This May, Riyadh will welcome fashion and beauty leaders from around the world. On May 21 and 22, the city will host the Fashion and Beauty Summit Riyadh 2025 at Bab Samhan, a location that blends historic charm with contemporary ambition.
The summit is being organized by Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), Fashion Futures, and the Saudi Fashion Commission. Together, these partners are creating a space for real dialogue between global leaders and regional voices. The goal is to shape the future of fashion and beauty in one of the most dynamic markets in the world.
The Theme for 2025: The Age of Agility
This year’s theme is “Age of Agility: Identifying Opportunity.” The fashion and beauty industries are evolving quickly. Consumer expectations are shifting, technology is changing how brands operate, and the demand for more culturally connected experiences is growing. This summit focuses on how brands and creators can stay flexible while planning for long-term growth.
The Fashion and Beauty Summit Riyadh 2025 will offer insights into how global and local players are navigating these shifts. It will highlight the strategies that are working, the people driving them, and the opportunities waiting to be explored in the Saudi and Middle Eastern markets.
Who’s Behind the Summit
The summit will be hosted by Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, Amanda Smith, CEO of Fairchild Media Group, and James Fallon, Chief Content Officer at Fairchild Media Group.
The speaker lineup includes brand founders, beauty innovators, retail leaders, wellness experts, and analysts. Past summits have featured thought leaders like Norma Kamali, who emphasized how innovation and creativity can shape the future of design. This year’s group will continue in that spirit, offering practical knowledge and deep experience.
What You’ll See and Learn
The summit runs across two full days with panels, masterclasses, and networking sessions. These will focus on real industry trends and opportunities including:
- The way consumer behavior is changing across age groups in the beauty space
- How wellness is becoming part of fashion and retail experiences
- How international brands are finding their voice in Saudi Arabia
- Examples of successful entrepreneurship and brand building in the region
- The ongoing push for sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in fashion
Attendees will leave with clear takeaways and strategies that reflect today’s market reality.
Why Riyadh Matters Right Now
Saudi Arabia’s fashion and beauty sectors are growing quickly. The fashion and luxury market is expected to rise from USD 30 billion in 2023 to USD 42 billion by 2028. That puts the Kingdom at the center of the GCC’s creative economy.
In beauty and personal care, the country is projected to reach USD 6.22 billion in revenue by 2025, with continued growth year after year. Local consumers are investing in quality products and experiences, especially in luxury skincare and advanced cosmetics. This demand is helping shape regional trends, and the summit gives international players a close-up view of that momentum.
Experiences Beyond the Talks
This event is more than just conversations. There will be retail pop-ups, brand showcases, and interactive activations from Saudi and international names. Attendees will also get access to workshops led by experts like Professor Abdullah Abo Milhim from Istituto Marangoni and faculty from Accademia Costume & Moda.
On May 22, the summit closes with a gala event and the Saudi Fashion Awards. One of the evening’s highlights is the Designer of the Year Award, which honors the work of standout creatives in the region.
The entire program is built to help people connect and move their ideas forward, whether through collaboration, investment, or new projects.
The Location Adds Meaning
The summit will be held at Bab Samhan in Riyadh’s At-Turaif district. This historic area reflects Saudi Arabia’s heritage, while the event itself reflects its vision for the future. The setting is intentional, offering a meaningful space to talk about fashion, culture, and innovation all at once.
Riyadh is expanding its creative footprint. It is investing in fashion infrastructure, education, and international partnerships. Hosting the Fashion and Beauty Summit Riyadh 2025 here marks a key step in that journey.
The Impact Will Continue After the Event
The conversations at the summit are meant to last. This is where new partnerships begin, where ideas are shared openly, and where professionals from different parts of the world come together to plan what’s next.
Saudi Arabia’s creative industries are gaining global attention. The summit builds on that by helping turn energy into action. For brands looking to understand the region, connect with its talent, and create something lasting, this is a moment worth being part of.
The Fashion and Beauty Summit Riyadh 2025 offers a clear look at how collaboration, creativity, and business can grow together in a market full of promise.
FAQs
What is the Fashion and Beauty Summit Riyadh 2025?
It is a global fashion and beauty event hosted by WWD, Fashion Futures, and the Saudi Fashion Commission, held on May 21–22, 2025, at Bab Samhan in Riyadh.
Who will be speaking at the Fashion and Beauty Summit in Riyadh?
Speakers include brand founders, beauty innovators, wellness experts, retail executives, and market analysts. Hosts include Burak Cakmak, Amanda Smith, and James Fallon.
What topics will be covered at the Riyadh fashion summit?
The summit will explore industry agility, evolving beauty trends, localization of global brands, entrepreneurship, and innovation in fashion and wellness.
Why is the summit important for Saudi Arabia?
It highlights the Kingdom’s growing role in the global fashion and beauty industry and supports Vision 2030 goals by promoting creativity, sustainability, and business development.
Can international brands attend the Fashion Futures event in Riyadh?
Yes, the event is designed for both global and regional participants. It includes networking sessions, panel talks, and masterclasses aimed at fostering international collaboration.
