By Suresh Pattali and Abdul Basit www.khaleejtimes.com
Dubai has added a glitter-hem to its design, fashion and retail industry by announcing plans to establish a district dedicated to developing the emerging sector.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced on Saturday that the “Dubai Design District” would be situated adjacent to the Business Bay area of the city.
The district is expected to become a full service commercial hub for design industry-related organisations, brands and supporting enterprises within the value chain, a statement from the Government of Dubai Media Office said.
The statement said it would feature a custom-built creative community that would include purpose-built commercial and retail facilities for established and emerging designers, design institutes, a waterfront promenade, a convention centre, event venues and related academic institutions.
The new initiative would help Dubai to compete with fashion capitals like London, Paris, Milan, New York and Singapore, industry experts told Khaleej Times. In 2012, the Middle East was ranked the 10th largest luxury goods market globally and Dubai sits at the heart of this achievement. More info
