Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), DXB Fashion Photography exhibition opened today (7 January) at Mall of the Emirates as life-size works of distinguished local, regional and international photographers put the spotlight on refreshing takes on fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Held as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) the much-awaited attraction at Mall of the Emirates saw the International Festival of Fashion Photography from Cannes come to life in Dubai. Suhaila Ghubash, Director, Festivals and Events, DFRE along with the acclaimed fashion photographer of Louis Vuitton, Mazen Saggar, unveiled the exhibition in the presence of Hussain Moosa, Associate Director, Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Properties and a host of senior officials from DFRE and Mall of the Emirates.

DXB Fashion Photography is a powerful collection of select images showcased at the International Festival of Fashion Photography including those by the likes of Anita Bresser, Iris Brosch, Marcelo Benfield, Daniele Cipriani, Sune Czajkowski, Lucia Giacani and Nancy Fina among others. Works of well-known Emirati photographers including Nasser Ali and Fatma Hilal in addition to those of Beirut-born Maha Nasra Edd, Atif Abu Samra from Sudan and Adel Rashid from Syria, have also been included in the exhibition as part of the Festivals Dubai edition, which is open for viewing at the Galleria during mall hours until 14 January.

Hussain Moosa, Associate Director, Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: Mall of the Emirates in collaboration with the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment is honoured to host the debut of the International Festival of Fashion Photography exhibition, a prestigious event that showcases some of the best fashion photography in the world including those by regional artists, reinforcing our leadership as the leading luxury, fashion and arts destination. Through this event, our aim is to further boost Dubais thriving arts and culture landscape while creating unique experiences and great moments, every day for our guests this festival season.

Art has always been an integral part of life and culture in Dubai and in the recent times the city has emerged as a bustling hub for both local and international artists from various fields to showcase their talents. Bringing the International Festival of Fashion Photography from Cannes to Dubai truly gives the ongoing DSF celebrations an artistic flair and puts the focus on the festivals inspiring Journey Into Style. We hope that DSF visitors and residents will thoroughly enjoy this exhibition and appreciate the creativity of these gifted local, regional and international photographers, said Suhaila Ghubash, Director, Festivals and Events, DFRE.

DXB Fashion Photography is a great initiative organised by DSF. It is an honour to unveil this ensemble of powerful images from the portfolios of distinguished international photographers, said Mazen Saggar. I am always inspired by discovering new imagery, so it is a great pleasure to have the opportunity to meet the group of passionate photographers based in Dubai whose work has also been selected for this exhibition - a testament to the remarkable talent rising out of this region. Photography is a powerful medium that enables us to express emotions and connect with people, and we hope this DSF exhibition will offer inspiration to all visitors, said Mazen Saggar.

Following the opening of the exhibition, participating local photographers had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy an exclusive Q&A session with Mazen Saggar who keenly shared his photography tips and tricks over an exclusive lunch gathering.