“It wasn’t easy starting off being so public as a Saudi woman because I didn’t fit the typical profile,” says Alanoud Badr, the founder of clothing label Lady Fozaza.

She fought against the stereotypes to become one of the region’s most successful designers with the likes of Kim Kardashian West, Lady Gaga and Nancy Ajram having worn her pieces. One of her greatest accomplishments so far was “that my collection sold out in minutes at Bloomingdale’s – Dubai and that it was their biggest and most successful launch.” She has since branched into jewellery design, working alongside L’azurde on limited edition collections over the past three years.

Alanoud believes the opportunities offered here in the UAE helped not only her business, but also her own growth. “The ability to make your own decisions as a woman without a man was the most important thing. It allowed me to grow.”