KAFD to Host Prestigious WWD Summit and Inaugural Fashion Awards for the first time in Saudi Arabia

King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) is proud to host the highly anticipated Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) Global Fashion Summit and the first-ever Fashion Awards presented by Chalhoub Group, both of which will take place on Thursday, June 6th, 2024, at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). These two grand events will honor outstanding achievements in the fashion, beauty, and retail industries, recognizing the exceptional contributions of designers and companies.

The WWD Global Fashion Summit is a hallmark event in the fashion world, renowned for its poignant discussions and workshops by industry personnel towards achieving greater heights of success. This year, the event in partnership with the Fashion Commission will represent and spotlight local talents and visionaries alongside international fashion leaders in shaping the future of the industry. Accompanied by the inaugural Fashion Awards in Saudi Arabia, these industry developments further cement the Kingdom’s burgeoning role in the global fashion scene.

Set in the heart of the Saudi capital Riyadh, KAFD is home to 95 buildings designed by 25 world-leading architectural firms. It spans 1.6 million square meters and features state-of-the-art office space, world-class facilities, and iconic luxury residences. KAFD aims to transform how urban communities live, work, and play. Located just a 22-kilometer drive from King Khalid Airport, KAFD is the world’s largest LEED-certified mixed-use business district, with over 40 green buildings.

The event will feature a series of engaging workshops and insightful conference sessions held at the KAFD Conference Center. In the evening, the Fashion Awards, a groundbreaking initiative celebrating and honoring the creativity and achievements of Saudi designers, will be introduced through a carefully curated ceremony. Among the many accolades, KAFD will proudly present the “Designer of the Year” award to a winning designer whose work has significantly impacted the fashion industry.

“With revenue in the fashion market projected to reach US $4.37 billion in 2024 and expected to show an annual growth rate of 11.62%, resulting in a projected market volume of US $7.57 billion by 2029, we are thrilled to host the annual WWD Global Fashion Summit and inaugural Fashion Awards at KAFD,” said Gautam Sashittal, CEO of KAFD DMC. He added: “Through collaboration and partnership with stakeholders in the fashion community, KAFD continues to drive innovation, foster talent, and promote Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030”.

“We are thrilled to witness the burgeoning fashion industry in Saudi Arabia gaining global recognition. Hosting WWD’s annual Global Fashion Summit for the first time in our region, right here in the heart of Riyadh, is an exciting moment,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission. “The growing interest in the Kingdom’s fashion scene is inspiring, and we are particularly looking forward to the inaugural Fashion Awards presented by Chalhoub, which will honor and celebrate the remarkable achievements of the local talents and visionaries. This event marks a significant milestone for Saudi fashion, spotlighting the creativity and innovation flourishing within our community.”