Dubai is preparing to host a landmark evening in its cultural and fashion calendar as the Dubai Mall Global Fashion Awards are set to take place tonight at the Armani Hotel Dubai, marking the official conclusion of the inaugural Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion. The ceremony will be held in the presence of Mohammed Al Abbar, founder of Emaar Properties, and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, whose attendance has placed the event firmly on the international spotlight.
The awards ceremony follows two days of fashion-focused programming held at Dubai Mall, where the Festival of Fashion has transformed the mall into a platform celebrating creativity, craftsmanship and cultural exchange. Hosted at the Grand Atrium, the festival has brought together designers, beauty experts, digital creators and industry professionals, alongside members of the public, in an open and accessible environment that reflects Dubai’s evolving role as a global cultural destination.
Since its launch, the Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion has presented a series of masterclasses, panel discussions and live demonstrations designed to offer insight into the creative process behind fashion and beauty. These sessions explored a wide range of topics, from design techniques and personal styling to the influence of digital platforms on modern fashion narratives. The strong public engagement over the past two days highlighted the growing appetite for fashion experiences that combine education, inspiration and interaction.
A particularly exciting element of tonight’s gala is an exclusive runway showcase by internationally acclaimed designer Reem Acra, one of the fashion industry’s most respected names. Organisers have confirmed that Acra’s show, expected to serve as a highlight of the awards programme, will feature her signature blend of couture excellence, luxurious craftsmanship and red-carpet-ready silhouettes. This presentation underscores the festival’s ambition to merge global high fashion with Dubai’s rising cultural prominence, and it is anticipated to be a defining moment of the evening. 
Tonight’s ceremony at the Armani Hotel represents the formal highlight of the festival. Set within one of Dubai’s most refined venues, the Dubai Mall Global Fashion Awards aim to recognise excellence across multiple disciplines within fashion, beauty and digital creativity. The awards are designed to honour individuals and brands that have demonstrated innovation, cultural relevance and meaningful impact, both regionally and internationally.
A key moment anticipated during the ceremony is the recognition of Shah Rukh Khan, who is expected to be honoured with the Global Style Icon distinction. One of the most recognisable figures in global cinema, Khan’s influence extends far beyond film. His personal style, global appeal and cultural presence have made him a reference point in fashion and popular culture across generations. His participation in the awards underscores the international ambition of the event and highlights Dubai’s position as a meeting point for global talent.
Equally significant is the presence of Mohammed Al Abbar, whose role in shaping Dubai’s modern identity through Emaar Properties has been central to the city’s rise as a global hub for lifestyle, tourism and commerce. As the force behind Dubai Mall, Al Abbar’s attendance reflects a broader vision in which fashion and culture are integral components of urban development and global positioning.
Dubai Mall, home to hundreds of international fashion brands, has long been recognised as a centre for luxury retail. Through the Festival of Fashion and the Global Fashion Awards, the destination is expanding that role, positioning itself as a cultural stage that celebrates creativity, dialogue and global exchange. The festival signals a shift toward experiences that connect fashion with ideas, people and influence.
As anticipation builds ahead of tonight’s ceremony, expectations are high for an evening that will combine elegance with substance. Designers, creatives, influencers and invited guests are expected to gather in an atmosphere that reflects both celebration and reflection, acknowledging achievements while looking toward the future of fashion in the region and beyond.
With its first edition, the Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion establishes the foundation for a long-term platform dedicated to style and cultural engagement. Tonight’s Dubai Mall Global Fashion Awards are set not only to conclude the festival, but to define its ambitions — positioning Dubai as an influential voice within the global fashion conversation.
