Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition creates valuable platform for Qatari entrepreneurs

The 12^th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition continues to present a showstopper event for local designers, delivering a platform to foster Qatar’s fashion scene and empower entrepreneurship and knowledge-sharing.

This year, for the first time Heya has partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUQ) and Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) to provide valuable expertise 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. Additionally, the exhibition is presenting a rich display of Qatari brands, with a 25% increase from the previous edition of the highly-anticipated event.

Responsible for delivering Heya, Design Creationz’s spokesperson Esraa Abel said: “Heya is not just a sales opportunity for designers, but a platform for the key institutes and leaders in Qatar to come together to fulfil the shows mission to nurture and inspire the local design industry. These new knowledge-sharing and networking partnerships with VCUQ and QBIC are the perfect fit and we are so pleased to have them onboard. The fashion sector in Qatar has been recognised as one of the driving industries to organically grow the private sector, so we’re proud to play our part in its growth and prosperity.”

QBIC has delivered workshops on its unique mixed-use business incubation center and its support services to help entrepreneurs with business ideas or those who want to grow their business. Entrepreneurs and designers can attend the final workshop being held today (5 November) at Heya to ‘Learn How QBIC’s Services Can Get You Ahead‘ (18:05).

With a mandate to empower entrepreneurs to start and grow companies by incubating, developing, investing and connecting, Aysha Al Mudahka CEO of QBIC will also present a dedicated forum today (5 November), discussing the advantages and disadvantages of ‘Online Store vs. A Boutique’ (18:35). Al Mudahka commented: “It’s been such a pleasure to be a part of this incredibly dynamic event, and take part in shaping such promising talented women. The ideas and creations I’ve seen over the past couple of days could be the thriving businesses of tomorrow. All these women have such passion and talent, all they need is the right mentorship and support, and we’re thrilled to be here and be able to help provide that guidance.”

VCUQ has also hosted workshops and forums at Heya on ‘Fashion Illustration,’ ‘The Creative Process,’ and‘The Mood & Design Board,’ developed to teach the basics of fashion design. VCUarts Qatar has substantial involvement with the emerging design industries in Qatar and plays a significant role in its catalyst for growth, having established itself as a center of excellence for education and research in local art and design. In addition to the learning opportunities at Heya, the 12^th edition offers shoppers and visitors the opportunity to complete their Autumn/Winter collections, from high-street apparel, couture and luxury, to the latest modest fashion evening gowns, leather accessories, and for the first-time perfumery and make-up.

Visitors can browse more than 150 abaya and modest fashion brands from over 15 countries, including: Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, India, Turkey, Lebanon, Indonesia, Morocco, Spain, Germany, Italy, Sri Lanka, the UK, France, Mexico and Hong Kong for the first time. The show offers a unique flavour of Arabian heritage, with returning brands including Debaj, Al Motahajiba, Al Dukan, and Harlienz, as well as new popular brands Q-Label, Dary collection, Modish, and Endemage from Oman. Today (5 November) visitors are invited to attend Heya to participate in forums for aspiring designers, including ‘Online Store vs. A Boutique’ involving QBIC, Qatari brand WAAD, and Emna Hedi Stylist & Fashion Consultant (18:35), as well as ‘Fashion Buyer's Secrets Revealed V.2 (Part 2)’ (19:30).

Workshops will focus on helping local entrepreneurs, including; ‘How Women Work: Empowering Women’ (16:30), ‘The Rhythm of Fashion, How Does it Work?’ by the German Embassy (17:00), ‘Learn How QBIC’s Services Can Get You Ahead’ (18:05), ‘VCU: The Creative Process’ (18:35) and to conclude, ‘Makeup Consultation with Wojooh’ (20:00). 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 (7 November).

For more information on the 12^th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition and its activities, please visit www.heya.qa, or alternatively follow Heya on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat – Heya.qa, or YouTube. Visitors can also download the Heya mobile app to stay up-to-date with events and easily navigate brands and goods on offer.