Business backs Design Council

Business leaders in Dubai have welcomed the decree on Sunday of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, establishing the ‘Dubai Design and Fashion Council.’

Dr Amina Al Rustamani

Dr Amina Al Rustamani, Group CEO of Tecom Investments and representative of the Dubai Design District, who will take up a seat on the Dubai Design and Fashion Council, said: “Dubai’s design and fashion industry has a great opportunity to put itself on an equal footing with the likes of London, Paris and New York. However, to unlock the industry’s full potential, it will need to be carefully and strategically developed by the people and organisations that know the industry best. That is why the decree to create a Dubai Design and Fashion Council, which will guide and nurture the growth of the industry, is so important.

“The Dubai Design District is delighted to have been invited to take up a seat on the council. We are dedicated to establishing a thriving creative community, and we will endeavour to play our part in fostering the industry’s wider growth and development.”

Ahmad bin Byat

Ahmad bin Byat, Director General of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority, said: “Dubai already has a growing creative community and we want to harness its full potential. By carving a detailed roadmap, we would be able to maximise the contribution of this community towards achieving Dubai’s strategic ambitions of diversifying the economy, encouraging enterprise and growing the talent pool.

“Bringing together both the public and private sectors will allow the Dubai Design and Fashion Council to provide focused and dedicated support to the industry. It will guide its future growth, as well as fostering a spirit of creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation. The council will also help in attracting and developing the local talent needed for the industry’s enduring success, while at the same time ensuring it adheres to global standards of best practice.”

Bin Byat added: “The design and fashion industry has a significant role to play in helping Dubai achieve the ambitious objectives set out in Tourism Vision 2020.”

Helal Saeed Almarri

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General, DTCM, said: "As we look towards 2020, furthering the development of the creative industries is an important element of the broadening of Dubai's offer. Retail has always been one of Dubai's main attractions for tourists and with fashion a critical component of this, the establishment of the Dubai Design and Fashion Council is an important step in the expansion of this sector. We look forward to working with our partners in the city to create a cohesive approach to the development of the design and fashion industry.”

Abdullah Al Shaibani

Abdullah Al Shaibani, Secretary-General of Dubai Executive Council, said: "The Dubai Design and Fashion Council will have an important role in promoting Dubai on a global scale. The council will help create a leading industry position for the emirate, which in time will enable it to compete with the four fashion capitals of New York, Paris, London and Milan.

“The General Secretariat of the Executive Council is always keen to support all strategic sectors in the emirate, providing an appropriate environment for creativity and innovation, and this is another example of this provision. The establishment of Dubai Fashion and Design Council by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reflects his commitment to achieving global leadership.”

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