• More than 250 local, regional and international brands of abayas and modest fashion brands from 11 countries on display at 16th HeyaThe Region’s foremost Arabian fashion exhibition creates a valuable platform for Qatari entrepreneurs with the participation of key industry players 

Doha, Qatar, 29 October 2019:   The 16th edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition presents visitors with more than 250 fashion brands from Qatar and around the world to explore and shop at. Complementing a wealth of quality Qatari collections, brands from the Middle East, Europe, Asia and North Africa are also participating at the exhibition, including; neighboring Kuwait and Oman as well as India, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco, China, Indonesia, Italy and Georgia.

Representing an 18% increase in local designers from the previous Autumn/Winter 2018 edition, this highly-anticipated event saw new and returning brands locally and from around the world, including Debaj, A’s Qatar, Harlienz, the Hammadies, Al Dukan and Maryam Al Darwish from Qatar; Zoogha, Signature design and UVA from Kuwait; Samar Secrets from Lebanon; Endemage and Atelier Zuhra from Oman; Beenas from India; Bocan from Turkey; Kyra collection from Indonesia; and Malo from Italy to name a few.

This edition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUArts Qatar) and Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) also continue their partnership with Heya to provide valuable insights for visitors in everything from fashion marketing to finance, and how to get a fashion business off the ground via daily workshops, forums and talks. 

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry participitaed for the first time in this edition through a series of workshops, alongside partnerships forged with Tajmeel (Qatar International Beauty Academy) and Istituto di Moda Burgo Qatar (Fashion and Arts Academy).
Responsible for delivering Heya, Design Creationz’s spokesperson Esraa Abel said: “This year, we have strengthened the number of Qatari designers participating at Heya. It is fantastic to see the quality of home-grown design talent, showcasing local expertise, entrepreneurship and vision.” 

“Knowledge-sharing and networking partnerships with VCUArts Qatar and QBIC have added significant value for exhibitors and visitors, and it is great to see Heya evolving from a modest fashion shopping destination to a platform where designers can also learn from and engage with industry experts and their peers.” 

“As Heya continues to evolve and grow, we have also seen a great response from the international community. New partnerships have allowed us to create valuable knowledge-sharing workshops and forums for lively debates on pressing trends and issues across the global fashion industry”, concluded Esraa.

Guests also participated in the ‘Celebrity Talk: Breaking boundaries, a history of firsts’, an insightful talk led by Halima Aden, the first hijab-wearing model where she shared her journey to success and the rise of modest fashion on the international fashion scene.

On the fourth day of Heya, a series of workshops took place designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs including a workshop by IMB Qatar on ‘The Fashion Mood Boards’, a workshop by Tajmeel on ‘Creative Makeup’ and also by Tajmeel, a workshop on the ‘Your Skin at 20’s 30’s 40’s and beyond’. A special talk by Reem Al Suwaidi from Bedaya was also held to discuss women empowerment.

On this occasion, Beverley Crowther, Principal of Tajmeel said: “It’s been such a pleasure to be a part of this incredibly dynamic event, and to take part in shaping such promising and talented women. Since our aim at Qatar International Beauty Academy, Tajmeel, is to structure and foster the beauty industry locally, Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition was a natural choice for us to partner with, since we share the same vision and ambition in supporting local talents and empowering them to unlock their potential”. 

On Tuesday, 29th October, Day 5 of the exhibition, Heya will host a special graduation ceremony by Tajmeel, a project developed by social development center (Nama), for a new batch of hair and beauty specialists certified with the highest international diplomas. 

Held under the patronage of Her Excellency, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Heya invites all women and girls over the age of 13 to attend Heya at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from today until Tuesday (29 October).

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