As Ramadan approaches, fashion houses release capsule collections dedicated to the holy month. For global brands, it is an acknowledgement of their commitment to the Middle East and a mark of respect towards their client base.
This can also be observed in the evolution of Ramadan collections, moving away from simple themes to capsules that show a more nuanced understanding of the region.
For home-grown brands, paying special attention to the month comes naturally, and we have included a mix of both in this round-up of the most exciting capsule collections this Ramadan.
Dolce & Gabbana
One of the first big European houses to embrace Ramadan, Dolce & Gabbana has unveiled its latest collection that is inspired by the natural beauty of the Middle East. Called the Exclusive Collection, it is filled with women's pieces such as dresses, kaftans and pyjamas in midnight blue, emerald green, terracotta and sand, with many decorated with scatterings of handworked beading. To accompany these, there are also Sicily and Marlene bags decked with multicoloured crystals. The men's collection, meanwhile, is filled with relaxed tailoring in linen, cotton and silk twill for a languid mood.
Loro Piana
Loro Piana has called on its famously upscale fabrics for a capsule collection designed for layering. Discreet florals, rich jacquards, ultra lightweight knitwear, and silk and linen mixes have been made into elegantly unstructured and timeless coats, kaftans, wide cut trousers, and flowing dresses, that are finished with exquisite buttons and refined details. Superfine wool and linen mixes, double-faced satins and gossamer silk and linens bring additional sophistication to pieces in sage green, pale pink and the shifting gold and sand tones of the desert.
Tom Ford
In its first Ramadan offering, Tom Ford has created a limited-edition capsule collection available only in the Gulf. Comprising three men's looks, and four for women – plus bags and shoes – this pared-back collection is based around notions of dusk and dawn, in colours such as soft sky blue and elegant sand, warm camel and rich chocolate. Spanning breezy kaftans, maxi dresses and matching trouser sets for her, and laid back short sets and bomber jackets for him, each brings a touch of Ford's timeless cuts into an everyday wardrobe.
Dior
Each Ramadan, Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri reinterprets the Dior Or (Dior Gold) collection. Using rich metallic in warm tones, the 2025 iteration is the latest exploration of the famous Dior codes, from the Bar jacket to full, midi skirts. Mixing pared-back refinement with elevated materials such as silk, tulle and fluid, molten gold cloth, the collection shifts through sheer silhouettes and beautifully tailored separates in iridescent tones.
In addition, the Lady Dior bag is presented in a new shade of aubergine, while footwear such as the Dway mule and Dioract sandal have been reworked in shimmering hues.
Prada
Prada brings its signature mix of embellishment and minimalism to Ramadan, with a collection that offers women silken skirts and dresses covered with mirrors, sequins, and crystals, and for men, floral shirts, elevated polo shirts and relaxed jackets.
Many of the women's looks are elongated versions of existing pieces, meaning classic pleated skirts are now midi length, while pintuck poplin dresses fall well below the knee, and chemisier dresses – worn with oversized knitwear – now reach to the floor.
The palette is mainly neutrals – think soft grey, cream, pale astro blue and desert beige – mixed with pops of jewel tones, such as fern green and rust.
Max Mara
The Italian fashion house has unveiled an edit for the Middle East, in line with the release of its spring/summer 2025 collection. Featuring pieces that combine modesty and elegance, Max Mara’s capsule is inspired by the magic of Venice and the cultural richness of the Silk Road. The pieces are crafted from materials such as pure silk, cotton and light cady, and feature a palette of nude, brown, gold and blue tones, enhanced by metallic embellishment and glistening threads. The line consists of flowy kaftans, long-lined dresses, a two-piece pyjama set, wide-legged trousers and lightweight blouses.
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton’s LV Mirage collection returns this year, offering pieces for daily wear and special occasions, plus a selection of accessories and leather goods. The collection’s core hue, deep blue, is set against contrasting gold highlights, mimicking the midnight sky. Accessories include the Capucines Mini in leather with a flower-quilted effect, the Alma BB in Sapphire blue monogram leather, and, for men, the Keepall in graphite Damier pattern edged with indigo blue. Fine jewellery pieces from the Blossom collection and the Ombre Nomade fragrance complete the capsule.
Bambah
Home-grown brand, Bambah offers a selection of kaftans, dresses and abayas for Ramadan. Designed to reflect an Arabian oasis, the collection features modest, flowy pieces, crafted in lightweight fabrics and feature simple and elegant designs that flatter the body with their loose-fitting silhouettes. The collection is designed for women of all sizes.
Noon By Noor
Bahraini brand Noon By Noor brings its contemporary aesthetic to a limited-edition collection of dresses, abayas and matching sets for Ramadan. The capsule blends traditional aesthetics with contemporary silhouettes, placing an understated cool at the heart of its designs. The collection’s rich colour palette features striking shades of pillar-box red and royal blue, alongside timeless black pieces adorned with intricate embroidery. Versatile and elegant, these designs work well for Ramadan, as well as year-round wardrobe staples.
Fendi
The Fendi Noor capsule collection reimagines the brand’s signature style through the lens of its Middle Eastern clientele. Drawing inspiration from the transformative power of light, the collection embraces flowing silhouettes, warm tones and radiant accents, perfectly reflecting the luminous spirit of the month. Ready-to-wear pieces pay homage to Fendi’s heritage, featuring a botanical motif reminiscent of 1920s decor, while the delicate colour palette evokes the serene beauty and deep meaning of the desert. Classic Fendi accessories are given a dazzling upgrade with intricate embellishments, including rhinestones, beads and metallic sequins. Meanwhile, the Forever Fendi fashion jewellery line debuts elegant new shapes.
Valentino
The Valentino Ramadan capsule collection blends the Roman spirit of the brand with Middle Eastern influences. The collection centres around six limited-edition ready-to-wear pieces, including two striking gowns designed in an eye-catching peacock blue hue with intricate silver and gold embroidery. Complementing the ready-to-wear designs is an array of Valentino Garavani accessories, featuring reimagined iterations of the house’s signature bags, shoes and small leather goods. Standout pieces include a dazzling version of the VSling bag, an embroidered Loco bag, plus the VLogo Signature wallet in metallic peacock blue, bronze and copper leather. For men, there is a selection of Valentino Garavani shoes, including espadrilles and loafers.
94 Jewelry
Dubai brand 94 Jewelry has unveiled three pendants for Ramadan. The versatile Aurora pieces are adorned with semi-precious stones, including malachite, lapis, turquoise, onyx and mother of pearl, complemented by accents of diamonds, yellow diamonds and tourmalines. Inspired by the beauty of light, each pendant showcases double-sided talismans. The intricate designs, which can be customised, feature vibrant pops of colour, with sun and star motifs on the elegant, disc-shaped pendants.
Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin’s instantly recognisable red soles take on a local flair with the Ramadan 2025 capsule collection. The limited-edition range features a series of footwear designs for men and women, plus two bags. Drawing inspiration from the serene hues of the regional urban and natural landscape, the collection merges the brand’s signature red with a neutral palette. The capsule includes pieces featuring the Moucharastrass print, a design influenced by architectural details, and comes adorned with crystal embellishments. Christian Louboutin’s Ramadan capsule has flat mules and trainers for men, alongside high heels for women.
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Date of launch: November 2018
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It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
No Shame
Lily Allen
(Parlophone)
MATCH INFO
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The 12 breakaway clubs
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid