Doha, 19 Oct. 2019

16th edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, a showcase of abayas and traditional Arabian attire will showcase over 250 brands,  around 20 fashion shows, seminars and designer workshops. 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.

Among the participants, 75 % are Qatari designers who will be showcasing their designs of Qatari brands,  11 % are int'l brands from Kuwait, Oman, India, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco, China, Indonesia, Italy and Georgia.

Brands include Debaj, Harlienz, Hammadies, Al Dukan, Maryam Al Darwish,  Zoogha (Kuwait), Samar Secrets (Lebanon), Endemage (Oman), Beenas (India) and Bocan (Turkey). Among new exhibitors include UVA , Signature design, A’s Qatar, Kyra collection, Atelier Zuhra and Malo.

Jawaher Al-khuzaei of 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 16^th edition, it has established itself as a leading Arabian fashion event," Jawaher concluded.

Main feature of the exhibition is a dedicated Italian pavilion in collaboration with Italian embassy. The curator is 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.

Curator Mangani said, 'I am pleased to showcase the best artisanal luxury brands of "Made in Italy" selected for Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, an incredible platform drawing Arabian fashion lovers from around the world.  She said she looks 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 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'.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Qatar will be 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'.

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'.

IDAM, the 3 Michelin star Alain Ducasse restaurant at Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar will unveil specially designed Heya menu inspired by haute couture. The menu will only be available during the 5 days exhibition. IDAM Executive Chef, Damien Leroux said: “Our team are delighted to support the 16^th 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.

16th edition of Heya's partners include 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 .

For further details, please visit www.heya.qa. Visitors can also download the Heya mobile app, enabling visitors to stay up-to-date with events and easily navigate brands and goods on offer.