Doha, Qatar – The seventh annual Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) Prize Awards Ceremony took place Saturday at the National Museum of Qatar, recognizing emerging design talent from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Honorary Chair of FTA, attended the event, which celebrated innovation and creativity in fashion design. The FTA initiative aims to bolster the regional fashion industry by providing crucial financial support and mentorship to promising designers.
The prestigious awards were presented by Co-Chairs Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani and Tania Fares, with a gathering of prominent figures from the global fashion world in attendance. Winners were selected from a competitive pool of applicants, showcasing a diverse range of styles and aesthetics. This year’s event highlighted not only emerging talent but also honored established industry leaders for their lasting contributions.
FTA 2025 Awards Recognize Regional Fashion Design Stars
Saudi designer Ziyad Albuainain was the first recipient of the night, taking home the prize in the Evening Wear category. Additional winners included Youssef Drissi of Morocco for Ready-To-Wear, Leila Roukni (also Morocco) in Accessories, and Egyptian designer Farah Radwan for Jewelry.
The Debut Talent category saw a win for Alaa Alaradi from Bahrain, while fellow Bahraini designers Fatema and Dalal Alkhaja secured the Fashion Tech award. These awards demonstrate the breadth of creativity flourishing within the MENA region’s fashion scene.
Spotlight on India: The Guest Country Award
This year, India was designated the Guest Country, with Kartik Kumra receiving the Guest Country Award in recognition of his work. The invitation of a guest country serves to foster collaboration and cross-cultural exchange within the industry. This connection allows for the sharing of expertise and the exploration of new markets for regional designers.
Additionally, two significant honorary awards were presented. Miuccia Prada, renowned for her decades-long influence on global style, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to fashion. The award acknowledged her innovative designs and enduring impact on the industry.
Zuhair Murad, celebrated for elevating Arab haute couture on the international stage, was honored with the Trailblazer Award. His work has been pivotal in showcasing the region’s rich heritage and artistic capabilities to a wider audience. According to FTA organizers, the recognition seeks to inspire the next generation of designers.
Fashion Trust Arabia was established in 2018 as a non-profit initiative, responding to a recognized gap in support for emerging fashion entrepreneurs in the MENA region. The organization provides financial grants, mentorship from industry experts, and business development assistance, aiming to equip designers with the tools necessary for success. This includes help with everything from production and marketing to legal and financial matters.
The impact of FTA extends beyond direct financial aid. By curating a network of industry connections and offering valuable resources, the initiative helps regional designers gain visibility and access international markets. This focus on access and mentorship is a key differentiator for FTA and has helped it become a leading force in supporting luxury fashion in the region.
The event also served as a platform to discuss the evolving landscape of the fashion industry, including the increasing importance of sustainability and digital innovation. Discussions centered on the need for responsible sourcing, ethical production practices, and the utilization of new technologies to enhance creativity and reach broader audiences throughout the MENA region.
Looking ahead, Fashion Trust Arabia will likely focus on supporting the growth of its previous winners and continuing to identify and nurture promising new talent. The organization has not yet announced details regarding the 2026 awards cycle, including application deadlines or potential changes to award categories. Observers will be watching to see how FTA continues to adapt to the changing demands of the global fashion market and its effectiveness in fostering a thriving regional industry.
