11 designers to look out for at Fashion Forward Dubai

Held twice a year, the definitive fashion platform for Dubai and the Middle East, Fashion Forward Dubai, is back! Taking place between March 31 and April 3, some of the best designers from the Middle East and North Africa will be showcasing their ready-to-wear collections at an all new location in Dubai Design District, Hai d3 .

Here are 11 regional designers to look out for at the event ...

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Bazaza's first collection in 2012 mapped out his signature style when he was selected by the Starch Foundation to launch his ready-to-wear line. Bazaza received the Elle Style Award for "Best Upcoming Middle East Designer" in 2013 and was awarded the "Best Emerging Designer" for the Middle East Fashion Awards in 2015.

Hailing from Saudi Arabia, Sotra's ready-to-wear collections focuses on juxtaposing modern cuts with playful feminine details, ranging from casual attire to evening wear.

It all started in 2007 when Jouni decided to move to Paris to pursue her dream of becoming one of the first emerging Lebanese designers in the fashion industry globally. After finishing her studies in Paris, she trained at respected fashion houses including Balmain and Rad Hourani, which ultimately led her to develop her own fashion line in November 2013 in Paris.

Born and raised in Dubai, Thani is the first UAE national to hold a degree in Fashion Management and Marketing from ESMOD Paris. Not only does she run a ready-to-wear and soft accessories brand "BINT THANI", which was launched in 2012, but also writes about fashion and culture for a number of leading regional publications.

Starch Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps launch Lebanese emerging designers. At Fashion Forward 2016, these designers include Salim Azzam, Lobnan Mahfouz and Bashar Assaf .

Lebanese designer, Dalia El Ali, first started out her career as a investment banker, but 6 years into it, she decided to finally pursue her passion for fashion. She launched her ready-to-wear collection, Dee by Dalia, in Dubai. Her line is all about fun, playful pieces with a twist of her personality and style into the designs.

Based in Dubai, Egyptian designer, Marwa Sayed, launched her ready-to-wear label in 2014, aimed at introducing wearable art, the first of its kind concept in the region.

After interning at the ateliers of Elie Saab in Beirut and Erdem in London, Lebanese designer was selected by the Starch Foundation to launch her first ready-to-wear collection in 2011. Hayek focuses on contemporary designs with a fun and sporty edge, fitting perfectly into the lives of urban women.

Jeddah-born and based, Nasiba Hafiz, launched her ready-to-wear label inspired by old school glamour, tailored for the modern day woman in 2012 after holding off pursuing her career for ten whole years.

Hailing from Lebanon and establishing firm roots in Dubai, Zayan Ghandour's ready-to-wear label, Zayan the Label, features signature hand-embroidered motifs and prints, innovative cuts and modern silhouettes.

A French-Algerian designer living in the UAE whose commitment to becoming an innovator in the world of fashion all started with a sketchbook, a pencil, and an eye for art and fashion at a very young age. After constant hard work and dedication, Bouguessa launched her cutting-edge Abaya Label in Dubai, redefining the rules of Abaya fashion while preserving its integrity.