Regional designers weave their magic tonight at Abu Dhabi Fashion Week

Understated glamour, pure fabrics and conservative couture are on the fashion agenda, with collections specifically tailored to the Middle Eastern woman.

Tonight's show features designers such as Rabia Z, Garen Demerjian of fashion house Gardem, Amber Feroz of Doris Dulce and Hassan Sheheryar Yasin with his HSY line - regional designers who are quickly making their mark in the international fashion scene.

The closing night tomorrow will feature Saudi designer Amina Al Jassim and the Couture line from Gardem, with the grand finale in the shape of legendary Italian fashion house Emilio Pucci. In addition, the much lauded collection created by the students of the Sheikh Zayed Private Academy and shown on the opening night, will be auctioned off to charity.

Joining the audience for the last two nights, which already comprises international and regional buyers, media, agents and VIPs, will be some more of the biggest names from the fashion industry including Giuseppe Rossi, CEO of Calvin Klein Europe and Laudomia Pucci of the Pucci fashion house.

Of particular interest tonight is the very culture-appropriate fashion approach of budding Emirati/Afghani designer Rabia Z. Combining cultural sensitivity with style, classic with modern, traditional with innovation, Rabia's designs cater to the fashion needs of Middle Eastern women in a stylish yet functional and conservative manner. Because of her interest in creating trendy sportswear that mixes style with modesty, Rabia has been singled out by international sportswear brands for potential collaborations on the development of conservative and chic sports wear.

Sponsors for the Abu Dhabi Fashion Week include ALDAR - the Foundation Sponsor - and Mubadala, Etihad, Procter and Gamble and Emirates Palace. The Abu Dhabi Fashion Week takes place from 15-18 March at a specially constructed venue at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.