Penthouse at The Fairmont Palm Residence North (Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty)
The discovery of oil in the 1960s transformed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) almost overnight, and the capital of Dubai quickly developed into a city built on superlatives: the world’s highest building, the deepest swimming pool, the fastest cars and the most luxurious resorts. Today, less than 1% of Dubai’s GDP is from oil and there are plans afoot to transition the economy into one focused on culture and knowledge—and fashion is playing a leading role.
Visitors have long flocked to Dubai for sunny weather and luxurious shopping malls, and the biggest global names in fashion have been a staple in the UAE for decades. This September, Dubai Fashion Week—previously Arab Fashion Week—celebrates its fourth year, showcasing the region’s best talent alongside the world’s biggest designers.
Luxury villa in Umm Al Sheif (Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty)
The Spring/Summer 2025 edition takes place at the Dubai Design District, an avant-garde neighborhood opened a decade ago, and known as a hub for fashion, design and art. The week-long event will feature designers such as Dima Ayad and Hebajasmi showcasing their unique blend of traditional Middle Eastern design and contemporary catwalk trends, with Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli headlining as the guest of honor.
In recent years, international fashion brands have begun to apply their approach on the runway to architecture and interiors. In Dubai, Armani is particularly prolific: so far, the luxury Italian fashion house has created the Armani Residences in the Burj Khalifa, located in the fashionable Downtown Dubai neighborhood, and is now developing the Armani Beach Residences on Palm Jumeirah, which are due to be completed in 2026—with the presidential penthouse and other apartments offered by Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty.
Bulgari Resort & Residences (Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty)
Italian fashion house Bulgari has also expanded to branded property, with the Bulgari Residences. The exclusive development, designed by Italian architecture firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, is located on Jumeirah Bay, an exclusive island sculpted in the shape of an enormous seahorse. Also known as “Billionaire’s Island”, it’s home to some of the world’s wealthiest tastemakers, including football legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Bulgari Residences exudes quality, luxury and richness in every detail—which is exactly what makes the Bulgari fashion house iconic,” explains Asiya Khasnutdinova, associate director at Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, which is currently marketing several Bulgari Residences properties. “The quality and original vision attracts a certain high-end clientele from all over the world. They bring their own unique sense of fashion and taste, which makes Jumeirah Bay one of Dubai’s most exciting fashion centers.”
Baccarat Hotel and Residences in Downtown Dubai (Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty)
Events such as Dubai Fashion Week reflect the city as “the pulsating heart of fashion in the region,” says Khadija Al Bastaki, senior vice president of Dubai Design District. “The region’s fashion industry has undergone a seismic transformation in the past decade. There was once a time when international brands brought their collections and trends here; we are now at a stage where we are cultivating a rich array of homegrown talent and exporting designers to the world. It’s incredible to see the ingenuity and excellence coming out of our region and leaving an international mark.”
Stay chic in fashion’s other capital: Explore Homes In Paris, France
