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Inside the Inaugural Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion: Your Access Pass to the Industry’s Stalwarts

Dubai has long held the position of the undisputed fashion capital in the Middle East. The city’s iconic landmark Dubai Mall is now pivoting from the world’s most visited retail destination to a place of creation, making it easier than ever for enthusiasts to gain elite industry insights into the business of style.

Mark your calendars for January 29th to 30th 2026, as the mall prepares to host the first-ever Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion (DMFOF). Across two days, the festival will bring together industry leaders, designers, stylists and global brands through immersive masterclasses, live moments and exclusive experiences.

The Masterclass Line-Up: Learning from the Luminaries

The festival’s inaugural day is dedicated to the ‘how-to’ of the high-fashion world. DMFOF has curated a roster of the region’s most influential voices to lead a series of masterclasses designed to offer an insightful roadmap to success in a fast-evolving industry.

For those looking to master the digital age, celebrity stylist Cedric Haddad will present "The Art of Looking Camera Ready," a deep dive into movement, lighting and the visual impact required for high-stakes photography and social content. Meanwhile, style icon Maram Zbaeda will explore the nuances of "Cultural Codes in Contemporary Styling," teaching participants how to blend global heritage with modern wearable aesthetics.

In the Beauty segment, Mariam Khairallah will take guests behind the scenes of "Beauty Editorial: From Concept to Canvas," revealing the structural secrets of high-fashion makeup narratives. To round out the curriculum, the legendary Mai Galal will host a session on "The Power of Accessories," demonstrating how proportion and statement pieces can define an entire personal brand.

Beyond the educational sphere, the festival serves as a platform for the world’s most prestigious labels. The DMFOF has secured an impressive roster of official brand partners who will activate across the festival’s spaces, bringing a touch of runway magic to the mall floor.

Expect to see immersive experiences and exclusive showcases from British powerhouse Temperley London, the avant-garde Marc Jacobs, and the whimsical luxury of Judith Leiber and Kwanpen. On the beauty front, the air will be scented by the likes of Armani Beauty, Kayali, and Narciso Rodriguez, each offering a unique lens into the future of luxury lifestyle.

The Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion is here to announce the beginning of a new annual platform intended to solidify Dubai’s position as a global fashion capital that bridges the gap between international influence and regional talent.

For the fashion-forward, the aspiring professional or the connoisseur of luxury lifestyle, this is a rare opportunity to step behind the velvet curtain and learn the business of beauty and style from the experts.

To secure your place among fashion’s elite, register at www.dubaimallfestivaloffashion.com and follow @thedubaimall for the latest updates.