LONDON: The rising stars of Saudi fashion may soon have more reasons to strut their stuff at home as much as abroad.
The Arab Fashion Council’s plans to open a regional office in Riyadh, which is set to stem the exodus of design talent and spur the growth of creative industries in the Kingdom.
With few platforms for fashion at home, aspiring Saudi designers have typically gone to Dubai, or further afield to Europe and the US to achieve their ambitions.
Now, more will be encouraged to pursue their ambitions locally, opening up opportunities previously confined to a select few who could afford to launch their careers abroad.
“It’s a very positive and a very bright step and I’m excited to see further developments in the region,” said Alia Khan, chairwoman of the Islamic Fashion and Design Council, which is also planning to open an office in the Kingdom.
“There’s a wonderful appetite for style and elegance in the Saudi market and we’d love to be a part of that,” Khan added.
Heading up the new Riyadh office as country director Layla Issa Abuzaid said the “council would open the doors to the foreign investment flow into the country.”
The move feeds into Vision 2030 ambitions to diversify its economy and nurture new industries while harnessing the energy and aspirations of a young population.
“Fashion has always been important to Arabs and our designers are definitely benefiting from the beginning of a proper fashion infrastructure,” said Marriam Mossalli, a well-known Saudi fashion editor and founder of luxury consulting firm Niche Arabia.
“We are seeing the creative sector in Saudi grow exponentially.”
“With a population that has 70 percent under the age of thirty, we are about to see an influx of of new careers, and most importantly new creative industries.”
Saudi Fashion designer Arwa Al-Banawi, who regularly exhibits at Paris Fashion Week, said the council’s presence will mean that young Saudi designers no longer have to put their dreams on hold.
“I’m seeing a lot of designers coming out of Saudi Arabia and it’s about time we had this platform to showcase our work.”
Until now, fashion shows in the Kingdom have been largely private, women-only events, with few opportunities for designers to mingle with buyers or display their work to international brands.
Last year marked a rare exception when high-profile members of the international fashion elite, including Naomi Campbell, Alberta Ferretti and Delfina Delettrez Fendi jetted into Jeddah for the first ever Vogue Fashion Experience, hosted by Vogue Italia.
Razan Alazzouni, a successful Saudi designer, who has dressed celebrities including Elizabeth Banks and Paris Hilton, told online fashion portal Fustany that being based in Saudi Arabia and breaking into the international market was one of the greatest hurdles she had to overcome in establishing her career.
“I felt I had to prove myself more than a European designer might have needed to.”
But Al-Banawi believes there is plenty of scope to establish a flourishing fashion industry in the Kingdom. “I’m really excited this is finally happening in my country.”
“There’s so much talent and so many buyers and beautiful boutiques in Saudi — we have the right people that can actually make this happen and make it a hub.”
The Arab Fashion Council office will encourage the development of a sustainable fashion infrastructure in Saudi Arabia by supporting local talent and partnering with international designers interested in entering the market.
“We are working on a strategy that will strengthen the creative ties between the four main fashion capitals and Riyadh, which will allow us to promote Arab designers at a global level,” said Jacob Abrian, founder and CEO of the Arab Fashion Council.
Recent reforms, including lifting the ban on female drivers, have broadened the country’s appeal on the global stage and with its strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa, the council sees Saudi Arabia as uniquely placed to become a center for the fashion industry.
“The new office in Riyadh will act as a main pillar in supporting the growth of the creative economy in the entire region,” explained Princess Noura bint Faisal Al-Saud, the Arab Fashion Council’s honorary president.
“The Vision 2030 is based on three main pillars: A vibrant society promoting culture and entertainment, a thriving economy that boosts the small businesses and productive families as well as attracting the right talents and an ambitious nation that engages everyone.”
Saudi fashion goes global
Saudi fashion goes global
Japanese envoy bids farewell, reflects on Saudi Arabia’s transformation, cultural legacy
RIYADH: As he prepares to leave Saudi Arabia, Japan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Iwai Fumio, affectionately known as “Abu Kuji” among his Saudi friends, reflects on the sweeping transformations he witnessed during his tenure.
“Saudi Arabia feels like a second home,” he said.
“The connection I feel to this country and its people is truly unique,” Iwai added.
Under the ambitious Vision 2030 framework, he observed the Kingdom evolving at an unprecedented pace, blending progress with the preservation of its cultural legacy.
“Vision 2030 isn’t just about change — it’s a complete reimagining of what Saudi Arabia can be,” he said, emphasizing how the initiative reshaped the Kingdom’s economy and expanded its influence.
As Saudi Arabia emerged as a regional hub, attracting investment and establishing global partnerships, the ambassador noted the Kingdom’s growing role on the world stage.
From the bustling streets of Riyadh to the awe-inspiring landscapes of AlUla and the towering peaks of Asir, he has seen firsthand the beauty and spirit of a nation embracing change while honoring its heritage.
“Each place tells a story of resilience and pride,” he said, noting how the Kingdom’s diverse regions reflect the harmony of tradition and progress.
Iwai spoke with deep appreciation of the hospitality he encountered throughout his time in Saudi Arabia. “The warmth here is unmatched,” he said, recalling how Saudis welcomed him not just as a diplomat but as part of their extended community.
The title “Abu Kuji” itself, bestowed upon him by his Saudi friends, symbolizes a personal connection and affection that goes beyond formal diplomacy.
“There is a sincerity here, a tradition of openness and generosity that is incredibly touching,” he remarked. “It’s rare to find such genuine warmth in the world.”
The ambassador also praised the Arab News Japanese edition, a key initiative fostering closer ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan.
He acknowledged the publication’s vital role in promoting mutual understanding, enabling Japanese readers to appreciate the breadth and depth of Saudi Arabia’s transformation.
“Arab News Japan has allowed people back home to witness this journey of growth and ambition,” he said. “It has been instrumental in bridging our cultures and deepening the friendship between our nations.”
Reflecting on his years in Saudi Arabia, he expressed admiration for the rapid advancements in technology, infrastructure and economic diversification under Vision 2030.
From newly developed hotels and infrastructure projects to the ease of new digital visa services, he noted the strides the Kingdom has made to attract international businesses and tourists alike.
“These developments show Saudi Arabia’s readiness to welcome the world,” he said.
The ambassador highlighted how Japan, with its experience and technological expertise, is well positioned to collaborate with Saudi Arabia on these fronts.
Yet beyond the visible changes, it is the people and their shared pride in tradition that left the most indelible mark on him. From experiencing the energy of Saudi cities to the tranquil beauty of its historical sites, the ambassador described his journey through the Kingdom as transformative on a personal level.
“It’s not just the landscapes or the cities,” he said, “but the people, their warmth, their traditions — these are the true treasures of Saudi Arabia.”
As he bid farewell, Iwai voiced optimism for a future of strengthened collaboration, particularly in fields such as energy, technology, and cultural exchange, where Japan’s expertise aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goals under Vision 2030.
He leaves with a sense of gratitude and hope, confident that the friendship between Saudi Arabia and Japan will continue to deepen.
Reflecting on his next chapter, the ambassador shared his excitement for his upcoming assignment in Egypt, a country he believes will offer new opportunities to deepen Japan’s ties in the region.
“Each country has its unique story and path, and I am grateful for the opportunity to carry forward the spirit of partnership I’ve cherished here in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“Saudi Arabia will always hold a special place in my heart,” he added, “for the incredible transformations I witnessed, but most of all, for the friendships and warmth of its people, who welcomed me like family.”
Saudi foreign minister meets with French president’s MENA advisor
- Discussions focused on the strong relations between their two nations and explored ways in which these could be further enhanced
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with the French president’s advisor for the Middle East and North Africa region, Anne-Claire Legendre, this week.
Discussions focused on the strong relations between their two nations and explored ways in which these could be further enhanced, reported Saudi Press Agency.
They also reviewed regional issues, with a particular focus on Gaza and Lebanon and ongoing efforts to address the issues there.
KSrelief chief, Palestinian education minister discuss university research partnership
- KSrelief implement sanitation project in Yemen’s Marib governorate
RIYADH: The advisor to the Royal Court and supervisor general of the Kingdom’s aid agency, KSrelief, met with the Palestinian education minister this week to discuss cooperation on educational projects and programs for schools and universities.
Dr Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and Amjad Barham also talked about ways in which research collaboration between Saudi and Palestinian higher education institutes could be enhanced, reported Saudi Press Agency.
The Palestinian minister also expressed his gratitude to the Saudi government for the Kingdom’s ongoing support for his people.
Meanwhile, KSrelief has implemented a project to improve sanitation services for internally displaced persons and the host community in Yemen’s Marib governorate, in partnership with the UN International Organization for Migration.
The project entails the construction of 200 new latrines and rehabilitation of 600 sewage pits and will directly benefit 47,598 individuals facing tough living conditions.
KSrelief delivers food and dates in Yemen, Chad
- This assistance is part of the relief and humanitarian efforts provided by Saudi Arabia, represented by KSrelief
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has been distributing food and dates to thousands of people in Yemen and Chad, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Volunteers distributed 3,000 cartons of dates to displaced people in Yemen’s Al-Jawf governorate, benefiting 18,000 individuals, the SPA reported on Wednesday.
In Chad this week, as a part of its Food Security Support Project, KSrelief distributed 1,200 food parcels in the Batha region, benefiting 7,200 vulnerable people.
Saudi Arabia’s aid arrives in northern Gaza to assist Palestinians
- Wednesday’s delivery of essential food and other supplies is a part of KSrelief’s ongoing campaign to provide support for Palestinians
RIYADH: Several trucks with aid, provided by Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian agency KSrelief, have arrived in the northern Gaza Strip via Jordan.
Wednesday’s delivery of essential food and other supplies is a part of KSrelief’s ongoing campaign to provide support for Palestinians, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The aid was scheduled to be distributed through the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, which serves as the executive partner of KSrelief in the area.
The campaign to assist Palestinians, initiated by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has raised over $186.3 million from over 2 million donors.
The northern Gaza Strip is currently facing severe challenges because of Israel’s ongoing war on the Palestinians, which includes the closure of border crossings.
