Arab Fashion Council calls on designers to make masks, gowns and sanitisers amid Covid-19

In light of Covid-19, the Arab Fashion Council has called on fashion designers, cosmetic brands and industry suppliers to join its initiative in partnership with the Dubai Health Authority to produce personal protection equipment such as surgical masks, isolation gowns and hoodies and locally made sanitisers.

The initiative called #AThread4Cause is managed by The Arab Fashion Council’s charitable arm and helps designers, brands and suppliers by providing them with the know-how and specifications to produce the equipment in compliance with DHA requirements.

The initiative aims to demonstrate that the fashion industry "goes beyond showcasing a beautiful collection,” according to AFC’s chief executive Jacob Abrian.

"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,” he said. 

Dubai-based Egyptian designer Marmar Halim is one of the first to join the initiative in producing the medical equipment. 

“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 this project viable,” she said.

AFC chief strategy officer Mohammed Aqra said the initiative aims to help produce millions of surgical masks.

“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.

#AThread4Cause 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.

Consumers can verify the product’s data and legitimacy on the AFC’s website whereby legitimate items receive a smart seal, or green check, from the DHA.

“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,” said AFC chief legal officer Dr. Ayman Al Bayaa.