Modest Fashion: Dubai, Jakarta and Abaya Trends — 2026-09-09
Dubai Fashion Week has officially announced its Spring/Summer 2027 dates for October, signaling a busy autumn for Gulf modest fashion. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the government is actively targeting five specific nations to boost Muslim fashion exports, aligning with a global market projected to hit $444 billion by 2029.
Modest Fashion: Dubai, Jakarta and Abaya Trends — 2026-09-09
Top developments
Dubai Fashion Week Confirms October Dates for SS27
Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) will take place from October 22 to 26, 2026, at the Dubai Design District (d3). The event will feature the Spring/Summer 2027 collections, reinforcing Dubai's role as a hub for regional talent and international brands. This announcement comes as part of a broader push to enhance Dubai’s global fashion presence, with local media highlighting the inclusion of designers from across the region.
Indonesia Targets Five Key Export Markets
Indonesian Ministry of Industry officials are prioritizing Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Egypt as primary export destinations for Indonesian Muslim fashion. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the high consumption rates in these countries. The sector is viewed as a critical economic engine, with the ministry emphasizing collaboration to strengthen the global competitiveness of Indonesian modest wear brands.
Modest Activewear Trends Driving Wholesale Demand
Wholesale buyers are increasingly reordering specific modest activewear items, including sports hijabs, burkinis, and wide-leg trousers. This shift reflects a growing demand for functional yet stylish options that cater to active lifestyles while maintaining modesty standards. The trend highlights the diversification of the modest fashion market beyond traditional abayas and kaftans into performance-oriented segments.
Local view
In Indonesia, Sindonews reported on the "Muslim LifeFest 2026" in Tangerang, where six brands, including Sagenza and Muslimadani, showcased product innovations. The event served as a platform for local designers to present new collections to buyers, emphasizing the vibrancy of the domestic modest fashion scene.
Arabic outlet Marie Claire Arabia provided detailed coverage of the upcoming Riyadh Fashion Week, noting that applications for designers are open for the fourth edition scheduled for October 15–20, 2026. The coverage underscores Riyadh's ambition to become a central node in the global fashion calendar alongside Dubai.
Context & numbers
The global modest fashion market continues its robust growth trajectory. According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) report, Muslim consumer spending on modest fashion reached approximately $347 billion in 2024. This figure is projected to rise to $444 billion by 2029, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%.
In Indonesia, the modest fashion sector is a significant employer, absorbing approximately 1.1 million workers out of the total 3.8 million employed in the broader fashion industry. The government aims to increase exports by 10%, recognizing the sector's potential to drive national economic growth.
On the radar
- Riyadh Fashion Week: Scheduled for October 15–20, 2026, with designer applications currently open.
- Ramadan 2027 Planning: Retailers and brands are already beginning to plan collections for Ramadan 2027, focusing on Eid accessories like bags and charms for the GCC market. Early planning is crucial due to the shifting calendar of the holy month.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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