The 18th Edition of the Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition opened its doors to shoppers this week at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Organised by Qatar Tourism and Qatar Business Events Corporation (QBEC), this one-of-a-kind exhibition will run until Friday, 17 December, adding to the country’s vibrant calendar of events.

This year’s exhibition follows the theme Ignite, confirming Heya’s commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs in Qatar and the Middle East.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Qatar Tourism Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE Akbar Al Baker, in the presence of dignitaries, guests and exhibitors.

 

The opening day activities featured an introductory talk show with Doha Film Institute CEO Fatma Al Remaihi, Papillon Jewellery founder and CEO Noura Al Ansari. There were also two fashion shows, featuring the Embassy of Indonesia and the Al Hasnaa Signature designer line. While the first day was open to male and female attendees, the exhibition will henceforth be reserved only for women.

HE Akbar Al Baker said they are pleased to launch the 18th edition of Heya and welcome talented designers from across the country and the region to showcase their one-of-a-kind products and fashion lines.

This world-class exhibition is an important part of Qatar’s calendar of events, bringing together thousands of women to witness exclusive collections and the latest fashion innovation. I am confident visitors and residents alike will discover anew our authentic tourism experiences and Service Excellence in Qatar.

This year’s edition features over 130 brands from the GCC, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar and Turkey. ​The collections range from high-street fashion to haute couture, luxury modest evening gowns and abayas, in addition to accessories, cosmetics and perfumes. For the first time also this year, Heya is partnering with AlHosh Gallery in Msheireb Downtown, where the work of local artists will be on display. Heya is bringing together emerging and established designers to strengthen Qatar’s position as a major retail destination and centre for fashion innovation

Talk Shows

Heya is hosting a series of talk shows highlighting fashion icons, designers and leading figures from the education, fashion and media sectors. The programme includes representatives from Bedaya, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), AlHosh Gallery, Doha Film Institute, Printemps Doha, HARPER’S BAZAAR QATAR and much more.

Fashion Shows

The exhibition is hosting a total of eight fashion shows, two of which took place during the opening day, organised by the Embassy of Indonesia and the Al Hasnaa Signature designer line. Heya will host three fashion shows on the second day, 13 December, featuring Haifa Alangary, Istituto Di Moda Burgo Qatar and Qatar Tourism talents. On Wednesday, 15 December, there will be three fashion shows featuring AlHosh Gallery, VCUarts Qatar alumni and faculty.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Heya has endorsed fashion for a cause, in partnership with Education Above All (EAA), which provides access to quality education for the most vulnerable and marginalised children. Heya has also partnered with Al Shafallah Centre for Persons with Disability, showcasing the talented designs of Al Shaffallah students in the exhibition.

For updates and more information about Heya, visit visitqatar.qa.


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