The 16th Edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition Showcases the Latest in Modest-Wear Fashion with More than 250 Brands

Doha, Qatar:  17 October 2019:   Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, Qatar’s most popular showcase of abayas and traditional Arabian attire, will return for its 16th edition this month with a rich program of more than 20 fashion shows, seminars, designer workshops and 250+ brands participating in this exciting array of fashion.  

Held under the patronage of Her Excellency, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the exhibition will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) between 25-29 October 2019. The event is delivered by Design Creationz, with the support of the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), as part of its effort to empower the private sector to attract and host global events.

The exhibition continues to be the go-to platform for Qatari designers to showcase their designs, with Qatari brands representing 75% of participants, the highest percentage of local participation ever recorded to date. This year’s edition also features international brands from 11 countries, representing 4 continents including neighboring Kuwait and Oman as well as India, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco, China, Indonesia, Italy and Georgia.

Offering a unique flavour of Arabian heritage, the Autumn/Winter 2019 show will see returning brands including Debaj, Harlienz, the Hammadies, Al Dukan and Maryam Al Darwish, as well as Zoogha from Kuwait, Samar Secrets from Lebanon, Endemage from Oman, Beenas from India and Bocan from Turkey. Heya 16 also features a number of new exhibitors including UVA, Signature design, A’s Qatar, Kyra collection, Atelier Zuhra and Malo to name a few.

Jawaher Al-khuzaei from Qatar National Tourism Council said: “Haya Arabian Fashion Exhibition is a vibrant event that enriches our calendar of local events, especially business events, which is one of the most important tourism sub sectors. It also provides an excellent platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their talent and introduce themselves to international markets.”

'We are delighted to partner with Design Creationz to support the exhibition and pleased to see that with its 16th edition, it has established itself as a leading Arabian fashion event,' Jawaher concluded.
 
This year’s exhibition has partnered with the Italian Embassy which will offer guests a dedicated Italian pavilion curated by Valeria Mangani, former Vice President of the Italian Chamber for High Fashion. The Italian pavilion will feature 4 unique luxury brands namely Positivity Couture, Malo, Faggioli atelier and Atelier.C Firenze who will also take part of the grand opening with a special fashion show.

On her participation, Mangani commented: “I am pleased to showcase the best artisanal luxury brands of the the made in Italy I have selected for Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, an incredible platform drawing Arabian fashion lovers from around the world. I look forward to engaging with the Qatari ladies on my work while also exploring the booming fashion scene in Qatar .”

Design Creationz spokesperson, Esraa Abel, said: “The exhibition this season offers the most diverse range of brands. Heya has proved once again this year its stance as the most visited Arabian fashion event in Qatar, registering more than 11,800 visits at the October 2018 Autumn / Winter Fashion Edition.” 

This edition will also see the Ministry of Commerce and Industry participating for the first time at Heya through a variety of workshops.

Numerous fashion shows, workshops and conversations with fashion icons are woven through the program to ensure Heya continues with its tradition of supporting entrepreneurs. Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ), Istituto di Moda Burgo from Italy, Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC), and Bedaya center will offer young talent valuable advice related to the industry.

Reem Al Suwaidi, General Manager of Bedaya, said: “Our mission is to provide support and guidance to Qatari entrepreneurs as they embark on their business journey. That’s why we are happy with this partnership with Heya, and we look forward to working with budding designers at the event and helping them get their business off the ground.” 

Mr. Hamad Al-Qahtani, General Manager of Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC), said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Heya Exhibition, as it is a great opportunity for fashion entrepreneurs to validate & showcase their creations. QBIC is fully dedicated to the development of the local fashion scene, and Heya is the perfect partner to achieve this vision. For this edition we’re proudly participating in the form of several entrepreneurs from our novel Lean Fashion Program, and we look forward to empowering a growing number of talented fashion entrepreneurs in Qatar.”
 
In partnership with Heya, IDAM, the 3 Michelin star Alain Ducasse restaurant at MIA will unveil specially designed Heya menu inspired by haute couture. The menu will only be available during the 5 days exhibition. 

Commenting on their participation, IDAM Executive Chef, Damien Leroux said: “Our team are delighted to support the 16th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition. IDAM shares strong ties with Heya. Our restaurant also highlights the growth of Qatar and champions local culture and tradition. Together, we have curated a special Heya menu which complements the creativity and detailed execution of the event while highlighting local ingredients.”

Heya is open for women only except on the opening day (25 October), during which men can accompany family members. Children below the age of the 13 cannot enter the exhibition. 

Proud partners of this edition of Heya, Maison de Joelle, W Doha, Tajmeel Academy, Intercontinental Doha the City, VCUArts Qatar, Bioskin Spa, Qatar Red Crescent and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), IDAM, Masstige Rose and Kaafe .