Arab designers rule the runway at Paris's Haute Couture Week – in pictures

This region has always enjoyed dressing up, so it can be no surprise that so many Arab names have been invited to join Paris Haute Couture Week.

Scroll through the gallery above to see the runway highlights.

Here is the best of the regional designers that have showed so far this week.

Maison Rabih Kayrouz

Rabih Kayrouz celebrated his 20th anniversary with a upbeat, optimistic collection. Filled with eye-popping colours and walked by many of the Lebanese designer's friends, Kayrouz's trademark architectural approach was put aside in favour of more relaxed and wearable pieces.

Nicolas Jebran

Lebanon's Jebran marked his Couture Week debut with a technically skilled collection that showed off his remarkable cutting skills. Already a hit with A-list celebrities, this beautiful opening salvo will no doubt attract a whole new audience of devotees.

George Hobeika

Lebanese designer Hobeika offered a truly dreamy show, filled with all the romantic froth we have come to expect. A charming blizzard of sequins, silk and feathers, this was very much aimed at the woman who dresses for dinner.

Azzi & Osta

A relatively new arrival on the haute couture circuit, the Lebanese duo of Azzi & Osta nonetheless delivered an assured show brimming with sharp detailing. Known for dresses with well executed cut-away panels, this show instead offered something more elegant and more refined, hinting at a new direction. Thankfully, the skilled construction was still much in evidence, but now within a more formal silhouette.

Rami Al Ali

A experienced hand at Haute Couture week, Al Ali once again delivered a concise yet broad-reaching collection. With a deep understanding of what his clients really want, the Syrian designer moved from classical goddess gowns to ultra modern cocktail dresses by way of full skirts and boat neck collars. Little wonder, therefore, that so many women turn to the house when they want to ramp up the glam.

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The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000

Engine 3.6L V6

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm

Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km

Afghanistan Premier League - at a glance

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Fixtures:

Tue, Oct 16, 8pm: Kandahar Knights v Kabul Zwanan; Wed, Oct 17, 4pm: Balkh Legends v Nangarhar Leopards; 8pm: Kandahar Knights v Paktia Panthers; Thu, Oct 18, 4pm: Balkh Legends v Kandahar Knights; 8pm: Kabul Zwanan v Paktia Panthers; Fri, Oct 19, 8pm: First semi-final; Sat, Oct 20, 8pm: Second semi-final; Sun, Oct 21, 8pm: final

Table:

1. Balkh Legends 6 5 1 10

2. Paktia Panthers 6 4 2 8

3. Kabul Zwanan 6 3 3 6

4. Nagarhar Leopards 7 2 5 4

5. Kandahar Knights 5 1 4 2

On Women's Day

Dr Nawal Al-Hosany: Why more women should be on the frontlines of climate action

Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?

Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'

The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?

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Price, base: Dh5.1 million

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 800hp @ 7,100pm

Torque: 980Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 13.5L / 100km

While you're here

Kareem Shaheen: Even a pandemic could not unite today's America

Michele Wucker: The difference between a black swan and a grey rhino

Robert Matthews: Has flawed science and rushed research failed us?

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French business

France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.