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The Middle East fashion sector is expected to post 15 per cent growth in 2010, according to a new study which foresees numerous opportunities in the $12 billion Gulf clothing market, which is attracting more brands to an affluent and increasingly fashion-conscious region.
The study conducted by the French Fashion University Esmod - Dubai, has revealed that there are several factors contributing to the surge in the Arab fashion sector, including the emergence of a pervasive regional 'mall culture' as shown by the launching of numerous commercial centres, a robust retail fashion business and a rising regional interest among the world's top designers as well as the growing popularity of Arab designers.
Tamara Hostal, its director and founder, said: "Our industry is among the few in the world which remains optimistic despite the downturn. More so here in the Middle East, where the combination of high spending power and a strong fashion sense have sustained the dynamism of the fashion market.
"One of the important things for our industry to do is to find and develop more talent that can help strengthen the region's fashion culture. They will be key to bringing unique designs which harmonise modernity and Arab heritage to the global stage."
The 'Global Fashion Industry - Growth in Emerging Markets' report released in 2009 grouped Gulf states with South Africa, Singapore, India, Russia and Brazil as new and unique emerging global fashion markets.
Fashion is expected to perform exceptionally well worldwide in 2010, with textile and apparel trade forecast to reach $655 billion within the year. Textile and apparel currently account for around six per cent of total world exports, with the apparel sector representing 57 per cent of the international textile and apparel trade.
Fashion employment opportunities are projected to grow by at least 10 per cent within the next five years.
French Fashion University Esmod - Dubai has been instrumental in developing fashion professionals.
The university is one of 21 fashion schools overseen by the renowned Esmod International Group. It offers three-year bachelor degree programmes, three years diploma programme equivalent to a BA degree, publicly-accessible short programmes, customised short courses, master's of arts programmes and master classes for professionals, all in English.
