Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has unveiled the Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint, its first dedicated fashion incubation programme, created in partnership with the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI). Designed to nurture emerging fashion talent, the initiative aims to help designers build commercially viable brands while strengthening Dubai's growing fashion production ecosystem.

Running across eight weekends from 19 September to 8 November 2026, the programme forms part of Dubai Culture's ongoing commitment to advancing the emirate's cultural and creative industries. It also supports the objectives of the Dubai Design Sector Strategy 2033, which seeks to reinforce Dubai's position as a global destination for design excellence, innovation and creative entrepreneurship.

Open to 15 Emirati and UAE-based resident fashion designers, the Fashion Sprint is tailored for creatives looking to develop a new fashion concept, refine an existing label or transform an emerging idea into a market-ready business. Participants will take part in an intensive programme of workshops, one-to-one mentoring and expert-led sessions covering brand strategy, marketing, financial planning, product development, pricing and retail readiness.

A key focus of the initiative is strengthening local fashion production by encouraging designers to collaborate with UAE-based ateliers and manufacturers, while providing valuable insight into business growth and market entry. The programme will conclude with a final showcase, where participants will present their collections and brand strategies to leading industry experts.

Speaking about the launch, Khulood Khoory, Director of the Design Department at Dubai Culture, described fashion as a key driver of the creative economy, noting that the programme is designed to help emerging designers refine their brands, strengthen their creative identity and build commercially successful fashion businesses.

Applications for the Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint are open from 3 to 28 August 2026, with submissions assessed on craftsmanship, production readiness, commercial potential and a clear vision for future growth.

By combining creative development with practical business expertise, the programme reflects Dubai's continued investment in homegrown talent and its ambition to establish itself as one of the world's leading centres for fashion, design and innovation.