Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week signals city's rise as a global style capital
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week 2025 spotlighted the UAE's growing influence in the global modest fashion scene, blending culture, innovation and style.Organised by Think Fashion and Red Events in partnership with Miral Destinations, the 10th edition of the global event, which concluded at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort on Wednesday, attracted over 30 designers from more than 15 countries and welcomed 1,500 attendees.
Speaking to Aletihad , Taghrid Al Saeed, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications, and Events at Miral, said: "This globally significant event reinforces our commitment to cultivating experiences that inspire, celebrate identity and bring diverse voices together. It positions Saadiyat Island as the ideal platform for meaningful cultural exchange through fashion, design and innovation." On Abu Dhabi's evolving role in world fashion, she said: "Hosting the 10th edition of Modest Fashion Week on Saadiyat Island signals Abu Dhabi's rising influence as a global fashion capital. It reflects the emirate's ambition to lead with purpose and showcase fashion as a form of cultural storytelling."Modest fashion reflects the values of elegance, heritage and self-expression that are deeply rooted in the UAE's identity."Highlighting the support shown to local creatives, Al Saeed noted: "It is an unparalleled opportunity to gain visibility, collaborate and network with key industry leaders. Saadiyat Island offers the perfect backdrop to elevate homegrown talent to global prominence."On the collaboration with Think Fashion, she said: "Both entities believe in the power of fashion as a cultural force, a sanctuary where tradition and innovation walk side by side."Al Saeed also noted the importance of the role of sustainability and technological trends in the industry."The event champions responsible fashion practices, aligning with Saadiyat Island's commitment to preserving its natural beauty and promoting environmentally conscious development."This year's edition integrates technology, allowing us to engage with global audiences while ensuring the event stays dynamic, inclusive and future facing."The event also promotes the empowerment of women in the sector, as well as Abu Dhabi as a cultural centre."Modest Fashion Week is, at its core, a celebration of women – designers, creatives, entrepreneurs and leaders."Events like Modest Fashion Week reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a global cultural capital, where art, fashion, heritage and innovation converge."Abu Dhabi's fashion journey is just beginning, the city is poised to become a year-round destination for fashion that is elegant, ethical and deeply rooted in cultural dialogue," Al Saeed concluded.
Aletihad spoke to several Emirati creatives supported by the Khalifa Fund at Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week, who shared how culture, creativity, and community shape their work. Fidda Al Marzouqi, fashion designer, said: "It is a global platform that honours modesty, creativity and identity - values at the heart of our brand."Their initiatives have empowered emerging designers like myself to grow with confidence."She said her designs reflect Emirati heritage, but with a modern flair: "We honour traditional elements such as the abaya, bisht and embroidery motifs, but reinterpret them with a modern eye. Emirati elegance is subtle, graceful and powerful.""Modesty is not a limitation, it is a creative language. Our message is: wear your story with pride."Mariam Alqubaisi, another designer, expressed pride at participating in the show, and contributing to modest fashion trends."The modest look doesn't require a specific fabric, it is all about how you style it," she added.Thanking the Khalifa Fund, she said: "They gave us a chance to represent the UAE and Abu Dhabi in this field."Dr. Shammah Al Memari, who creates natural products inspired by Emirati traditions, showcased sustainable items like soap made from palm fibre and child-safe mosquito repellents."We revived the old Emirati soap using cleaned palm fibre," she said, crediting the Khalifa Fund for helping to connect her with investors.Also featured was The Knot, Sawada Al Khaili, an expert of Al Talli and Al Sadu, who helps preserve traditional Emirati embroidery techniques."It is all handmade, no machines," she said. "Our grandmothers taught our mothers, and they taught us. Now we want to pass it on.
"Lately, we see young girls proudly wearing it. That really makes us happy."
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