Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint, Dubai Culture’s first fashion incubation programme, has opened applications. Run with the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), it takes 15 Emirati and UAE-based designers through eight weekends of brand-building — 19 September to 8 November — and the deadline to apply is 28 August.
What is the Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint?
The programme targets designers with a clear vision for a fashion brand: refining an existing label, developing a new concept, or pushing an emerging idea towards a retail floor. Gulf News reports applicants are assessed on craftsmanship, business activity intent, production readiness and a clear vision for growth.
Participants get one-to-one and group mentoring from industry specialists covering brand identity, brand strategy, marketing, financial planning, product development, pricing and retail readiness. Sessions on local production, business growth and market entry come with the chance to meet the ateliers, manufacturers, retailers and fellow designers that make up Dubai’s fashion ecosystem.
“Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint provides a practical pathway for designers to refine their brands, strengthen their creative identity, and improve their market readiness.”
Khulood Khoory, Director of the Design Department at Dubai Culture
The sprint supports the Dubai Design Sector Strategy 2033, the emirate’s plan to become a global design hub. It follows the same pattern as Dubai Culture’s Emirati Chefs Grant for Productive Families and the Amazon Youth Council: find local talent, add structure, see what happens.
How to apply
Applications opened on 3 August and close on 28 August 2026. The form is on Dubai Culture’s website, and the programme ends with a final showcase where participants present their collections and brand strategies to sector experts.
Eight weekends is not a long time to build a fashion house. It may be enough to build the plan for one.
Who can apply for the Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint?
Fifteen Emirati and UAE-based resident fashion designers with a clear vision for a fashion brand. Submissions are assessed on craftsmanship, business activity intent, production readiness and a clear vision for growth.
When does the Made in Dubai Fashion Sprint run?
Over eight weekends from 19 September to 8 November 2026, ending with a final showcase where participants present their collections and brand strategies to sector experts.
When is the application deadline?
Applications opened on 3 August and close on 28 August 2026. The form is on Dubai Culture’s website.
