• Held Under the Patronage of Her Excellency, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
• The latest edition hosted international designers and offered young Qatari fashion entrepreneurs’ exposure to high profile clientele and global business opportunities

Doha, Qatar, May 01, 2019:   Fashion enthusiasts, modest-wear aficionados, influencers, families and aspiring designers, gathered for a modest fashion extravaganza during the 15th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition (Heya 15), which convened for five days at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. The event showcased 250 brands from 11 different countries and concluded in style with a grand finale awards presentation.

The awards, presented by Heya, acknowledge the efforts of the exhibitors across two main categories; the Visitor’s Choice Awards and the Exhibitor’s Choice Awards. The awards went to Debaj and Tahani Al Otaibi, respectively for their outstanding contribution during Heya 15. 

Mashal Shahbik from QNTC, said: 'We're delighted with the success of the 15th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition and the attendance it has drawn with the wide variety of events held during the show. I would like to congratulate the winners of the Heya award, and to thank all the exhibitors and organisers who have delivered an exceptional edition.' She added, 'At QNTC we constantly strive to diversify Qatar's calendar of events and enrich it in a way that reflects Qatar's positioning as a destination that provides curated experiences. We look forward to sharing with our audiences, whether visitors or residences, the experiences in store for the summer.'

The grand opening of Heya 15 saw the Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) launch the Lean Fashion Program, the first of its kind in the country in partnership with Fashion Technology Accelerator (FTA), a Milan-based hub dedicated to supporting fashion startups. Interested designers can apply for the program on the QBIC website.

As part of the Qatar-India 2019: Year of Culture, Heya 15 welcomed four Indian designers under the Indian Pavilion including design extraordinaire, Suneet Varma, who showcased his collection for the first time in Qatar, along with S3 by Sonali Raman, Pero and 3Clothing. 

Heya 15 displayed the latest collections of abayas, kaftans, jalabiyas, evening gowns and haute couture, veils and other accessories, as well as perfumery and make-up. But beyond the exhibition of the trendiest modest wear fashion, Heya’s schedule featured workshops and forums that drew huge crowds seeking knowledge, guidance and inspiration on the fashion industry both in Doha and abroad. The workshops covered everything from make-up tutorials and beauty tips to design-related topics such as running a business in fashion, textiles, and even sustainable fashion. 

Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition was organised by the Qatar National Tourism Council and delivered in partnership with Design Creationz, who put on a world-class fashion exhibition. 

Proud partners of this edition of Heya 15 are Maison de Joelle, Shangri-La Doha, Ezdan Hotel, Tajmeel Academy, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUQ), QBIC, Qatar Museums, Guerlain Spa, Qatar Red Crescent and Primary Health Care Corporation, while Lexus was the official car sponsor of the exhibition.