Dubai is set to solidify its position as the undisputed fashion capital of the Middle East with the inaugural Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion (DMFOF). This major-scale celebration of Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion 2026, taking place from January 29 to 30, 2026, marks the debut of an annual platform designed to bridge international influence with regional creative talent.
The festival transforms the world’s most visited retail destination into a live “fashion playground,” offering enthusiasts elite industry insights and immersive experiences.
Event Overview: Dates and Location
- Dates: January 29th – 30th, 2026.
- Location: Dubai Mall (Grand Atrium), Downtown Dubai.
- Organized by: In collaboration with Lana, the Arabic media platform.
- Grand Finale: Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa.
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12 Free Masterclasses: Learn from Industry Stalwarts
The heart of the festival lies in its 12 free masterclasses hosted at the Dubai Mall Grand Atrium. These sessions offer a roadmap to success in the fast-evolving fashion and beauty industries.
Beauty & Makeup Luminaries
- Mohammed Hindash: The global beauty entrepreneur hosts “The Art of Modern Makeup,” focusing on modern glamour and creative expression.
- Mariam Khairallah (MAC Cosmetics): Presents “Beauty Editorial – From Concept to Canvas,” taking guests behind the scenes of high-fashion makeup narratives.
- Syrine Khessib (KAYALI): Explores fragrance in “The Scent Edit – Fashion’s Invisible Accessory”.
Style & Personal Branding Experts
- Cedric Haddad: Celebrity stylist leads “The Art of Looking Camera Ready,” a deep dive into styling for photoshoots and social media impact.
- Maram Zbaeda: Explores “Cultural Codes in Contemporary Styling,” blending global heritage with modern aesthetics.
- Hadia Ghaleb: Offers perspectives on “Modest Fashion – Style with Substance”.
- Mai Galal: Breaks down the “Power of Accessories” and how statement pieces define a brand.
- Dalia Al Ali: Translates catwalk trends in “Runway to Real Life Styling”.
Global Brand Partners & Immersive Showcases
The festival serves as a prestigious platform for world-renowned labels to activate across the mall through immersive showcases.
Participating Global Brands Include:
- Fashion: Temperley London, Marc Jacobs, Level Shoes, Judith Leiber, and Kwanpen.
- Beauty & Fragrance: Armani Beauty, Kayali, and Narciso Rodriguez.
Thought Leadership: The Business of Fashion
Beyond the glamour, the event features consumer-facing panels and strategy-driven conversations.
- AI & The Future of Fashion: Moderated by Louise Nichol.
- Regional Powerhouses: Led by Rosanna Lockwood.
- Fashion, Finance & Growth: Explored by Ramia Farrage (Forbes Middle East).
The Grand Finale: Reem Acra & Global Fashion Awards
The festival reaches its “couture crescendo” on January 30th at 8:00 PM. Internationally acclaimed designer Reem Acra will headline an exclusive runway show at the Armani Hotel. This showstopper serves as the centerpiece of the Dubai Mall Global Fashion Awards, showcasing world-class bridal artistry and red-carpet silhouettes.
Registration and Attendance
While the festival invites everyone to observe, registration is mandatory for the masterclasses as spaces are limited. Some exclusive sessions are invite-only. The festival is produced in collaboration with Lana, the Arabic media platform known for fashion-led storytelling. Registration for masterclasses is now open, with early sign-ups recommended.
- Location: Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa
- Dates: January 29–30, 2026
- Registration: Required for masterclasses; some sessions are invite-only.
- Contact: (800) 382246255 @thedubaimall
- Reserve your spot at: www.dubaimallfestivaloffashion.com
