Jazia Al Dhanhani CEO of Dubai Design and Fashion Council tells us what she has planned for the fashion industry in Dubai

Jazia Al Dhanhani is possibly the most important person in the development of Dubai’s design industry. The Emirati was appointed CEO of Dubai Design and Fashion Council in February this year, taking over from Nez Gebreel, who had been in the role since the council was formed in 2014. Jazia had previously been working for the council as executive director of industry development and marketing.

For those who don’t know, the Dubai Design and Fashion Council (DDFC) was created by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with the aim of raising the emirate’s profile as a regional and global destination for design. It doesn’t just focus on fashion, but also on graphic design, architecture, products and interiors. ‘I think everything we do in Dubai is somehow related to design, whether it’s an iconic tower or a fashion show,’ says Jazia, ‘so it really is one of the most important things we have here. The challenge is there and I’m excited to take it on.’

There are so many new brands starting in the UAE that the council is something that is welcomed by the industry. ‘I think so many people choose to start their brands here because the industry is still growing and they are looking forward to being part of the future. I think it is easier here to become a successful designer because there is not as much competition as there is in some of these cities. Now we have the DDFC that will hopefully be a big attraction for upcoming designers as they know they will have the help from us.’

Education, nurturing and supporting local talent are pillars of the council’s role, which has most recently seen mentorship and internship programmes, which provide direct learning opportunities and business access to creatives from all over the region, giving them experience with those who are already successful and working in the industry, allowing them to have a platform to develop and hone their skill sets. There are now 38 students in mentorships, connecting them to people they wouldn’t have otherwise had access to.

When it comes to internships, the DDFC is working with local universities to place students within companies to give them the experience they need. ‘We are connecting the universities in Dubai to the industry and finding placements for students in relevant companies,’ says Jazia.

Jazia was also in charge of organising (and judging, as part of a panel featuring Lebanese design star Reem Acra) the collaboration between DDFC and Fashion Scout that saw UAE-based designers Deborah Henning and Shaika Amal Al Maktoum present their collections in London (turn the page to meet the two designers). ‘We wanted to choose an Emirati designer, and an international designer who is based here. These two both shone through. Their designs are unique and different for this region.’ Jazia told us. She continues: ‘I have heard from them that it was a great experience. Being an international platform, I think it was a very different experience for them, but it seems to have been a great success. Of course it was fantastic for Dubai, but mostly for the designers, who got to show their collections.’

And while UAE designers are looking to show their collections internationally, could we expect to see international designers presenting their ranges on Dubai catwalks? ‘Dubai welcomes anybody and if anybody were to approach us to do their show here we would definitely be welcoming them to come.’ Paging Demna Gvasalia...

‘The great thing about D3 is that you come here and always meet people who are working or interested in design of some kind. We are trying to develop the area as the design hub of the city.’

‘Honestly all the shows are important for us, as they are all regional designers, but I would love to see some of the shows of designers that we at the council have helped – there are many taking part.’

Fashion Forward has the monopoly of local fashion weeks at the moment but once, Dubai Fashion Week was the go-to fashion event. There have been rumours of a return this year but so far nothing has been confirmed. ‘I can’t comment on that now, but you never know what surprises are around the corner.’ Jazia says.

‘You can expect to see a lot of changes.’ And when asked if we can ever expect Dubai to be recognised up there with the likes of London, New York and Paris? ‘With the vision of His Highness [Shaikh Mohammad] anything is possible!’