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The world’s largest non-profit fashion council representing the 22 Arabic countries members of the Arab League announces that Riyadh will host the first official fashion week to take place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Arab Fashion Week in Riyadh will take place 26th– 31st March 2018 at the Apex Centre, Riyadh’s modern architectural iconic landmark designed by Dame Zaha Hadid.
Today’s historical announcement follows the opening of the AFC regional office in Riyadh and the appointment of H.H. Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud as Honorary President.
“We are proud of the significant progress achieved by the Arab Fashion Council in Riyadh, as we announce today the first Fashion Week in the history of the Kingdom. We are excited to see the fruits of the effort to launch this event in a relatively record period, and we thank the global support shown by the International fashion community, which strongly reflects the firmposition of Saudi Arabia not only as an economic force, but also as a cultural and creative hub. This is a new era that we are witnessing, an era where “only dreamers are welcome to join” to use the words of HRH Prince Mohamed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
H.H. PRINCESS NOURA BINT FAISAL AL SAUD, Honorary President, The Arab Fashion Council
This is the latest move by the Kingdom to affirm its vision to transform the fashion and retail sector in Saudi Arabia into both a regional and global destination by encouraging trade exchange and global business in line with the Vision 2030. The nation offers significant investment opportunities and is uniquely placed connecting three continents, Asia, Europe and Africa, to act as a gateway to the world, for regional talent and for International designers wishing to enter the region.
“ The first Arab Fashion Week in Riyadh will be more than a world-class event, it is a catalyst through which we believe the fashion sector will lead other economic sectors such as tourism, hospitality, travel, and trade. Our retail sector is among the fastest growing in the world. Through our commitment, we hope that we will be able to drive
significant growth on the encouraging figures Saudi Arabia has achieved so far in this context.”
MS LAYLA ISSA ABUZAID, Country Director for Saudi Arabia, The Arab Fashion Council
The AFC is building a strong foundation to establish a sustainable fashion infrastructure that will serve not just the region, but creative economies the world over.
“The launch of the Arab Fashion Week in Riyadh is an unprecedented step for the Arab Fashion Council. This historic move will propel the fashion sector in the Arab world to new heights. Today, we are a step forward towards achieving our goals of establishing a solid infrastructure for our regional fashion industry and providing prosperous opportunities for the future generation of Arab designers.”
JACOB ABRIAN, Founder & Chief Executive, The Arab Fashion Council
Leading regional and International brands are confirmed to participate during Riyadh Fashion Week. Headlining this inaugural event is Roberto Cavalli.
The General Entertainment Authority comments in support of the milestone event; “Saudi Arabia’s artistic community has been growing in size and in confidence for a number of years now, and General Entertainment Authority believes that such event will allow a proper platform to showcase their fashion and arts’ talents. As the vehicle for a comprehensive range of entertainment options in Saudi Arabia, the General Entertainment Authority is proud to support an event that seeks to bring people together in a mutual appreciation of the power of fashion and art.”
– Notes to Editors:
In line with one of the pillars of the Kingdom’s vision 2030 in creating a vibrant society, the General Entertainment Authority has been established to organize, develop, and lead the entertainment sector to provide exciting entertainment options, and tailored experiences to the needs of people from all walks of life around Saudi Arabia. Also, to contribute in improving and enriching the lifestyle and social cohesion among the community.