Aldar showcases its retail portfolio at Milan Fashion Week

Representing Abu Dhabi while bringing the emirate to the world fashion stage, Aldar plans to continue its support to the fashion industry as it is confident that local designers that participate in Abu Dhabi Fashion Week can make their way into Milan and create a strong presence for Middle Eastern designers in international markets.

Abu Dhabi Fashion Week is founded by Maven Corporate Ltd. and Aldar Properties are the foundation sponsors.

"Aldar Properties is looking forward to this inaugural Abu Dhabi Fashion Week," commented Ronald S. Barrott, CEO Aldar Properties.

"Abu Dhabi is a mature retail community. The emirate's customer base is on the leading edge in fashion retail shopping primarily at outlets with the latest fashion trends. With the diverse retail portfolio that is currently being developed in several Aldar projects, bringing the high end of the fashion industry to Abu Dhabi is a logical next step for the emirate. Retailers here will have the unique advantage of developing their outlets to stock these latest collections."

Abu Dhabi's central location is set to attract fashionistas on an international scale. Abu Dhabi Fashion week will highlight fashions from around the world.

"It is a great incentive for young designers to present their designs during Abu Dhabi Fashion Week. Currently many of the region's talented designers have to go elsewhere to develop their trade, such as renowned fashion capitals like Milan. The emirate of Abu Dhabi has the resources and the economy in place to nurture and grow a fashion industry, and we are proud to do our part and are looking forward to watching this industry flourish here," commented Ayman AlSaleh, Vice President Marketing Maven Corporate Ltd.

"As the founding sponsor for the event, developing this industry has a twofold effect, both complimenting the shopping destinations that we are developing, which will draw in tourists and bring an international audience to Abu Dhabi, as well as supporting our mission to create communities for a valuable lifestyle offering to Abu Dhabi," said James Khazaei, Head of Sales and Leasing Aldar Properties. "Retail is a significant aspect of all of our real estate projects, bringing convenience, luxury, and high end merchandise to our projects. Abu Dhabi has one of the highest disposable incomes in the world, populated with people who are well-travelled and who are in touch with the fashion and trends on a global level. Maximizing the potential of our vast retail portfolio, we are carefully selecting the right tenant mix to create a diversified offering to the visitors to these shopping destinations. We are targeting 30-40% of new international brands into our projects, and also looking to identify new brands that are not currently in the region."

The first Arab designer, Milia M. presented fashions at the prestigious world famous Milan Fashion Week bringing oriental glamour to its catwalks. Abu Dhabi Fashion Week will take place at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi and will be held from the 15th to the 18th of March.

Following Abu Dhabi Fashion Week will be the launch of the Central Market Souk, which is 400% oversubscribed.