Conferences
Expert insights on fashion industry trends
Conference Program
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Opening Ceremony
National Anthem l Welcome Speech l Official Speech
Navigating the Middle-Eastern Market - Fashion as an Economic Engine
Transition into how brands position themselves and operate in this unique context.
Media’s Role in Shaping Fashion Trends in the Middle East
The New Arab Fashion Critique: From Social Media to Global Influence Explore how critics and digital voices are shaping public perception and market impact.
Coffee Break & Networking
Fashion as Cultural Diplomacy
Designing with purpose in the Arab world as cultural bridge and diplomatic tool
The Future of Fashion Weeks in the Middle East
Closing the first day with visionary discussion on evolving the fashion week format regionally
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Opening
Heritage Meets Haute Couture: Crafting Identity Through Fashion - Preserving Identity in a Global Market (Sustainability)
Open with real-world manufacturing and supply-chain realities in the region. Showcase how artisanship and design innovation intersect. Explore how cultural legacy is maintained in commercially viable ways. Fashion & Heritage Conclude with how sustainability and tradition can harmoniously coexist in the industry.
Coffee Break & Networking
Building Fashion Ecosystems: Education, Media & Investment
Kick off with a structural view of what’s needed to support the industry.
Influencer Economy: Building Brands in the Digital Age
Transition to the powerful role of digital creators and how to collaborate with them.
Featured Speakers
Maha Ghanim
Director, M7 Qatar
Director of M7, Qatar’s hub for fashion and design innovation, with over 15 years of experience developing incubation programs, supporting startups, and advancing the creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Qatar.
Bianca Brigitte Bonomi
Director, Harper’s Bazaar & Esquire Qatar
Media leader with over a decade in the Middle East, instrumental in launching international titles in Qatar and curating influential fashion and cultural platforms.
Aram Kabbani
Vice President, Head of Retail & Fashion
Known for blending strategy, creativity, and cultural insight, she curates high-impact retail concepts and immersive fashion experiences across landmark governmental projects and mega-scale destinations in Saudi Arabia.
Bilal Al Arabi
TV Host | Executive Producer | Media Pioneer
Renowned Arab television figure and fashion journalism pioneer, host and creator of leading programs including Arabwood, B My Guest, and Fashion News Arabia, with over two decades shaping modern Arab media.
Ghizlan Guenez
Entrepreneur | Investor | Founder, F-Force
Founder of F-Force and The Modist, pioneering platforms empowering women through entrepreneurship, storytelling, and leadership, and recognized globally as a leading voice shaping fashion and business.
Marnix Quint
General Manager, Brunello Cucinelli Middle East
Leads regional strategy, market expansion, and organizational excellence across the ME, bringing international experience from Amsterdam, Milan, and Dubai, with a focus on long-term value creation and exceptional client experience.
Reda Keddaji
General Manager, Tryano, Chalhoub
With over 15 years of experience in fashion retail, Reda is leading the transformation of Tryano into Abu Dhabi’s most inspiring fashion, beauty, and lifestyle destination—blending global sophistication with local relevance.
Sebastian Cabrices
Editor | Stylist | Writer
Contributor to Vogue Mexico & Latin America | Fashion Director at C41 Magazine | Focused on photography-led storytelling and contemporary culture.
Ylias Nacer
Creative & Strategy Advisor
Former Fashion Editor at Vogue Paris and Vogue Hommes International | Former Fashion Editor-in-Chief of GQ France | COO at MA WORLD GROUP France, leading creative strategy and brand positioning for global luxury brands.
Amal Al Raisi
Founder & Creative Director
Omani designer and founder of her eponymous fashion house, Amal blends Omani heritage with contemporary fashion across ready-to-wear, bridal, and lifestyle. She is also the founder of the Fashion Future Program and a key force behind the revival of MFW
Sarah Keyrouz
Image consultant & Celebrity Stylist
An image consultant, fashion designer and university teacher, with over a decade of experience in the fashion industry and a lifelong passion that she’s had since she was a child.
Zuweina Al Rashdi
CEO, Amad Craft l Founder & CEO, Dar Al Herfya
Zuweina has devoted her career to revitalizing traditional crafts and empowering communities through sustainable, purpose-driven projects. Combining media expertise, strong leadership, and a deep passion for cultural heritage.
Mohamed Al Harthy
Managing Director, Saaf
Mohammed is an Omani entrepreneur and the Managing Director of SAAF Fashion House. Known for his hands on leadership and refined vision he blends heritage with modern luxury, placing strong emphasis on quality, authenticity, and brand integrity.
Al Sayyid Maadhad Al Busiadi
Head of the Fashion Design Department, UTAS
Muadhad is a Fashion Marketing graduate who holds a Diploma in Fashion Design and a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Marketing bringing extensive experience in teaching fashion design and developing students’ creative skills.
Anita Nayar
Supermodel | Entrepreneur | Founder, ANT Management
Dubai-born Indian-Russian model and founder of ANT Management, redefining talent representation across modeling, creative production, and acting in the UAE
Sara Chraibi
Designer
Moroccan haute couture designer who founded her fashion house in 2011, blending modern design with Moroccan craftsmanship. Her work celebrates femininity and Arab heritage through a refined North African and Mediterranean aesthetic.
Nora AlBesher
Fashion Editor, Hia Magazine
A leading voice in Saudi fashion journalism, with over a decade of experience shaping critical fashion discourse. She covers runways from Paris to Riyadh with a distinctive editorial perspective.
Isra Rehman
Influencer
Recognized for her trend expertise & engaging digital presence. A multi-disciplinary self-taught creative, and fashion creator known for her own custom tailor-made designs that resonate with her audience.
Akash Nemani
Head of Beauty and Luxury MEA, Meta
Leading strategic growth & digital transformation for some of the world’s most prestigious brands. With over 12 years at Meta across 3 continents, he brings a global perspective at the intersection of technology, innovation, & consumer experience.