In the presence of Emaar Founder Mohamed Alabbar, the inaugural Dubai Mall Global Fashion Awards concluded, marking a definitive moment for the city’s status as a capital of the global style economy. The gala, which served as the crowning jewel of the Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion, unfolded under the watchful eye of the region’s leading business visionary, bringing together a rare constellation of Bollywood royalty, Italian luxury titans, and the Arab world’s most influential creatives.
The evening, hosted under Mr. Alabbar’s patronage, reached its crescendo when Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan took the stage to accept the Global Style Icon award. His presence underscored the festival’s international reach, bridging the gap between cinema and high fashion. The night’s emotional high point was a tribute to Italian heritage, as Giuseppe Marsocci, CEO of the Armani Group, accepted the Global Fashion Legend award on behalf of the founding father of Italian luxury, Giorgio Armani. This sentiment of timeless elegance was further celebrated as Brunello Cucinelli was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to Fashion award, recognizing his lifelong dedication to humanistic capitalism and craftsmanship.
The ceremony was equally a celebration of Arab excellence. Egyptian actress Nelly Karim was crowned the Arab Screen & Style Icon, a testament to her enduring elegance both on and off the camera. In the realm of haute couture, the celebrated Reem Acra took home the title of International Designer of the Year, while Indian couturier Manish Malhotra was named Couture Designer of the Year, highlighting the deep cultural and aesthetic ties between the Middle East and South Asia.
Strategic leadership and economic impact were central themes of the event. Khadija Al Bustaki received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Regional Fashion for her pivotal role in shaping the local design ecosystem, while the Arab Fashion Council was recognized with the Fashion Economy Award for their systematic efforts in turning creativity into a sustainable industry.
The awards also spotlighted the individuals defining the region’s contemporary visual identity. Nadine Kanso was honored with the Cultural Impact Award for her work that seamlessly blends Arabic calligraphy with modern design. Mariam Yeya secured the Street Style Designer of The Year title, reflecting the pulse of Dubai’s urban fashion scene, while Ameni Esseibi was named Regional Model of The Year, celebrated for breaking barriers in the industry.
In the digital and beauty spheres, the winners reflected the power of modern storytelling. Mohamed Hindash was awarded Make Up Artist of The Year, acknowledging his artistry that has captivated millions. Anas Bukhash was named Digital Creator of The Year, honoring his authentic voice in the digital space, while the charismatic duo Mohammed and Humaid Hadban—known as “The Twins”—were celebrated as Influencers of the Year, capping off a night that looked firmly toward the future of fashion.
The awards ceremony served as the grand finale of the inaugural Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion, a landmark initiative designed to transform the world’s most-visited retail destination into a global authority on style and culture.
Launched as a strategic collaboration between The Dubai Mall and the Arabic media platform Lana, the festival unfolded over two days of immersive masterclasses, runway presentations, and luxury brand activations. The event was conceived with a singular vision: to bridge the gap between international fashion influence and regional creativity. Throughout the festival, the Grand Atrium and various precincts of the mall were transformed into hubs of education and innovation, hosting twelve exclusive masterclasses led by industry experts on topics ranging from couture styling to the future of digital fashion. This comprehensive program underscored Dubai’s ambition to be not merely a consumer of luxury, but a cultivator of talent and a central player in the global fashion narrative.
