Emirati women have long been shaping the country’s biggest industries. Now, one of the UAE’s most accomplished executives is stepping into one of fashion’s most influential roles – and it checks out.
Amina Taher has officially been named as Chairwoman of the Arab Fashion Council. If you’ve been anywhere near the UAE business scene, you already know her history: two decades in aviation, fintech, media and sport, an MBA from London Business School, a master’s from Harvard, and a resume built on leadership at the highest level.
Her arrival as Chairwoman in one of the region’s leading fashion hubs is a milestone that needs to be talked about. As Amina is set to represent a new effort to elevate Arab fashion on the global stage. Naturally, a woman of her calibre is the ideal person for this role.
The AFC built the region’s fashion infrastructure from scratch, co-founded Dubai Fashion Week, and positioned Arab designers alongside the big four fashion capitals. What it needs now is someone who can turn that into real, cohesive steps, government, diplomatic weight, and long-term partnerships – that’s the gap Taher is stepping into.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Arab Fashion Council, Jacob Abrian, described her appointment as a sign of how far the Council has already come, not a shift in direction.
“Few leaders move with equal fluency across government, industry, and culture, and fewer still bring that fluency to the service of design,” said Jacob Abrian. “The Council has already placed Arab creativity where it belongs, at the centre of the global conversation. Amina Taher’s appointment is not a change of direction. It’s a recognition of the standing the Council now holds, and a commitment to hold it with even greater seriousness.”
Taher’s own comments echoed that, focusing on opening up more opportunities for the next generation of Arab designers.
“The Arab Fashion Council has played a defining role in positioning Dubai as the region’s leading fashion hub and creating a platform for Arab designers to gain global recognition,” said Amina Taher. “Over the past decade, it has built the institutions, partnerships and international credibility that have transformed the region’s fashion industry. I am honoured to build on that strong foundation. Together with our partners across government, industry and the creative community, we have an opportunity to further strengthen the Council’s impact, support the continued growth of the creative economy, and create even greater opportunities for the next generation of Arab designers to thrive on the global stage.”
Taher will present her vision for the Council at an exclusive gala in September 2026. Until then, all we know is that the Arab Fashion Council picked a leader building the present and the future.
Next, check out Narin’s Beauty and her whimsy wardrobe!