Hia Hub, in collaboration with Fashion Futures, hosted an inspiring conference with insightful masterclasses, engaging talks and panels, informative workshops and seminars, immersive experiences, and live performances. The conference featured prominent figures such as International Lebanese Artist Elissa, Actress Nadine Njeim, Fashion Icon and Supermodel Kate Moss, Saudi Singer Dalia Mubarak, Celebrity Makeup Artist Hindash, and so many more.
As the Middle East and North Africa’s largest fashion and lifestyle conference, Hia Hub was the centre of the fashion, beauty, art, design and luxury industries, highlighting the region’s creativity and innovation, and offering a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration.
From 3-7 November, Hia Hub gathered more than 7,000 attendees in Riyadh’s historic JAX District in Diriyah for a bigger, bolder, and more star-studded programme than previous years. International and regional business leaders, industry pioneers, trendsetters, celebrities, influencers and entrepreneurs converged to discuss the transformation taking place across the world of fashion, with an emphasis on the fast-growing Saudi market. As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its presence in the fashion industry, the third edition of Hia Hub explored how the Kingdom has become a leading player in the global fashion scene. Hia Hub also highlighted the innovative and creative talent within the Saudi and regional fashion industry, demonstrating its potential for sustainable investment and being a pivotal economic driver.
Hia Hub offered a dynamic programme designed to inspire and educate the next generation of industry leaders and entrepreneurs through discussions on the art of storytelling in fashion, the importance of building unique and personal brands, creative strategies to penetrate highly competitive markets, and the keys to elevating new voices on a global stage.
Fashion and luxury brand experts, including Celebrity Stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray, Digital Entrepreneur and Luxury Consultant Nojoud Al Rumaihi, Creative Director Yoon Ahn, GFWi Chairperson Adrien Roberts and Founder of JAY3LLE Johan Lindeberg, shared insights on how to craft a unique style and develop brands that connect with communities. Beauty and skincare experts such as Celebrity Makeup Artist Hindash, Entrepreneur and Founder of WMM Yara Al Namlah and Founder of Peacefull Salama Mohamed offered guests a glimpse into the inspiration behind their creativity. Retail leaders such as CEO of Browns and Chief Fashion and Merchandising Officer at FARFETCH Elizabeth von der Goltz and Chief Strategy Officer and SVP of Fashion at Chalhoub Group Jasmina Banda discussed emerging trends and innovative strategies to breakthrough in a competitive fashion market.
Regional artists Future Bedouin and Rex Chouk featured art installations, showcasing the artistic innovation originating from the MENA region. The Saudi 100 Brands exhibited local designers and their most recent creations, alongside a select collection of jewellery from Pasquale Bruni. Additionally, conference sponsors Richard Mille, Bulgari, Dior Beauty and Mercedes curated impactful experiences for guests.
During the 5-day conference, Hia Hub also hosted conversations with leading names from the regional music, film and entertainment industries. Icons such as International Lebanese Artist Elissa, Actress Nadine Nassib Njeim, Egyptian Actress Shereen Reda, and Saudi Actor and TV Presenter Yasir Alsaggaf shared their inspiring journeys and how their authenticity helped to foster deeper connections with fans spanning multiple generations. Furthermore, emerging artists like Saudi Singer Dalia Mubarak and Moroccan Urban Pop Singer Manal provided an inside look into their creative process and how they create music that resonates with their audiences.
To close each night, Billboard Arabia, a music platform recently launched by SRMG in partnership with Billboard, hosted performances that showcased the diversity sounds in the regional music industry. The line-up included Saudi Singers Dalia Mubarak, Sultan Almurshed, Mashael, and AZIZ.wav, Kuwaiti rapper DAFFY, Saudi-born musician DJ Loush, Egyptian DJ Group Disco Misr, Moroccan Urban Pop Artist Manal, UK Lebanese Artist Laughta.
Burak Çakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, said: “Hia Hub and Fashion Futures united the entire fashion community to push creative boundaries. By spotlighting local talent and designers, Hia Hub not only elevated the domestic fashion scene, but fostered a sense of national identity. Just two weeks ago, the Saudi Fashion Commission made history with the inaugural Riyadh Fashion Week, and now, with Hia Hub ending, we have solidified the fashion industry’s important role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic future. This is the essence of Hia Hub – created to nurture creative minds, showcase the impressive local ecosystem and contribute to the rapid transformation taking place across the region.”
Hia Hub, created and organized by SRMGx, the experiential arm of SRMG, is a pioneering conference programmed around the Group’s iconic lifestyle brand, Hia Magazine. Now in its third year, Hia Hub has significantly grown and expanded, demonstrating SRMGx’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge experiences that connect audiences, cultures and trends, and drive impact.
Mike Fairburn, Managing Director of SRMGx, said: “The third edition of Hia Hub was a huge success. Hia Hub is a unique experience that fosters a deeper connection between audiences and brands. During this 5-day experience, thousands of guests immersed themselves in masterclasses, workshops, interactive exhibitions and activations, and live performances, exploring fashion, art, design, beauty, luxury and music. Hia Hub’s success highlights the growing demand for impactful live events that blend engaging and insightful programming with fun and interactive experiences. At SRMGx, we are passionate about designing unparallel experiences that connect brands with new audiences through cutting-edge and unique formats, such as Hia Hub. This would not have been possible without the support of Hia Magazine, the Saudi Fashion Commission, Billboard Arabia and our many partners. We look forward to welcoming guests next year for an even more remarkable experience at Hia Hub.”
For more information about SRMG and Hia Hub visit Hia Hub’s official Instagram at @hiahubofficial
