Jacob Abrian Founder and CEO of the Arab Fashion Council Discusses Dubai Fashion Week

Lindsay Judge   |   01-02-2025

Since its inception in 2015, Arab Fashion Council has been championing the work of regional designers and creative talents, working towards stablishing a fashion ecosystem in the UAE that will be globally recognized.

By supporting regional designers in their endeavors and allowing them to grow within the region as well as offering a platform of exposure on a global scale Arab Fashion Council has far exceeded expectations. Today Dubai has firmly established itself as a leader and a crucial part of the world’s fashion economy, with the Arab Fashion Council the driving force behind it. The Council’s bi-annual event Dubai Fashion Week, which is in collaboration with Dubai Design Week (d3), has become a key fixture on the fashion calendar and an opportunity for established and upcoming regional designers to showcase their talent and work. Now, as the latest edition prepares to attract global attention, we talk to Jacob Abrian, Founder and CEO or Arab Fashion Council to find out what’s coming up this year. 

What can we expect from the latest edition of Dubai Fashion Week? 

The Autumn/Winter 2025 edition of Dubai Fashion Week will bring together some of the finest established names and the most exciting emerging talent from the region and around the world. This season, we’re thrilled to unveil an unprecedented lineup of designers, representing a harmonious blend of established visionaries and groundbreaking emerging talent. For the first time, we welcome Australia to our calendar, and we introduce the Correspondent Designer category to the platform, alongside meticulously curated collections from across the globe, reinforcing Dubai as a nexus for international fashion dialogue. The global buyers’ program, running February 3rd to 5th, is set to be a game-changer, offering unparalleled access for designers to connect with the world’s most influential industry leaders. Beyond the runway, this edition elevates the fashion experience through citywide activations, intimate dinners, and collaborations with partners like LuisaViaRoma, THAT Concept Store and Etoile La Boutique.

Can you share a bit on the criteria for participants and the designer selection each season? 

We have a rigorous selection process, ensuring that every season reflects the highest standards of creativity and market relevance. We prioritize designers whose collections resonate on a global scale and demonstrate strong growth potential. Sustainability is also important —we’re looking for talents who balance creativity with a commitment to environmental responsibility. We look for emerging designers with potential, especially those who showcase exceptional craftsmanship. Storytelling is a key factor—fashion is about self-expression, and we want designers who can engage audiences with compelling narratives and fresh perspectives. Ultimately, it’s about identifying those who are pushing the boundaries of fashion and providing them with a platform to amplify their vision on the global stage. Each season, we seek to amplify voices that are not just creating fashion but shaping its future.

How do you feel this event has been received by the regional and international communities so far? 

The Middle East has a rich cultural heritage in fashion, and designers from across the region have long awaited a dedicated platform to showcase their work. Dubai Fashion Week provides just that—an opportunity for local talent to not only present their creations but to engage with a global audience. On the international front, we’ve seen growing interest from designers, buyers, and media, with many now viewing Dubai Fashion Week as a key fixture on the global fashion calendar. The synergy between the regional and global communities is truly inspiring, and we’re excited to continue building on this energy in future editions.

What was your vision for the event and how are you working towards that goal? 

From day one, since the inception of the Council, our vision was clear: to position the regional talent at the forefront of the industry and provide them with a platform that can amplify their creativity on both a regional and international level. Our focus has always been on differentiating the platform to resonate beyond the runway, fostering collaborations, and driving industry growth. Every step we take—whether it’s building a global buyers’ program, hosting a showroom in Paris or launching groundbreaking initiatives—is a testament to that commitment. The journey has been extraordinary, and we have inspired the entire region to focus on Fashion—a fact we take pride of. 

How do you think Dubai Fashion Week is helping to put Dubai on the global fashion map? Dubai Fashion Week’s growth is a testament to the city’s emergence as a global fashion capital. The event goes beyond Dubai’s reputation for luxury shopping, establishing it as a hub where talent, emerging designers, and established names are nurtured and empowered. It has become a beacon for international designers and brands who are eager to be part of this thriving and dynamic creative community. Furthermore, the region’s increasing focus on sustainability and craftsmanship has gained international recognition through this platform. With every edition, Dubai Fashion Week broadens its global impact, offering not just a stage for talent but also meaningful opportunities for collaboration, commercial development, and worldwide exposure.

What would you still like to achieve? 

We aim to expand the horizon of the fashion industry across various spectrums by introducing new pillars that position the region as a global leader, incubator, and initiator of trends, policies, and standards. Our vision includes seeing our regional designers export their creations globally, becoming dominant players in the creative economy index, and setting benchmarks for innovation and sustainability. Additionally, we aspire to establish stronger collaborations between the Middle East and international markets, bridging cultural and creative dialogues. We want to foster an ecosystem where our designers don’t just participate, but lead global conversations in fashion, leveraging their unique perspectives and craftsmanship. We also hope to develop structured educational programs and incubators that nurture the next generation of talent while creating funding and mentorship opportunities. Ultimately, the goal is to not only contribute to the global fashion industry but to redefine its narrative, with the region driving meaningful change and sustainable growth.

You have partnered with some exciting international designers over the past few seasons – is this something you would like to continue doing? 

This strategy has been at the core of the Council’s vision since its inception in 2015, with iconic names such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Iris van Herpen, Moschino, Blumarine, and Antonio Marras playing pivotal roles in amplifying our mission. The momentum continues as Dubai Fashion Week and the Arab Fashion Council, has hosted renowned brands like Carolina Herrera, Roberto Cavalli, and now Manish Malhotra, with another highly anticipated name joining in September. Collaborations with international designers enrich the creative dialogue and bring innovative perspectives to the region. These partnerships not only underscore the Middle East’s growing influence but also emphasize Dubai’s significance as a key market for global fashion. This dynamic exchange continues to inspire and elevate the event to new heights.

What are the challenges Dubai faces when hoping to grow its positioning in this market? 

Dubai is a city of vision, ambition, and limitless potential. Its unmatched energy, agility and forward-thinking spirit position it as a dynamic hub for innovation and growth. The city offers a world-class creative ecosystem and infrastructure bolstered by ambitious government strategies and initiatives in the creative and design sectors. It also brings a unique offering to the global fashion scene with its vibrant multicultural landscape. Emerging and established creatives have shaped a distinct identity for the region that resonates and inspires regionally and globally. 

Aside from Dubai Fashion Week, how is the Arab Fashion Council working to support local talent throughout the year? 

The Arab Fashion Council is dedicated to championing local talent 365 days a year through a multifaceted approach that empowers designers and drives the industry forward. A cornerstone of our efforts is the AFC Green Label initiative, which supports and funds designers who meet 100% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring their work is both impactful and purpose driven. We also provide mentorship programs, workshops, and roadshows, alongside showrooms abroad that spotlight regional talent on a global stage. Our collaborations bridge the gap between regional designers and global brands, and we work closely with New York-based Fashion 4 Development to ensure fashion remains a purposeful force for change. Additionally, we align with our European counterparts to maintain a cohesive narrative and shared vision for the industry’s future. The Council actively creates funding opportunities for designers, hosts multiple networking events to connect designers, buyers, and industry leaders, and engages in regional and international dialogues to advocate for a stronger and more sustainable fashion ecosystem. It is also worth highlighting our ongoing scholarship program, which identifies and rewards the most promising emerging designers to watch. Through these comprehensive initiatives, the Arab Fashion Council ensures that regional talent not only thrives but leads on the global stage.

What more do you feel needs to be done? 

There is still an incredible journey ahead, and we are only at the beginning. This is both motivating and exhilarating as we continue to shape the future. This year marks our 10th anniversary—a milestone we take immense pride in. We’ve successfully navigated the challenges of our formative years and have established a council for the region that has inspired many countries to follow in our footsteps. As we reflect on the past decade, we are equally focused on the future. We are in the process of defining our manifesto for the next 10 years—a visionary roadmap that will be unveiled at our anniversary celebration. This moment is not just about celebrating our achievements but about reaffirming our commitment to leading the region’s fashion industry into an even brighter future.

Can you share some of the designers in the region who have caught your eye recently?  

This is a highly subjective question, and I’d rather answer it as Jacob Abrian than on behalf of the Arab Fashion Council, as the Council’s decisions are based on the collective opinions of its committees and board. Personally, I’m drawn to designers who strike a perfect balance between bold artistry and commercial viability. I admire those who can translate inspiration into innovative and edgy creations—designers who dare to push boundaries yet have the skill to shape their vision into a brand that resonates with markets. While I respect all forms of creativity, I find myself less inclined towards designers who lean solely on commercial appeal without a strong creative identity or those whose artistry lacks a pragmatic edge. To me, the magic lies in the synergy of creativity, daring vision, and the ability to build a sustainable, commercially sound brand. Those are the designers I watch closely.

What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers 

Stay true to your vision while constantly evolving.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt throughout your career? 

Adaptability is essential. The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and success depends on your ability to innovate, pivot, and stay ahead of the curve. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to approach challenges without rigid expectations and to understand that progress rarely comes from miracles—it comes from perseverance. Enjoying the journey toward your vision is just as important as achieving the end goal. Every step, even the most difficult and challenging one, is an opportunity to grow stronger and push beyond your comfort zone. These moments of adversity are not obstacles but steppingstones toward building resilience and achieving greatness.

Looking ahead, what’s in the pipeline for the Arab Fashion Council?

The future holds limitless opportunities, and we are committed to expanding our global presence while steadfastly championing regional talent. Our focus includes building stronger international collaborations, pioneering innovative sustainability initiatives, and developing groundbreaking platforms for Arab designers to showcase their brilliance on the global stage. Our vision is clear: to position the Arab world as a leading voice in the international fashion industry. As we celebrate what we have accomplished, we invite you to stay tuned for the unveiling of our manifesto – a roadmap that will set the tone for the next chapter of our journey.

dubaidesigndistrict.com