Dubai Culture launches 'Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint' in partnership with Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has launched the Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint, an eight-weekend fashion incubation programme in partnership with the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) that will run from 19 September to 8 November 2026. The practice-based initiative will support 15 Emirati and UAE-based resident designers to develop scalable, market-ready fashion brands through mentorship, hands-on workshops and links to local ateliers and manufacturers. Applications open from 3 to 28 August 2026 and will be assessed on craftsmanship, production readiness and clear growth vision.

"The fashion sector is one of the key drivers of the creative economy, with the ability to transform ideas into innovative products and brands that generate both cultural and economic value while reflecting the vibrancy of Dubai’s creative landscape," said Khulood Khoory, Director of the Design Department at Dubai Culture. "Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint provides a practical pathway for designers to refine their brands, strengthen their creative identity, and improve their market readiness, contributing to the continued growth of the fashion sector and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for design excellence."

The eight-weekend programme is designed to combine creative development with commercial discipline. Participants will receive one-to-one and group mentoring from industry experts and specialists, covering brand identity, brand strategy, marketing, financial planning, product development, pricing and retail readiness. The curriculum also features specialised sessions focused on local production, business growth and market entry strategies to expose designers to the realities of manufacturing and retail in Dubai.

• Duration: eight weekends, 19 September – 8 November 2026
• Eligibility: 15 Emirati and UAE-based resident fashion designers
• Applications: 3–28 August 2026
• Assessment criteria: craftsmanship, business activity intent, production readiness and growth vision

Organisers emphasise the programme’s role in strengthening Dubai’s local fashion production ecosystem by encouraging collaboration with local ateliers and manufacturers. Beyond design and technical skill-building, the Sprint aims to create direct links between emerging labels and the supply chain, accelerating participants’ ability to move from concept to commercially viable collections ready for retail. The programme culminates in a final showcase where participants will present their collections and brand strategies to leading experts from the sector.

Dubai Culture frames the initiative as part of broader efforts to advance cultural and creative industries and to support the objectives of the Dubai Design Sector Strategy 2033. The strategy seeks to position the city as a destination for designers and industry experts and to grow the domestic design sector; the Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint is positioned as a targeted intervention to fast-track designer readiness and local production capacity.

For designers accepted into the Sprint, the immediate outlook is practical and market-focused: tailored feedback on collections and commercial direction, networking opportunities with manufacturers, retailers and peers, and preparation for retail entry. For Dubai’s fashion sector, organisers expect the programme to contribute to the development of contemporary brands with tangible commercial potential and to reinforce local production ties that can support longer-term sector growth.