Years of Culture
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2026/01/08
In 2025, the FTA Awards returned to the National Museum of Qatar for their seventh edition, reaffirming Doha’s role as an important meeting point for design, innovation and cross-cultural exchange.
Established in 2018, Fashion Trust Arabia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to identifying and supporting emerging designers from across the WANA region. The initiative was founded under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, with Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani and Tania Fares serving as Co-Chairs.
From its outset, FTA has positioned fashion as a cultural practice shaped by place, history and lived experience. Its work is closely linked with the Years of Culture initiative, including the Qatar-India 2019 legacy, which continues to inform this year’s Guest Country participation. During Qatar-France 2020, FTA showcased WANA talent during Paris Fashion Week, and last year the 6th FTA Prize was hosted in Marrakech as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 edition.
This year FTA also presented Threads of Impact, an exhibition at M7 highlighting the work of over 80 designers from across the WANA region. Returning to Doha after its presentation in Morocco, the exhibition reflects FTA’s role in championing emerging Arab talent and sharing the richness of regional creativity with a global audience.
Through these initiatives, FTA provides designers not only with visibility and financial support, but sustained professional guidance, mentorship and access to international networks, ensuring that emerging talent can develop sustainable practices within a global industry.
The FTA Prize is awarded across several categories, including Ready-to-Wear, Evening Wear, Accessories, Jewellery, Fashion Tech and the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award. Winners receive financial grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, with additional support for emerging designers.
Equally central to the prize is its mentorship programme. Award recipients gain access to retail placements at Harrods and Ounass, alongside tailored professional development opportunities delivered in collaboration with The Bicester Collection, the British Fashion Council and Brand x Society. These initiatives are designed to strengthen business foundations while preserving creative independence.
The 21 finalists for the 2025 Awards were announced in September, following months of deliberation by FTA’s advisory board. Eighteen designers represented countries across the Middle East and North Africa, joined by three finalists from India, selected as this year’s Guest Country. The finalists presented their collections in Doha on 22nd November, ahead of the awards ceremony held later that evening.
The 2025 winners demonstrate a range of approaches to design, united by careful craftsmanship and a clear sense of authorship:
The Guest Country Award was presented to Kartik Kumra of Kartik Research (India). His work is rooted in textile research and cultural study, creating garments that form a quiet dialogue between heritage techniques and contemporary design thinking.
The 2025 award winners reflect a breadth of creative expression, united by strong authorship and a deep connection to craft, material and place. Each winner brings a distinct perspective shaped by local narratives and global awareness.
The event brought together a diverse audience of designers, artists, editors and cultural figures. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser attended the ceremony, joined by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani and Tania Fares, alongside guests from across the global creative community, including Dame Anna Wintour.
Two honorary awards were also presented during the evening. Miuccia Prada received the Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of her lasting influence on contemporary fashion, while Zuhair Murad was awarded the Trailblazer Award for his role in advancing Arab couture on the global stage. The evening concluded with a live performance by Saint Levant.
As Fashion Trust Arabia enters its next chapter, its focus remains consistent: supporting designers whose work is informed by heritage, curiosity and a strong sense of place. By combining financial backing with mentorship and global exposure, FTA continues to create meaningful pathways for creative talent from the region.
For Years of Culture, the Awards offer a timely example of how creative platforms can foster meaningful exchange. By supporting designers whose work reflects diverse histories and perspectives, FTA contributes to an ongoing dialogue between regions, disciplines and generations.
Discover upcoming events in Doha as part of the Years of Culture programme.
