Arab Fashion Council and Dubai Health Authority join forces to combat Covid-19

The Arab Fashion Council (AFC) sets an ‘emergency designer network’ of Arab designers and companies to use their skills — and production facilities — to make Personal Protection Equipment.

AFC has called Fashion Designers, Cosmetic brands and Industry Suppliers to participate in their emergency network and join forces under a new initiative called #thread4cause, managed by The Arab Fashion Council’s charitable arm in partnership with the Dubai Health Authority which was announced last April 13th.

“The initiative enables the AFC members of designers, brands and companies, to be involved in supporting the community by producing what is required for the UAE healthcare network in terms of shortage in PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) products. Contributing members are set to produce at their facilities important products such as surgical masks, isolation gowns, and hoodies as well as locally made sanitizers.”

The role of the Arab Fashion Council is to focus on carefully selecting its members and volunteers once they have approved their capacity in producing the required equipment, and “providing them with the know-how and specification to start production in full compliance with the legislation enforced in the United Arab Emirates in general, and the Emirate of Dubai in particular.”

The endeavor has been done in full compliance with The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) “with the specifications and standards approved or applicable by the DHA in this regard, and any other requirement issued or may be issued by the DHA. “The Dubai Health Authority is proud to endorse the Arab Fashion Council’s initiative which highlights the strength of Made-in-UAE and proves how Dubai is taking a leading role and all measures to provide safety to its citizens and residents” says the Dubai Health Authority.””

“We are in this together, and we will be out of it together. #thread4cause is a very inspiring and heartwarming initiative that demonstrates how the fashion industry goes beyond showcasing a beautiful collection, and extends its talent power in supporting the community in times of need. We are very proud and grateful of our Arab Fashion Industry members who are committed to giving back to their community and joining hands in such a creative force” said Jacob Abrian, Founder and CEO of the Arab Fashion Council.

Marmar Halim, an Egyptian designer based in Dubai is one of the first Arab brands to adhere to the initiative set by the AFC has been showcasing “Personal Protection Equipmentin” of quality, going beyond creativity.

“My passion towards fashion is indescribable, no words to speak up my gratitude towards the UAE” says Marmar Halim. The brand is #GivingBack to the community. “Our fashion House and factory will be putting its resources at full capacity to produce Medical gowns and surgical Masks, proudly #MadeInUAE for the medical community front-liners fighting COVID-19. Special Thanks to The Arab Fashion Council who has given its support to make “الجميل_رد# this project viable. #TimeToGiveBacktoUAE”

#Thread4Cause is a call-to-action initiative open to every Arab company in the Fashion industry enabling them to show their love to their community. Companies who wish to enroll can submit their application through the Arab Fashion Council’s website.

“To ensure the legitimacy of the produced Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), the Arab Fashion Council enables on its website a tracking system to verify the products using Artificial Intelligence Technology. The system will show a green check point after receiving the approval on the safety of the products from the Dubai Health Authority.

“We are aware of the potential number of brands that could try to benefit from this situation and we ensure to keep a track on all the production and enable the consumer to verify the product’s data on the website using the latest technology. We urge the consumers to make sure that the products have the AFC smart seal on them” says Dr. Ayman Al Bayaa, Chief Legal Officer of the Arab Fashion Council and United Nation’s Goodwill Ambassador.”