Dyson expands footprint in Saudi Arabia due to ‘increasing demand for technology’

Dyson expands footprint in Saudi Arabia due to ‘increasing demand for technology’
Dyson's most recent store opening was in Jeddah’s Red Sea Mall, with another store in the Kingdom set to open this summer. (Supplied)
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Updated 16 April 2025
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Dyson expands footprint in Saudi Arabia due to ‘increasing demand for technology’

Dyson expands footprint in Saudi Arabia due to ‘increasing demand for technology’

DUBAI: Alongside a roster of new product launches, technology company Dyson is expanding in Saudi Arabia due to an “increasing demand for high-performance technology,” a spokesperson told Arab News.

In the haircare field, the recent launches of the Dyson Supersonic r™ hair dryer — smaller, lighter and more maneuverable than the original Supersonic™ hair dryer — and its limited-edition haircare colorways have made headlines in the international beauty industry. And when it comes to Saudi Arabia, the most recent opening in Jeddah’s Red Sea Mall is part of a planned slate of stores in the country with another set to open this summer.

“With Saudi’s Vision 2030 there is an increased investment in technology, retail, and infrastructure, so now is the ideal time to deepen Dyson’s presence and make our advanced engineering solutions more accessible to consumers,” the representative said, before noting the “appetite for cutting-edge solutions in the Kingdom.”

According to Dyson, customers at the brand’s stores in Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah are looking for high performance technologies that tackle problems like air pollution and dust. Floorcare and environmental care products also resonate with customers given the environment in the region, particularly the HEPA air purifiers, according to the brand.

When it comes to hair styling, heat damage, stickiness, brittleness and crunch are issues customers are most keen to tackle, with the “Dyson Airwrap™ i.d. multi-styler and dryer quickly becoming a fan favorite for styling.”

The interest in haircare is something Dyson has taken note of in the Kingdom, with the latest store in Jeddah featuring two private styling stations and a wash basin for veiled buyers who wish to try products including the Supersonic Nural™ hair dryer, the Dyson Airstrait™ and Dyson Corrale™ cord-free straightener, among others.

“We offer personalized styling sessions at Dyson Demo Stores, where (customers) can learn how to maximize the performance of our products,” a Dyson representative explained.


Fashion trailblazers honored at Riyadh awards

Fashion trailblazers honored at Riyadh awards
Updated 23 May 2025
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Fashion trailblazers honored at Riyadh awards

Fashion trailblazers honored at Riyadh awards
  • Saudi Fashion Awards spotlight innovators and local talent
  • Women’s Wear Daily collaborates to honor Saudi creatives

RIYADH: Women’s Wear Daily, in collaboration with the Saudi Fashion Commission, honored several creatives at an awards ceremony in Riyadh on Thursday.

(AN: Huda Bashatah)

Alessandro Sartori, artistic director of Zegna, was named International Designer of the Year, while Matteo Tamburini, creative director of Tod’s, received the International Brand of the Year award.

Patrick Ta, founder of Patrick Ta Beauty, was named International Beauty Innovator of the Year, and Glow Recipe was awarded International Beauty Brand of the Year.

(AN: Huda Bashatah)

Additional awards presented by the Saudi Fashion Commission celebrated the achievements of several Saudi Arabia brands and individuals.

Rawan Kattoa was named Fashion Stylist of the Year, Rayyan Nawawi received the Fashion Photographer of the Year award, and KML was recognized as Menswear Brand of the Year.

(AN: Huda Bashatah)

In addition, Abadia was named Womenswear Brand of the Year,  Charmaleena as Jewelry Brand of the Year, and the Elite Model Honorary Award for Model of the Year went to Talida Tamer.

The judging panel included industry leaders Law Roach, Amanda Smith, Burak Cakmak, Xavier Romatet, Mohammed Aldabbageh, and Mai Badr.

(AN: Huda Bashatah)

In her acceptance speech, Kattoa said: “This award means so much to me. It represents a journey that started as a freelancer ... I want to thank my husband for his support, my parents for their inspiration, and all the creatives who made this possible.”

Ahmad Hassan, co-founder of KML, said: “This is such an award for the first time ... It means the world to us. Being recognized in our home country makes this achievement even more special.”

(AN: Huda Bashatah)

“We were born and raised here, and to have our work celebrated in Riyadh is a dream come true. This award inspires us to push boundaries and innovate in our designs,” he added.

Reflecting on the evolving fashion scene, Hassan said: “Events like this showcase the incredible talent we have in Saudi Arabia. It encourages us to keep creating and to elevate our craft.”

“We are committed to telling our story through fashion and contributing to this vibrant industry,” he added.


Dubai Fashion Week set to return this autumn

Dubai Fashion Week set to return this autumn
Updated 20 May 2025
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Dubai Fashion Week set to return this autumn

Dubai Fashion Week set to return this autumn

DUBAI: Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) is set to make its return this autumn with its series of Spring/Summer 2026 shows, running from Sept. 1 to 6 at its longtime home in Dubai Design District (d3).

As the first event on the international fashion calendar — ahead of New York, London, Milan, and Paris —DFW’s upcoming edition builds on the momentum of February’s Autumn/Winter 2025/26 showcase, which drew widespread attention with headline-grabbing appearances by international models and a grand finale by iconic Indian designer Manish Malhotra.

The season also spotlighted emerging regional voices, such as Les Benjamins, a correspondent member of the Arab Fashion Council, alongside global names like Paolo Sebastian.


Saudi Fashion Awards set for May 22 in Riyadh

Saudi Fashion Awards set for May 22 in Riyadh
Updated 19 May 2025
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Saudi Fashion Awards set for May 22 in Riyadh

Saudi Fashion Awards set for May 22 in Riyadh

DUBAI: The Saudi Fashion Commission is set to host the second edition of the Saudi Fashion Awards on May 22 in Riyadh.

The ceremony will celebrate the “visionaries, creatives, and entrepreneurs shaping Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing influence in the international fashion and beauty industries,” according to a released statement. 

Key awards this year include the Fashion Stylist of the Year  prize; the Fashion Photographer of the Year prize, presented in collaboration with Hia Magazine; the Menswear Brand of the Year trophy; the Womenswear Brand of the Year prize; the Jewelry Brand of the Year award; and the Elite Model Honorary Award for Model of the Year.

The judging panel includes Hollywood stylist Law Roach; Amanda Smith, CEO of Fairchild Media Group and WWD; Burak Çakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission; Xavier Romatet, Dean of Institut Français de la Mode ; Mohammed Aldabbageh, KSA Managing Director of Chalhoub Group; and Mai Badr, Editor-in-Chief of Hia Magazine. 

“Riyadh is proudly emerging as the capital of fashion, beauty, and the future of the creative industries in the region. Its transformation from promise to global presence on red carpets, runways, and retail spaces reflects the ingenuity and dedication of a new generation of trailblazers redefining regional and international fashion standards,” Çakmak said in a released statement.


Rawdah Mohamed walks the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival

Rawdah Mohamed walks the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival
Updated 18 May 2025
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Rawdah Mohamed walks the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival

Rawdah Mohamed walks the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival

DUBAI: Somali Norwegian model Rawdah Mohamed walked the red carpet at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in France on Saturday night.

The model showed off a blush pink-toned look, complete with a drop waist, on the red carpet ahead of the premiere of “Die, My Love.”

The model showed off a blush pink-toned look, complete with a drop waist, on the red carpet ahead of the premiere of “Die, My Love.” (Getty Images)

The film is an adaptation of the 2017 novel of the same name by Ariana Harwicz about a new mother who develops postpartum depression and enters psychosis. “Die, My Love,” starring Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, earned a six-minute standing ovation from the audience at Cannes.

Directed by acclaimed Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay, the film has been hailed by critics, with Deadline calling it a “brutal but beautiful portrait of a woman on the edge.”

Visibly teary eyed during the standing ovation, Ramsay addressed the crowd, saying: “Wow. I’m so overwhelmed. Thanks to these amazing actors. I’ve got to get it together — I’ll see you in a minute.”

Joining Lawrence and Pattinson in the cast are LaKeith Stanfield, Sissy Spacek, and Nick Nolte.

Mohamed watched the film one day after appearing on the red carpet for the “Eddington” on Friday.

On Friday, she wore a look by Chinese couture label Cheney Chan. The gown hailed from the label’s Fall/ Winter 2024 collection.

A self-taught fashion designer, Chan was born and raised in the Jiangsu province.

“Growing up, my parents always wanted me to be a pilot,” he previously shared with Vogue Singapore. “I had cleared all the flying tests effortlessly back in high school, but it was unfortunately not where my heart lay.” Eventually, he gained a fashion media degree at Peking University before starting his eponymous label in 2012.

The label has previously been flaunted by the likes if US singer Kelly Roland and actress Anya Taylor-Joy.

Mohamed finished off her look with a matching hijab and bejeweled brooch.

The rising star has attended the Cannes Film Festival before, in 2023 and 2024, and is fast making a name for herself as one to watch in the fashion industry.

She has worked with brands like Boss and H&M and walked the runway during Roberto Cavalli’s show in Dubai in 2024.


Amal Clooney stuns in black at Cannes Film Festival

Amal Clooney stuns in black at Cannes Film Festival
Updated 17 May 2025
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Amal Clooney stuns in black at Cannes Film Festival

Amal Clooney stuns in black at Cannes Film Festival

DUBAI: Lebanese British human rights lawyer Amal Clooney made a head-turning appearance at the 78th Cannes Film Festival this week, wearing a black gown by British designer John Galliano.

Clooney attended the premiere of “Bono: Stories of Surrender” in a sleek, off-the-shoulder dress featuring a fitted bodice with subtle draping and a floor-length skirt with a gentle train. She completed the look with a black clutch and Cartier statement earrings, styling her hair in soft, voluminous waves.

On the red carpet, Clooney was joined by U2 guitarist the Edge and frontman Bono, the subject of “Bono: Stories of Surrender.”

Amal Clooney made a head-turning appearance at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. (Getty Images)

The black-and-white film, directed by Andrew Dominik, adapts Bono’s 2022 memoir “Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story” and his one-man stage show of the same name.

Set to some of U2’s most iconic tracks, Bono opens up about the tragedy that marked his childhood, with his mother Iris collapsing and dying at her own father’s funeral when the singer was 14.

His father, Brendan “Bob” Hewson, already a man of few words, retreated into shock, anger and depression.

Clooney was joined by U2 guitarist the Edge (L) and frontman Bono (R) on the red carpet. (Getty Images)

The film is also a love letter to the singer’s wife, Ali Hewson, who he met when they were both 15, the same fateful day U2 was formed in a Dublin school. The film streams on Apple TV+ from May 30.

Bono, who has spent decades fighting for more aid to Africa and to lift the debt burden from poor countries, told the audience at the premiere that the world is again being threatened by fascism as it was when the festival was set up in 1939.

“Mussolini and the little man with a moustache, and his mate Goebbels had taken over the Venice Film Festival, so this festival was set up to fight fascism,” the singer said.

“It took it until 1946 (for the festival to get going) but it stands for that freedom now.”

He said that Hollywood star Sean Penn — a vocal advocate for Ukraine — had “brought us some friends from the actual trenches, from the front line in Ukraine, and they’re here tonight.

“I just want to thank you because you’re keeping us free,” Bono added to loud cheers.