Hanif Shaikh, Founder and Chairman of Emirates Holding Group, has earned the title of “Dubai’s Fashion Industry King” for his remarkable contributions to the city’s fashion and luxury sector. Over the past three decades, Shaikh has transformed Dubai into a global fashion hotspot, blending innovation, talent, and cultural diversity into events that attract the world’s most influential designers and investors.
From humble beginnings in Mumbai, India, Shaikh’s journey is a story of determination, vision, and relentless ambition. At the age of 17, he began his career as an advertising executive, balancing early responsibilities with a desire to create platforms that would redefine industries. After earning an MBA in Marketing, Shaikh moved to Saudi Arabia and later Oman, where he honed his skills in advertising, event management, and strategic business planning.
By the year 2000, Shaikh had made Dubai his home, stepping into the role of Director General at Expo Centre Fujairah. During his tenure, he organized over 500 events and exhibitions, gaining critical experience in handling large-scale international showcases. In 2005, he founded Emirates Holding Group, a venture that would grow into a multinational conglomerate operating across oil & gas, investment funding, gold mining, and trading, with a presence spanning the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Europe.
Shaikh’s greatest passion has always been fashion. He saw early on that Dubai could become a hub not just for trade and tourism but also for creativity, luxury, and cultural expression. Over the years, he has successfully curated more than 500 exhibitions and 200 major fashion and lifestyle showcases. These events have brought together international designers, luxury brands, and global investors under one roof, turning Dubai into a city synonymous with high-end fashion and cultural sophistication.
One of Shaikh’s most notable achievements is the Emirates Luxury Show Eternal Runway, a hallmark event that has set new benchmarks for luxury fashion shows in the region. The 2025 edition, held at the Marriott Al Jaddaf in Dubai, featured international celebrity designers alongside emerging talent from India and the Middle East. The event not only celebrated couture but also created a bridge for cross-cultural collaboration, bringing together media, fashion buyers, and influencers from around the globe.
What makes Shaikh’s approach unique is his focus on nurturing talent. The Emirates Luxury Show is not just a display of glamour; it is a platform for emerging designers, models, and creative professionals to gain international exposure. His vision has always been to create sustainable platforms that empower talent and encourage innovation in fashion design, styling, and presentation.
Despite his global success, Shaikh remains deeply involved in every aspect of his ventures. His typical day starts early, with strategic planning sessions, client meetings, and creative discussions with designers and event organizers. He believes that staying hands-on allows him to maintain the standard of excellence that has become synonymous with his brand.
Outside of work, Shaikh is a patron of the arts and cultural initiatives. He regularly attends art exhibitions, cultural festivals, and fashion weeks, seeking inspiration and staying attuned to global trends. His lifestyle reflects a perfect balance of luxury and purpose, where every decision aligns with his mission of elevating the UAE’s fashion industry on the world stage.
Building on Dubai’s growing reputation, Shaikh is taking his fashion vision beyond the UAE. Upcoming editions of the Emirates Luxury Show are planned in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and other international markets. By taking Middle Eastern and Indian designers to global audiences, Shaikh is fostering cross-cultural fashion exchanges and positioning the GCC as a collective fashion powerhouse.
The expansion plans also include prestigious locations across Europe and the Middle East, such as Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Cannes, and Milan. Shaikh’s goal is not only to showcase luxury fashion but to establish the region as a major player in global style and design.
Shaikh has always emphasized the importance of nurturing local talent. Emirates Holding Group, in collaboration with Moda Orama, is launching a Model Training & Grooming Academy in Dubai. This initiative aims to provide aspiring models and creative professionals with the skills and exposure needed to thrive in international markets.
By offering mentorship, training, and opportunities to perform on global stages, Shaikh ensures that emerging designers and models are not limited by geography or resources. His approach strengthens the ecosystem of fashion in the UAE and across the Middle East, creating a sustainable pipeline of talent for future generations.
Organizing events like the Emirates Luxury Show is no small feat. Shaikh is involved in every detail, from selecting designers and curating collections to managing logistics and coordinating media coverage. Behind the scenes, teams work tirelessly for months, ensuring that every showcase reflects Dubai’s commitment to luxury, innovation, and cultural sophistication.
Shaikh often personally mentors young designers, offering insights into design trends, marketing strategies, and brand building. His leadership style is hands-on but nurturing, creating an environment where creativity and business acumen thrive together.
Hanif Shaikh’s contributions have earned him over 100 awards, including the Pride of UAE Award, Fashion Icon Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award. These accolades recognize his role in positioning the UAE as a global leader in luxury fashion and cultural events. His influence extends beyond business; Shaikh is celebrated for his efforts in cultural empowerment, sustainable development, and global collaboration.
While fashion remains his primary passion, Shaikh has successfully diversified Emirates Holding Group into ESG manufacturing, general trading, and international infrastructure projects. Each venture reflects his core principles of innovation, sustainability, and luxury. By integrating these sectors, Shaikh not only strengthens his business portfolio but also ensures that each project aligns with his vision of elevating the UAE on the global stage.
“Dubai’s fashion story is one of ambition and global relevance,” Shaikh remarks. “My vision has always been to create sustainable, world-class platforms that empower talent, promote cultural dialogue, and align with Dubai’s growth as a global style capital. With our upcoming shows in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, we are also taking UAE, Middle Eastern, and Indian designers onto the world stage.”
Shaikh’s future plans are ambitious yet thoughtful. He aims to continue creating international platforms, mentoring young talent, and pushing Dubai’s fashion industry to new heights. His commitment ensures that the UAE will remain a hub for luxury, creativity, and cultural exchange for years to come.
Hanif Shaikh is the Founder & Chairman of Emirates Holding Group, UAE. A veteran in fashion, luxury, and international exhibitions, he has been honored globally for his contributions to business, cultural empowerment, and sustainable development. His career is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and the belief that talent deserves a stage.
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