Manaal Al Hammadi has been designing abayas since she was 14 years old, and her eponymous brand celebrated its 10-year anniversary in October of last year. “I started by designing for myself when I began to wear abayas as I always wanted to wear something that showed my personality and ambition. Soon, by word of mouth, it formed into a brand and I’ve never been more in love with anything else.”

Of her inspirations, Manaal says: “Dubai inspires me – the various forms of architecture, the blend of culture and modernity and the youth and their will to stand out.”

The designer hopes that if she wins, it will inspire other women in the region. “I am a feminist and winning this award will give me another great reason to keep pushing and supporting women around me and around the GCC to make their dreams a reality on a daily basis without any regrets.”