The 18th edition of the Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, which concluded on Friday December 17, 2021, was being held in partnership with leading entities from the public and private sectors, which contributed to deliver a successful version. Held under the theme “Ignite”, Heya 18th edition was able to confirm its position as leading platform for modest fashion in the region and reaffirms its commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs in Qatar and the Middle East.
Stakeholders and partners from across the fashion, beauty, entrepreneurship, and education sectors partnered with this edition of Heya to present interactive sessions on a variety of topics, to inspire and educate up and coming designers and entrepreneurs.
Ahmed Al Obaidli, CEO of Qatar Business Events Corporation (QBEC), said “Heya continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening and consolidating Qatar's position as a leader in Arabian fashion. Heya will continue Partnering with distinguished entities from public and private sectors to offer valuable programmes to its visitors. We thank all our partners for providing premium content in this year's edition.”
Entrepreneurship Partner Bedaya had two speakers participate in a panel discussion titled “Finding your Way in Fashion,” in addition to a dedicated booth for Bedaya start-ups operating in the fashion and design sectors.
Highlighting their participation, Mr. Hamad Al-Qahtani, General Manager of Bedaya Centre said: "We are delighted to be part of the 18th edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, organised by Qatar Tourism and Qatar Business Events Corporation (QBEC). Over the years, this event has successfully showcased the latest in Arabian and modest designs, as well as inspiring discussions on the business of fashion, the latest trends, beauty, textiles, and sustainable fashion.”
“Our participation in the exhibition is in line with our objective to empower entrepreneurs with new opportunities and acknowledge them as powerful drivers of economic development,” he added.
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, the Education Partner in the exhibition is showcasing modest fashion collections by three alumni and two faculty members in two booths. In addition to this, it participated in two fashion shows and two panel discussions “The role of nanotechnology in future textiles and high fashion” and “Circular Fashion in Qatar” on the opening day of the exhibition.
Christopher Q. Fink, Chair Associate Professor from Department of Fashion Design & Merchandising, VCUarts commented: “It was a great pleasure and esteemed honour that we were included in the 18th edition of Heya. VCUarts Qatar's fashion design department has been included in every edition of Heya since its inception and we were pleased once again to be included. At VCUarts Qatar we embrace modest fashion design in our programme and Heya provides us the opportunity to engage with the modest community in the MENA region in a most rewarding and meaningful manner. “
For the first time, AlHosh Gallery participated in Heya as an Exclusive Gallery Partner, with the work of local artists presented at their booth, in addition to their participation in a fashion show and a panel discussion.
Ghanim Al Ghanim, Director AlHosh Gallery commented: “It has been an enormous privilege to showcase AlHosh Gallery community; artists and designers as the Exclusive Gallery Partner in the 18th Edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition at the world class venue DECC Qatar. “
“Our participation included 20 unique pieces ranging from wearable fashion to art- fashion installations designed by Sara Al Ansari of Vintage Couture Line, Lorena Morell, Maryam Al Sada artist and designer, Fatima Al Baker. These talented artists and designers’ inspiration for this edition was to infuse traditional wear with modern artistic designs on various materials. We welcomed HEYA audiences to meet and greet the designers for fashion talks on how to incorporate and style various apparel to their wardrobe collections and enjoy the vibrant ambiance at the exhibition.”
Ghanim added: “Art and Culture are essential for the wellbeing of a sustainable society. We at AlHosh Gallery believe artistic designs can be fashionable, wearable, and modest.”
Printemps Doha participated in this edition of Heya as Luxury Fashion Partner. Besides its booth displaying the chronological history of the luxury brand, they participated in two panel discussions entitled “The Role of Fashion in Women’s Empowerment” and Building a Brand”. Printemps is set to open in September 2022 in Doha Oasis, the latest family entertainment destination in Qatar.
Rosette Fares, Marketing and Communications Director of Printemps Doha, commented: “We are delighted to have participated in the 18th Edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition as the Luxury Fashion partner. Besides bringing the latest trends and exclusive brands in the fashion industry and exquisite food and beverage outlets; Printemps is set to become the fashion hub of the Middle East and a platform for Qatari Designers to showcase their designs.”
The 18th edition had a range of partners including: Qatar Airways (Official Airline Partner), Printemps Doha (Luxury Fashion Partner), EAA (CSR Partner), SkipCash (Digital Payment Partner), Qatar Assistive Technology Centre Mada (ICT Accessibility Partner), AlHosh Gallery (Exclusive Gallery Partner), Virginia Commonwealth University (Education Partner), Bedaya (Entrepreneurship Partner), Istituto Di Moda Burgo (Fashion Institute Partner), PowerHouse Gym (Wellness and Fitness Partner), Maison de Joelle (Hair and Makeup Partner), Bioskin (Spa Partner), Floward (Flower Partner), Golden Gazelle (Chocolate Partner), Halo and Oakberry and Twenty Eight (Coffee Partners), I Love Qatar (Official Digital Media Partner), Qatar Living (Online Community Partner), and HARPER’S BAZAAR QATAR (Exclusive Magazine Partner).
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About HEYA Arabian Fashion Exhibition
Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition provides a collaborative environment where up-and-coming local designers, female entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts can come together to showcase, inspire and motivate others in the industry.
Launched in 2007, and now in its 18th edition, Heya has grown to become Qatar’s biggest platform for contemporary Arabian fashion. Welcoming exciting emerging designers to showcase alongside established global brands, Heya strengthens the country’s position as a major regional shopping destination and centre for fashion innovation.
Featuring a large exhibition space, daily fashion shows and forums, and hands-on workshops, Heya attracts thousands of ladies who come to shop for exclusive collections and discover new designers.
Heya is organised by Qatar Tourism and is delivered by Qatar Business Events Corporation, playing an important role in developing the country’s growing exhibition and conference sector.
About Qatar Tourism
Qatar Tourism’s mission is to establish Qatar as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism will regulate and develop the tourism industry, encouraging investment from the private sector. It will set the national strategy for the tourism sector, reviewing it periodically and overseeing its implementation, with the aim of diversifying tourism offerings in the country and increasing visitor spend. Through our network of international offices in priority markets, and cutting-edge digital platforms, Qatar Tourism is expanding Qatar’s presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.
Web: www.visitqatar.qa
About Qatar Business Events Corporation (QBEC)
Qatar Business Events Corporation (QBEC) is an executive arm of Qatar Tourism (QT), which was established in November 2018 as part of a new governance structure that seeks to unify and consolidate efforts to develop the tourism sector.
