In a region where tradition and innovation intertwine, Tima Abid stands out as a designer who knows how to honour both.
With her roots firmly planted in Saudi Arabia and her vision reaching across continents, the Jeddah-based couturier has quietly and confidently risen to become one of the Arab world’s most respected fashion voices. Known for her exquisite craftsmanship, sharp architectural tailoring, and romantic silhouettes drenched in detail, Abid creates couture that speaks not only to beauty but to strength, legacy, and evolution.
With over two decades of experience, Abid has built a brand defined by elegance and emotion, often drawing on themes of femininity, resilience, and cultural pride. Her breakthrough moment on the international fashion scene came in 2020, when she became one of the first Saudi designers to present at Paris Haute Couture Week—a milestone that signalled not just personal triumph but a wider shift for Saudi fashion on the world stage. Since then, her collections have been met with praise for their intricate embroidery, masterful construction, and the quiet power they exude.
Abid’s client list is as diverse as it is distinguished—from Gulf royals and international celebrities to brides seeking something extraordinary. And yet, for all her acclaim, she remains grounded in her commitment to artisanal craft and emotional storytelling. Whether it’s a sweeping wedding gown laced with French tulle or a structured evening dress embellished with thousands of hand-sewn crystals, every Tima Abid piece is designed to make a statement.
As Saudi Arabia undergoes a cultural and creative renaissance, designers like Abid are helping to shape a new narrative—one where regional identity and global sophistication coexist. In this exclusive interview, the designer opens up about her journey to the top, the evolution of her aesthetic, and why she believes the future of couture is being written right here in the Middle East.
Tell us about your brand, Tima Abid.
For a more complete answer, you might ask those who wear Tima Abid. As for me, Tima Abid is a reflection of who I am—an extension of my imagination, designed to adorn those who appreciate beauty.
Where did your passion for design come from?
My passion for design stems from various sources, often a mix of personal influences, life experiences, and the environment around me. Cultivating a sense of beauty means actively looking for it in every aspect of life and finding it in everything around me.
Tell us how Saudi Arabia’s culture inspires you.
Saudi culture is abundant in artistic and historical influences that provide a rich foundation for design inspiration, whether in fashion, architecture, or the visual arts. Our kingdom, with its expansive deserts, the undulating dunes of the Empty Quarter, the rose-filled mountains of Taif, and the shores of the Red Sea, all evoke colours and patterns inspired by the natural world. The hues of the sand, the shifting shades of the mountains, and the rhythm of the sea— these elements present a profound visual artistic heritage that can be embraced and infused into my designs.
What is your secret to creativity?
Creativity has no hidden secret or set formula. If there were a recipe to ignite the imagination, I wish I had it—because I would gladly share it with everyone!
As a designer from the Middle East and Saudi Arabia specifically, what does it mean to you to represent your country globally?
“”Representing one’s homeland”—such a powerful notion. Yet, I see it not just as a representation, but as both an honour and a responsibility. No matter how much I create or how deeply I strive to reflect cultural and historical identity, it is my country that truly represents me. I believe no one can fully embody their homeland.
What more would you like to see happening to highlight the talent of designers in this region?
Genuine collaboration and meaningful empowerment go hand in hand—what is the purpose of empowerment if we don’t support those just starting their journey or those who have faced setbacks? Together, we grow and rise.
Tell us about your latest collections.
What I am working on will soon come be revealed, and seeing it unfold is far more beautiful and true than just hearing about it. So, stay tuned with me.
What’s the biggest challenge you face with your brand today?
The biggest challenge is maintaining consistency and setting priorities. I strive to do my best while ensuring a balance between my work and my family’s needs.
What would you still like to achieve?
While the future remains uncertain, my hope is for Tima Abid to reach a broader audience. My goal is to expand production and connect with customers beyond Saudi Arabia. My ambition is for Tima Abid to establish boutiques in the world’s leading fashion capitals.
What is a lesson you’ve learnt throughout your career?
Lessons never end, and if you think you’ve learned them all, you’ve stopped growing. But the most important lesson is mastery.
What inspires you?
Everything around me can inspire me.
What is the professional motto you live by?
My professional principle revolves around prioritising the work environment and the well-being of those within it, considering their circumstances. I make it a point to remember every employee’s name and see them as part of my extended family. One of my major principles is to focus on quality, not quantity.
Who is your muse or a woman you would love to dress?
Usually, I think of my mother… how much I wish to reach out to women who have fulfilled their duties and stepped aside from society as they grow older. How beautiful it is to show them their beauty on their special occasions. I truly believe that beauty can never be erased.
How would you describe your brand in one word?
Dream. I dream of uniting the beauty of the living idea in my imagination and shaping it with precision.
