Part of the Council’s mandate is to create opportunities to develop synergies with leading European manufacturers and Arab designers to develop a network of commercial connections that can give Arab talent exposure to international platforms.