Modest Fashion: Dubai, Jakarta and Abaya Trends — 2026-10-22

Top developments

Dubai Fashion Week SS27 Launches Today

Dubai Fashion Week for the Spring/Summer 2027 season officially began today, October 22, at the Dubai Design District (d3) and will run through October 26. The event features a diverse lineup of designers, including Yousef Aljasmi and Tarun Tahiliani, highlighting the region's growing influence on global fashion calendars. This launch reinforces Dubai's position as a key hub for modest fashion and luxury retail in the Middle East.

Riyadh Fashion Week Postponed to 2027

Saudi authorities have announced the postponement of the fourth edition of Riyadh Fashion Week, originally scheduled for October 15–20, 2026, to 2027. No new dates have been revealed for the rescheduled event, which was expected to highlight Saudi designers and attract international brands. This delay impacts the immediate visibility of Saudi modest fashion brands that were preparing for the event.

Indonesia’s IN2MOTIONFEST x JMFW 2026 Concludes

The IN2MOTIONFEST x Jakarta Muslim Fashion Week (JMFW) 2026, held from October 14–18 at the Jakarta Convention Center, featured 260 designers and brands. The event focused on expanding Indonesia's modest fashion exports, with a specific emphasis on using "wastra Nusantara" (Indonesian traditional textiles) to create sustainable, high-value products for the global market. Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting this expansion, positioning Indonesia as a major global modest fashion hub.

Local view

Gulf Media Highlights Dubai’s Designer Lineup

Arabic outlets like Al Bayan and Foocia are closely covering the Dubai Fashion Week SS27 launch, detailing the day-by-day schedule and designer profiles. Al Bayan reported that the event, which started today, is a key platform for local and international talent, reinforcing Dubai's status as a fashion capital. Foocia provided a comprehensive guide to the shows, noting the blend of traditional modest aesthetics with contemporary global trends.

Indonesian Press Focuses on Sustainable Textiles

JawaPos and Duta.co are highlighting the strategic use of Indonesian traditional textiles ("wastra") in modest fashion. JawaPos noted that this approach adds commercial value and differentiates Indonesian products in the international market. Duta.co emphasized that the IN2MOTIONFEST and related events are crucial for introducing local SMEs to global buyers, leveraging cultural heritage as a competitive advantage.

Context & numbers

Global Market Projections

While specific fresh data from this week is limited, recent industry reports (referenced in ongoing discussions) project that global Muslim consumer spending on modest fashion will reach $444 billion by 2029, up from $347 billion in 2024. This growth underscores the strategic importance of events like Dubai Fashion Week and Jakarta Muslim Fashion Week for capturing market share.

On the radar

Dubai Design Week "Abwab" Program Announced

Dubai Design Week has announced the five selected projects for its "Abwab" 2026 program, which supports creative talent and designers from the region and worldwide. This initiative complements the fashion week by fostering broader design innovation in the UAE capital.

Nigeria Fashion Week Relocates to Abuja

Nigeria Fashion Week has moved its operations to the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, aiming to boost investment and job creation in the country's fashion sector. While not directly focused on modest fashion, this move signals a broader trend of national capitals leveraging fashion weeks for economic development, a strategy mirrored in Dubai and Riyadh.