Mohammed establishes Dubai Design and Fashion Council

The decree reflects the strategic importance the emirate is placing on the design and fashion sector as it seeks to further diversify the economy and increase the talent pool.

The announcement is the next step in Dubai’s commitment to this sector, and follows the joint efforts of the Dubai Executive Council and the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA) to develop a roadmap for the design and fashion industry. One of the Design and Fashion Council’s initial mandates will be to oversee the delivery of a comprehensive strategy that will outline and guide the growth and development of the Emirate’s fashion industry. The new council will also help nurture and support regional talent and existing design events and initiatives that recently attracted design enthusiasts on regional and international levels.

Article No. 9 of the decree requires all government entities to provide full support to the Dubai Design and Fashion Council in terms of statistics, data, research material and any information needed for the council to perform its duties. The decree is effective from its date of issuance and shall be published in the official gazette.

The objectives outlined in the decree include fostering SME growth in the fashion and design industry, developing international market appetite for regional and Emirati design products, increasing jobs in the sector, providing an additional magnate for tourism to the emirate, and increasing the overall contribution of the creative sector to GDP. The council will also plan and execute events related to the design and fashion sector.

Members of the Dubai Design and Fashion Council will be from The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Emaar and Dubai Design District. Other council members will come from a range of associated sectors, each bringing a unique insight on the industry, so to ensure that all aspects of its development are carefully considered. The members will be selected based on their leadership and experience within the industry.

The council will be established under the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority as it continues to foster creative developments that contribute to the future of Dubai and the UAE. This announcement follows Shaikh Mohammed’s announcement in June 2013 of creating ‘Dubai Design District’ , a new creative community to be developed in Dubai, dedicated to fostering the growth of the emirate’s design, fashion and luxury industries.

The Dubai Design District, which is already under construction, will be operated by Tecom Investments, member of Dubai Holding, a developer with a proven track record in growing successful, industry-focused business parks, by both encouraging local talent and entrepreneurs, as well as providing a home for established international brands. Dubai Design District will cater to the industry’s full value chain.