Dubai – Moscow is preparing to host one of the most significant gatherings in the global fashion calendar: the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, running from 28 to 30 August. This year’s edition will shine a spotlight on the Middle East, with leading figures from the region set to present their latest projects and share insights in high-level discussions.
Delegations from the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar, Iraq, and Lebanon will take part in the event, reflecting the region’s growing impact on international fashion. The Summit brings together industry experts, designers, and organisers from across 65 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and North America.
Middle Eastern voices at the forefront
Among the headline figures is Shirene Rifai, Founder and Chief Executive of Jordan Fashion Week. Recognised by Forbes Middle East as one of the region’s top five fashion leaders, Rifai is widely respected for her work in luxury consulting and building Jordan’s presence on the global fashion stage.
“The 2024 edition stood out for its deeper connections and the sense of real community among participants. Signing the BRICS International Fashion Federation was a milestone. Now, I hope we can move from inspiration to implementation — creating exchanges, joint opportunities, and a clear action plan for what needs to happen next,” she said.
For Iraq, where the fashion industry is still in its early stages, the Summit represents a chance to highlight untapped potential. Senan Kamel, Founder of Baghdad Fashion Week and head of the Baghdad Organization for Arts and Culture, stressed the importance of visibility.
“For countries like Iraq, still a raw territory in fashion, these summits highlight investment opportunities and open doors for collaboration. They help reshape narratives by including diverse and emerging voices,” he explained.
Expanding regional influence
Other key participants include Mohamad El Saghir, founder of Doha Fashion Show, which aims to expand Qatar’s fashion footprint; Sarah Hermez, founder of Creative Space Beirut, known for its accessible fashion education; and François Schweitzer, General Merchandising Manager at Etoile Group.
Middle Eastern fashion, often characterised by elegance, modesty, and refinement, has increasingly influenced global trends. Organisers say the BRICS+ platform will further showcase these qualities to a wider audience.
Summit and Moscow Fashion Week
The programme will feature business forums, lectures, showroom presentations, and runway shows. Alongside the Summit, Moscow Fashion Week will run from 28 August to 2 September, hosting designers from 10 countries including India, China, Turkey, Brazil, and the United States.
Together, the two events are expected to strengthen networks and encourage new partnerships across the international fashion sector.
By spotlighting the Middle East and welcoming delegates from across the world, the BRICS+ Fashion Summit underscores how global fashion narratives are becoming increasingly diverse — and how emerging voices are shaping the future of the industry.
