Dubai’s fashion scene is making more room for emerging talent. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in partnership with the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), has launched the Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint, a new fashion incubation programme designed to help UAE-based designers turn creative ideas into commercially successful brands.
The first-of-its-kind initiative aims to support designers in building scalable, market-ready labels while strengthening Dubai’s local fashion ecosystem. Running across eight weekends from 19 September to 8 November 2026, the programme will bring together designers, mentors, manufacturers and industry experts to explore what it takes to build a fashion brand beyond the creative process.
Designed for 15 Emirati and UAE-based resident fashion designers, the programme is aimed at creatives who already have a clear vision for a fashion brand and want to refine their identity, strengthen their business direction or prepare for retail expansion.
Building Dubai’s Next Fashion Labels
Through workshops, mentorship sessions and industry-led guidance, participants will gain insight into the business side of fashion, from brand strategy and product development to pricing, marketing, financial planning and retail readiness.
Beyond creative development, the programme focuses on strengthening connections between designers and Dubai’s production network by encouraging collaboration with local ateliers, manufacturers and industry professionals. The goal is to help emerging designers understand the realities of building a fashion business, from creating collections to bringing them into the market.
The initiative forms part of Dubai Culture’s wider efforts to grow the emirate’s creative economy and supports the objectives of the Dubai Design Sector Strategy 2033, which aims to position Dubai as a global destination for design, innovation and creative industries.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to Emirati and UAE-based resident fashion designers looking to develop an existing label, transform an emerging concept into a viable brand or strengthen their path towards retail readiness. Applications are open from 3 to 28 August 2026. Selected designers will be assessed based on expertise, production readiness, commitment to business development and their vision for future growth.
The journey will conclude with a final showcase, where participants will present their collections and brand strategies to leading figures from the fashion industry. With Dubai continuing to invest in its creative landscape, the Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint marks another step towards building a stronger homegrown fashion industry, one where local talent has the tools, connections and support to grow.
