… Forums and Workshops, Concluding with the Grand Finale Awards Ceremony

* More than 170 brands participated from Qatar alone representing a 65% increase from the Autumn/Winter 2017 edition

* More than 25 international brands participated including 5th Avenue Couture Designer, Tosca New York from the US and Alter Era from Belgium.

Doha, Qatar – 31 October 2018: The 14th edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition attracted approximately 10,000 visitors throughout the 5-day event, a 29% increase year-on-year organisers have announced.

Bringing together fashion enthusiasts and influencers, families and aspiring designers, this year the exhibition showcased more than 25 international brands of Abayas and modest fashion collections with more than 230 local, regional and international brands attending from over 14 countries. Heya was declared a success by all participants.

This year saw the largest number of established and emerging Qatari designers, with more than 170 of exhibitors coming from Qatar.

Representing a 65% increase in Qatari designers from the previous Autumn/Winter 2017 edition, the 14th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition saw returning brands including 3 batch by Fatma Alahmed, Almotahajiba and QLabel from Qatar; as well as Lala Moda from Morocco, Luna Italia from Italy and Bocan from Turkey. A host of new brands participated this year including; Khemar, Lulu Collection and Noon Designs from Qatar; as well as Dar Alamria from Kuwait and Aikeya from India.

New partnerships with Discover America Week, Tajmeel (Qatar International Beauty Academy) and Istituto di Moda Burgo Qatar (Fashion and Arts Academy), along with previously forged partnerships with Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ) and Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC), provided visitors with valuable expertise in everything from fashion marketing to finance, to how to get a fashion business off the ground. In addition, adding depth to this year’s programme were the collaborations with the US and Belgian Embassies to help nurture and develop local design talent.

Beyond the unique shopping experience, Heya’s packed schedule of 9 workshops, 4 forums and 18 multi-brand show stopping fashion shows drew huge crowds seeking knowledge, guidance and inspiration. The event displayed the latest collection of abayas, kaftans, jalabiyas, evening gowns, veils and other accessories as well as perfumery and make-up.

Highlights included a special appearance by Asma Al-Thani who recently made history by becoming the first Qatari to ski to the North Pole who hosted an insightful forum on her journey to empower Qatari women, along with Kuwaiti renowned influencer and make-up artist Abeer Alyaseen, who made a special appearance through a dedicated make-up workshop where she offered valuable tips and advices for visitors. In addition, VCUQ hosted a series of workshops and forums developed to teach the basics of fashion design.

The official opening of Heya was launched by Ibtihaj Al Ahmadani, Executive Board Member at Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the attendance of Ambassadors, VIP’s and media, all to support the developing fashion industry in Qatar.

Closing out the 5 day event was the exclusive Awards Ceremony with the top two prestigious awards. Debaj won the Exhibitor’s Choice Award while D Designs won the Visitors’ Choice Award.

Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition was brought to visitors by Qatar Tourism Authority and delivered by partners Design Creationz, who put on the exhibition.

Jawaher Al-Khuzaei, Acting Director of Communications and Marketing at Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), said: “Heya may be coming to a close but the authentic experiences and unique designs it brought to visitors will continue to inspire for a long time to come. The show has provided an enriching event for lovers of Arabian fashion, whether designers, shoppers or businesswomen. We look forward to the continued growth in coming editions.”

Proud partners of this edition of Heya include Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC), Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ), Tajmeel, Maison de Joelle, Istituto de Moda Burgo Laderach, Shangri-La Hotel Doha, Ezdan hotels, H.E.N.K.S., Qatar Living, Marhaba, Ohlala, I Love Qatar, Qatar Red Crescent and VEGA.

For more information on the 14th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition please visit www.heya.qa. Visitors can also download the Heya mobile app, enabling visitors to stay up-to-date with events and easily navigate brands and goods on offer.

More from our Style Guide!