Sustainability in Modest Fashion: Local Designers Lead the Charge

• Key News: In 2024, sustainability has become a top priority in the UAE’s modest fashion industry. Leading Emirati designers such as Nouf Al Khamis and Reem Al Kanhal have launched new sustainable collections made from recycled fabrics, organic cotton, and biodegradable dyes. Nouf Al Khamis’s “Ethereal Modesty” collection (launched in January 2024) is the first locally produced modest fashion line certified as eco-friendly by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

• Growth Estimate: The sustainable fashion sector in the UAE, which currently represents approximately 10% of the overall fashion market, is projected to grow by 22-25% annually through 2025, driven by increasing demand for eco-conscious products.

• Impact on the UAE Fashion Industry:

  • In 2024 alone, sustainable modest fashion collections are expected to generate around $250 million in revenue, with an estimated increase to $350 million by 2025.

  • UAE designers will likely increase their investment in eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing, capitalizing on a growing demand for ethical and socially responsible fashion.

  • Major retailers such as Carrefour UAE and Majid Al Futtaim are expected to increase their sustainable fashion offerings, with modest fashion brands occupying a larger share of their stock in response to customer demand