Three Emirati fashion labels have wowed judges in the final of a competition to dress more than 30,000 Expo 2020 Dubai volunteers and team members, showcasing designs that blend cutting-edge styles with the UAE’s rich heritage.

The shortlisted designers – By Laha (Hamda Abbas, Sara Mustafa and Zainab AlShaikh), ARSHYS (Arshia Alam Khan) and Twisted Roots (Latifa Al Gurg) – were selected from a number of high quality submissions made by designers from across the UAE who had been invited to participate in the competition.

Expo 2020 launched the uniform design competition in September this year as an initiative to engage the UAE’s fashion community and to offer an empowering platform for their work to reach a global audience.

The three finalists each received AED 50,000 and were asked to create samples of their collections, which were today presented in a runway-style showcase at Expo 2020’s newly opened House of Volunteers.

Their full collections include top, bottom, jacket, hat, bag, tie, scarf, kandora, ghitra, abaya, shayla and an accessory. Concepts have been judged based on their representation of Emirati culture, practicality and sustainable elements.

The trio was evaluated by a panel chaired by Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau. The panel also comprised Expo 2020 volunteers and staff from various departments, as well as Manuel Arnaut, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Arabia, Sass Brown, Founding Dean, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation and Jazia Al Dhanhani, CEO, Dubai Design and Fashion Council

Dr Hayat Shamsuddin, Vice President, Arts and Culture – Content and Programming, Expo 2020 Dubai, and a member of the evaluation panel, said: “The UAE is committed to preserving its rich culture and heritage, and to passing it on from one generation to the next. As the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, Expo 2020 offers an invaluable opportunity to showcase our creativity, values and traditions on a global stage.

“With more than 30,000 people proudly wearing the uniform for six months as they help to welcome the world to the UAE, it will be one of the most visible elements of the Expo.

“All three finalists have demonstrated a tremendous passion for their work and pride in being associated with Expo 2020 Dubai.”

The runway show was followed by a  presentations by each of the designers, allowing judges to understand the inspiration behind their concepts.

Guests at the showcase included experts from leading organisations in the fashion industry, including Dubai Design District, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, Fashion Forward Dubai and Dubai Design and Fashion Council, all of which have played a significant role in supporting the competition.

Hamda Abbas, co-founder of By Laha, said: “To have the opportunity to design the uniforms for the biggest event the UAE has ever hosted is a privilege, and to be among the three finalists is a dream come true.”

Arshia Alam Khan, designer and founder of ARSHYS, said: “My designs are inspired by the falcon, the UAE’s national bird and a symbol of force and courage. They reflect the UAE’s position of authority in hosting such a prestigious event, which is opening its doors to the world. Being Emirati, it has been an incredible opportunity to be involved in this national project, whatever the outcome of the competition.”

Latifa Al Gurg, founder of Twisted Roots, said: “Born and raised in the UAE, I have seen first-hand the remarkable growth and evolution of this country, and I have attempted to reflect that in my designs. I feel privileged to have been given a chance to contribute to Expo 2020’s legacy.”

Reflecting Expo’s theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, the uniform must be practical, weather appropriate and easily identifiable but modest. Supporting one of Expo 2020’s three subthemes, Sustainability, designs using recycled or organic fabrics, zero waste concepts, or which take into account sustainable practices and innovations throughout the supply chain are weighed more favourably.

Bong Guerrero, CEO and co-founder of Fashion Forward Dubai, said: “All three designers did a tremendous job in expressing their individual creative capacity and talent, while also working within the parameters of the competition.

“By Laha’s collection reveals some beautiful colours inspired by the Expo logo and UAE landscape. Their designs are simple, trendy and contemporary with a cultural theme.

“ARSHYS shows great attention to detail, with a lot of consideration given to the symbolism of colour and pattern. The designs are highly practical and have a strong local flavour.

“Twisted Roots has presented a delightful evolution of the UAE national dress; the elegant lines are cohesive throughout all their components and represent the past incorporated into the future.

“It is going to be a tough decision to pick a winning design, but I am excited to see what the much-anticipated Expo 2020 uniform will look like.”

The final designs will be revealed later this year, after a comprehensive evaluation by the panel.