Saudi designer Tima Abid recently showcased her latest couture collection at Saudi Arabia’s first Red Sea Fashion Week, a milestone for the country’s fashion industry and tourism sector. The event featured overwater runway shows at the luxurious St Regis Red Sea Resort on Ummahat Alshaikh island off the west coast of Saudi Arabia. Abid’s resort wear dresses, including swimwear, aimed to push fashion boundaries in the conservative Muslim country while showcasing Saudi creativity on a global stage.
The event attracted designers, fashion journalists, and Saudi celebrities, emphasizing the kingdom’s seriousness about competing with other fashion capitals like Dubai. The setting, accessible only by chartered boat or seaplane, is part of Red Sea Global, a giga-project aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy and boosting tourism. The success of Red Sea Global is crucial as doubts loom over other projects like NEOM, a futuristic mega-city.
Since introducing general tourism visas in 2019, Saudi Arabia has been working to change perceptions about the country and showcase its diverse attractions beyond the desert landscape. The Asian Winter Games in 2029 and beach developments in the Red Sea region are intended to draw visitors and boost the tourism sector. Red Sea Fashion Week aimed to highlight the country’s potential as a destination for fashion and tourism, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the beauty and creativity of Saudi Arabia.
The logistics of hosting a fashion event on a remote island presented challenges, but Saudi Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak emphasized the importance of showcasing Saudi designs and the country as a destination. The event drew comparisons to established island destinations, with Saudi designer Alanoud Badr praising the kingdom’s unexpected beauty and potential. Model Beatris Resende echoed the sentiment, urging people to look beyond stereotypes and explore the unique cultures and beauty of the Middle East region.
Overall, Red Sea Fashion Week showcased Saudi designer Tima Abid’s creativity, while highlighting the country’s growing fashion industry and tourism potential. The event marked a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia, signaling its commitment to diversifying the economy and attracting a global audience to explore its unique offerings. Through events like Red Sea Fashion Week, Saudi Arabia is breaking boundaries, challenging stereotypes, and inviting the world to discover the beauty and creativity of the kingdom.
