
Applications Now Open for the AFC Fashion Fund
— A $500,000 Program Empowering Arab Designers
BY THE ARAB FASHION COUNCIL

June 30, 2025 — Dubai, UAE: The Arab Fashion Council (AFC) officially opens applications for the inaugural cycle of the AFC Fashion Fund. This prestigious and biennial initiative will provide emerging ready-to-wear (RTW) designers from across the Arab world with unprecedented access to funding, mentorship, retail partnerships, and global visibility.
The AFC Fashion Fund is a four-season brand accelerator designed to scale one visionary designer into a globally recognized force. With a transformative two-year journey, the Fund delivers the depth, access, and strategy needed to build a sustainable, export-ready fashion brand from the region.
With a total value of $500,000, the AFC Fashion Fund is intentionally selective and offers a carefully structured program to support one winning designer across a two-year development cycle. This format allows for focused investment, hands-on mentorship, and a bespoke development program guided by an elite advisory board of editors, investors, buyers, and global creative leaders.

The remainder of the Fund is delivered through a high-value package of in-kind support. This includes participation in two consecutive seasons of the Arab Fashion Council’s showroom program in both Paris and Dubai, providing direct access to global buyers and media. The selected designer will also engage in a capsule collection collaboration with a major international brand or retailer—creating a platform for cross-cultural innovation and market expansion. Extensive media support will be offered throughout, including regional and international press coverage curated by the AFC’s network of media partners. Continuous mentorship plays a vital role, with guidance provided by a panel of industry experts spanning brand strategy, manufacturing, sustainability, retail, and fashion investment. Finally, a bespoke brand positioning and storytelling campaign will be developed to enhance the designer’s visibility, authenticity, and long-term market value.
“This Fund is about investing in long-term transformation, not just short-term visibility. We’re building the next generation of globally relevant brands from our region by giving them the tools, access, and industry trust to compete and scale,” said Mohammed Aqra, Chief Strategy Officer of the Arab Fashion Council.
Eligibility and Application
The Arab Fashion Council invites designers specializing in ready-to-wear fashion and holding citizenship from any Arab League country to apply. Submissions will be reviewed by a distinguished advisory board comprised of top-tier fashion executives, influential media personalities, and strategic investors.
The winner of the Fashion Fund will be revealed later in 2025, following a rigorous and highly competitive evaluation process.
For full details on eligibility, deadlines, and the extensive benefits of the program, visit: www.arabfashioncouncil.com/fashionfund
For media inquiries: press@arabfashioncouncil.com