The Arab Fashion Council (AFC) has announced the appointment of Amina Taher as its new Chairwoman, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s journey. Taher, renowned for her expertise in brand, communications, and public affairs, is poised to lead the AFC into its next decade of growth and influence.
Since its inception in 2015, the AFC has been instrumental in transforming Arab design from a niche market to a central player in the global fashion industry. The council has successfully established the region’s fashion infrastructure, co-founded Dubai Fashion Week and positioned Arab designers alongside the prestigious houses of Paris, Milan, London, and New York.
The Visionary Leader
Amina Taher brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having led initiatives in aviation, fintech, media, and sport. Her career spans over two decades, during which she has successfully built brands, shaped public affairs, and forged strategic partnerships that have elevated regional organizations on the global stage.
Taher’s previous leadership roles include her time at Etihad Airways where she strengthened the airline’s collaboration with the Arab Fashion Council and positioned it as a partner to the fashion weeks of New York, London, and Paris. She also served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Wio Bank further demonstrating her ability to bridge the gap between industry and culture.
Her academic credentials are equally impressive, with a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University and an MBA from London Business School. Taher has also served on the boards of leading institutions across the UAE and has been recognized among Forbes Most Powerful Businesswomen in the Middle East.
A New Era for Arab Fashion
Jacob Abrian, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Arab Fashion Council, expressed his enthusiasm for Taher’s appointment. “Few leaders move with equal fluency across government, industry, and culture, and fewer still bring that fluency to the service of design,” he said. “The Council has already placed Arab creativity where it belongs, at the center of the global conversation. Amina Taher’s appointment is not a change of direction. It is a recognition of the standing the Council now holds, and a commitment to hold it with even greater seriousness.”
Taher herself shared her vision for the future of the AFC. “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,” she stated. “Over the past decade, it has built the institutions, partnerships, and international credibility that have transformed the region’s fashion industry. I am honored 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.”
As Chairwoman, Taher will oversee the Council’s institutional partnerships and its standing with government and the diplomatic community. Her leadership will be crucial in advancing the region’s designers, its fashion economy, and its place among the capitals of world fashion.
The Gala Event
The appointment will be celebrated with an exclusive gala in September 2026, where Taher will unveil the manifesto that will guide the Arab Fashion Council under her leadership. The event, held by invitation, will bring together dignitaries, members of the diplomatic community, and leaders of the fashion and media industries. This gala marks the beginning of a new chapter for the AFC, one that promises to further elevate Arab fashion on the global stage.
