JEDDAH: Academics, fashion experts and aspiring designers recently gathered in Jeddah to discuss the future of fashion design in Saudi Arabia and the role of the Saudi creative industry in supporting economic diversification under Vision 2030.
The event, organized by Future High Institute for Training in collaboration with the Institute of Business Administration, brought together around 40 women and young creatives from a variety of professional backgrounds to explore opportunities in fashion, technology and design.
It also marked the launch of the book Fashion and Apparel Design by Professor Dalal Al Sharif, a Saudi academic, researcher and expert on fashion design and cultural heritage, which aims to increase academic and professional understanding of Saudi Arabia’s growing fashion sector.
Introducing the book, Mr. Al Sharif said, “Professionalization in fashion involves more than just creativity. It requires specialized knowledge, academic learning, and continuous skill development. Through this book, I wanted to highlight the different aspects of fashion design, the skills needed to excel in this field, and the importance of education to develop designers’ abilities and prepare them for the future of the local and global industry.”
Professor Raja Mumena, founder and CEO of the Institute, said: “Artificial intelligence is no longer just a support tool in fashion education, but is becoming part of the creative process itself. From trend forecasting and digital sketching to improving production efficiency, these technologies are reshaping the way designers work.”
It added: “It is essential for young Saudi designers to understand these tools in order to compete in a rapidly evolving global industry while creating designs that reflect their local identity and culture.”
The program also featured a panel discussion titled “The Fashion Profession and the Future” that explored fashion illustration and design and the growing role of artificial intelligence in reshaping industry practices and expanding career opportunities for Saudi youth.
