DUBAI: Following its iconic opening show starring international hijab supermodel Halima Aden, to a talk on the evolution of the abaya from Sheikha Hend Faisal Al-Qassemi, the first Dubai Modest Fashion Week (DMFW) drew to an impressive close this week.
The two-day style event that took place on Dec. 8-9 saw both established and emerging designers from over 20 countries take part in 40 fashion shows, with 50 brand booths, interactive workshops and talks, fashion and art exhibitions, plus 100 celebrities and influencers, gather at the city’s Burj Park to showcase the latest modest fashion trends.
Working toward coining Dubai as a hub for the multi-billion dollar modest retail industry in the Middle East, Sheikha Azza bint Rashid Al-Nuaimi, Mouza Obaid Ghubash, Diana Haddad, and organizers — Modest Fashion Week founders Franka Soeria and Özlem Sahin (Think Fashion) as well as Arif Ebrahim (Red Connect) officially opened the weekend.
Aden, the first Hijabi super model, walked the DMFW catwalk for the opening show, the Modanisa Fashion Show with Rasit Bagzibagli and Muslima Wear. Set within an open-air catwalk beneath the site of the Burj Khalifa, Aden’s fans got to see the international icon in action and get a glimpse of the star quality that has seen her grace the covers of Vogue Arabia and fashion magazines around the world.
Day two kicked off with a jam-packed schedule of shows from Selma Sari by Modanisa, Canadian modest teen brand Yours Truly, modest brand Huw Roman Tokyo and the US’ favorite Fllumae, as well as contemporary ready-to-wear Malaysian label, aere. This was followed by a show from one of modest fashion’s most established names, Kuwaiti brand Anotah.
“We are thrilled with the success of Dubai Modest Fashion Week. This weekend we have welcomed some of the modest fashion industry’s shining stars from around the world to this truly innovative city. With its position as the center for modest fashion in the GCC, this is another step in strengthening the movement’s already burgeoning influence on the mainstream fashion industry,” said Franka Soeria, DMFW co-founder and co-creator of Think Fashion.
Özlem Sahin, DMFW co-founder and co-creator of Think Fashion added: “Our aim with Modest Fashion Week is to engage international and local ground-breaking fashion talents, and to show the world that trendsetting design and modest fashion go hand-in-hand. The past two days have undoubtedly highlighted the diversity and depth of this fast-growing industry and further cemented its influence.”
Dubai’s first ever ‘Modest Fashion Week’ draws to a close
Dubai’s first ever ‘Modest Fashion Week’ draws to a close
Georgina Rodriguez closes out the year with family time, public appearances
- Partner of Ronaldo shares photos of Christmas, holidays
- Speculation they will celebrate New Year’s Day in the UAE
DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez has been marking the end of the year with family in the region, sharing moments from public appearances alongside her longtime partner, Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as quieter holiday time together.
One of those appearances included her attendance at the Globe Soccer Dubai Awards 2025, where she showed her support for Ronaldo alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
The footballer was awarded Best Middle East Player 2025, marking his third consecutive win in the category.
For the ceremony, Rodriguez opted for a sleek, body-skimming black evening gown featuring a high neckline and long fitted sleeves, detailed with subtle, evenly spaced embellishments.
She wore her hair long and straight, pairing the look with soft, glowing makeup. The ensemble was completed with statement diamond jewelry, including stud earrings, a sparkling watch and her large oval-cut engagement ring.
Now in its 16th edition, the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony was held at Atlantis The Royal. Ronaldo received the award from Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
After accepting the trophy, Ronaldo said he was focused on continuing his career and adding to his achievements.
“I want to carry on going. You know what my goal is. I want to win more trophies and I want to reach the number that you all know,” he said. “I will reach that number for sure, if there are no injuries, inshaAllah.”
Currently on 956 career goals following a recent brace against Al-Akhdoud, Ronaldo is now 44 goals away from reaching the 1,000-goal milestone.
Ahead of the event in the UAE, fan spotted Rodriguez with Ronaldo in a casual moment walking at Atlantis. She wore jeans paired with a black top, leather jacket, beige hat and black heels.
The model also shared a short video offering a glimpse into how she celebrated Christmas, showing an intimate, family-focused gathering at home.
The family — including Ronaldo, Rodriguez, Ronaldo Jr., Eva Maria, Mateo, Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda — wore matching pajamas and were seen dancing together toward the Christmas tree in the clip.
Fans are still waiting to see where the family will celebrate New Year’s Eve, after spending the occasion in Dubai last year. This has led to speculation that they may remain in the city for the celebrations.
