Dubai: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has launched the Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint, the authority's first-of-its-kind fashion incubation programme, in partnership with the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI).
According to Emirates News Agency, the programme will run over eight weekends from 19th September to 8th November 2026. It is designed to support fashion designers by enabling them to build scalable, commercially viable brands while strengthening Dubai's local fashion production ecosystem. The initiative is part of Dubai Culture's ongoing efforts to advance the cultural and creative industries and support the objectives of the Dubai Design Sector Strategy 2033, which aims to reinforce Dubai's position as a global hub for design excellence.
The programme seeks to enhance local production by encouraging collaboration with local ateliers and manufacturers, while contributing to the growth of Dubai's fashion sector. It aims to develop contemporary fashion brands with strong commercial potential, ready to enter the retail market through a practice-based learning experience that combines design excellence, production discipline, and market readiness.
Participants will experience hands-on workshops, specialised mentorship, and engagement with industry experts, equipping them with the creative, technical, and commercial skills required to build scalable, market-ready fashion brands. The programme targets 15 Emirati and UAE-based resident fashion designers with a clear vision for developing a fashion brand, focusing on those looking to refine their creative concept, strengthen an existing label, or transform an emerging idea into a commercially viable fashion business.
Dubai Culture invites emerging fashion designers and creative talent to apply to join the programme. Applications are open from 3rd to 28th August 2026. Eligible submissions will be assessed based on criteria including craftsmanship, business activity intent, production readiness, and a clear vision for growth and expansion.
Participants will benefit from a comprehensive learning journey combining one-to-one and group mentoring sessions led by industry experts and specialists. They will receive practical guidance on brand identity, brand strategy, marketing, financial planning, product development, pricing, and retail readiness, alongside tailored feedback on their collections and commercial direction.
The programme will also offer insights into Dubai's fashion industry through specialised sessions on local production, business growth, and market entry strategies. Participants will have opportunities to connect and engage with designers, manufacturers, retailers, and other industry professionals. The programme will conclude with a final showcase, presenting collections and brand strategies to leading experts from the sector.
Khulood Khoory, Director of the Design Department at Dubai Culture, commented on the programme's potential, stating its role in transforming the fashion sector into a key driver of the creative economy. She emphasized Dubai Culture's commitment to fostering an integrated ecosystem that supports designers and creative talent, enabling them to develop their capabilities and enhance their readiness to compete on local, regional, and international levels. The Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint, she noted, provides a practical pathway for designers to refine their brands and strengthen their creative identity, contributing to the continued growth of the fashion sector and reinforcing Dubai's position as a global hub for design excellence.