Sheikh Hamdan Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai issued a decree on July 21st, 2014 setting up The Dubai Council for Design and Fashion, which will be entrusted to work on plans and regulations for the purpose of establishing Dubai among the world capitals for design and fashion. Ghassan Harfouche, MCN Group CEO was one of the few non-UAE nationals appointed to the prestigious council.
According to Dubai government officials, The Dubai Council for Design and Fashion’s objectives are to position the emirate as a global destination for fashion and design. The selection of the council members was based on their leadership and experience within the design and fashion fields in addition to other related industries such as government, retail, media and communications, so as to ensure that all aspects of its development are carefully considered.
Harfouche, commenting on his appointment said “This is a huge recognition by the Government of Dubai for what we do as a Group in our industry in the region. I am grateful for this opportunity to participate in the future growth of the city. This reflects the faith that our Government here in Dubai has in our group’s efforts and abilities. I see this as a way we can give back to the city and the community, and to help in establishing the Dubai Design District (D3) as a leading light in the field of design and fashion, and towards building a true creative ecosystem in Dubai. It is a recognition that has a positive ripple effect for the clients and brands who we work with, and we hope to be able to share our learnings and practices with them as we proceed. ”
Reporting on the set up of the council, Gulf News, the leading english daily in the region said “One of the Design and Fashion Council’s initial mandates will be to oversee the delivery of a comprehensive strategy that will outline and guide the growth and development of the Emirate’s fashion industry. The new council is designed to nurture and support regional talent and existing design events and initiatives that recently attracted design enthusiasts on regional and international levels. The objectives outlined in the decree include fostering SME growth in the fashion and design industry, developing international market appetite for regional and Emirati design products, increasing jobs in the sector, providing an additional appeal for tourism to the Emirate, and increasing the overall contribution of the creative sector to GDP. The council will also plan and execute events related to the design and fashion sector”.
