Fashion design courses in Dubai

Do you have a flair for fashion? Are you itching to stitch your own dresses and take the fashion world by storm? As with all disciplines, you need the necessary training and qualifications to thrive in a career in the Dubai fashion industry too. Luckily, there are several institutes that offer fashion design courses in Dubai. 

A certificate, diploma or degree in fashion design from Dubai can help you gain a footing or take your first steps towards a lucrative career in the industry. To that end, here is an overview of institutions where you can find a suitable fashion design course in Dubai. 

Institutes offering fashion design courses in Dubai

It’s only appropriate that we start off our post with a list of the best fashion design schools in Dubai first. 

FAD Institute of Luxury Fashion and Style  

Kicking off our picks for places offering fashion design courses in Dubai is the FAD Institute of Luxury Fashion and Style and for good reason. The institute offers various training options on fashion design on different levels with related courses covering aspects like fashion illustration. Additionally, all courses taught at FAD are certified by KHDA Dubai with durations ranging from one week to six months. 

For example, the Level 1 introductory certification course in fashion design — scheduled for January 2020 — features modules like Trends and Fashion History, Inspiration and Mood Boards, Ideas Generation and more. Classes are held 3 days a week with the duration lasting 3 months. Those interested in applying for the courses can apply online on the FAD website. 

• Location: 108-109, 1st floor, above Middlesex University, Dubai Knowledge Park
• Contact: +971-4-447-7959 | +971-50-700-2956

ESMOD Dubai 

ESMOD comes in a close second in our nominations for notable fashion courses in Dubai. The UAE branch of the famed French fashion design institute offers courses in haute couture fashion, fashion makeup and business. An institute dedicated solely to fashion education, ESMOD is accredited in France and by the KHDA. The courses here are focused on French techniques, however, the institute also acknowledges cultural aspects in the UAE as well. 

A suitable course for beginners is the 3-year Fashion Design and Creation Undergraduate Program. At the end of the programme, students are awarded the title of “Styliste Designer Mode” which is an internationally recognised French Bachelor degree. Preference is given to applicants who have a creative portfolio and pass a fashion culture test. Additionally, courses related to UAE culture include the iFash and Design Program which covers areas in modest-wear and abaya design. Those interested in the programmes may apply by filling the application form on the ESMOD Dubai website.  

• Location: Dubai International Academic City, Block 4
• Contact: +971-4-429-1228

The College of Fashion and Design

The College of Fashion and Design (CFD) is another institution dedicated to helping aspirants gain necessary qualifications in the fashion industry. The academy offers a comprehensive curriculum in the said discipline in addition to the essential business and communication skills needed for students to be successful in their careers. For a head start, CFD also works closely with industry experts to acquire internships and offers work placements for students once they graduate from this fashion course in Dubai. 

Courses at CFD range from a diploma to a bachelor programme in fashion design as well as general education. The Bachelor in Fashion Design is a 4-year course which covers everything from fashion illustrations to fashion show production. 

• Location: Level 1, Building N0. 4 Bay Square, Business Bay
• Contact: +971-4-563-7777 | +971-4-563-7712 | +971-4-563-7710 | +971-50-299-2412

Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) 

DIDI offers a range of courses covering design thinking; fashion design is one of them. Part of four disciplines, two of which can be taken in the second year after enrolment, the course trains students on the application of design principles applied to accessories and clothing ranging from concepts to practical knowledge.

DIDI is currently encouraging applicants to apply for the Fall 2020 scholarship programme for a degree in the Bachelor of Design. The scholarships cover up to 50% of tuition fee depending on merit and financial needs. 

• Location: Dubai Design District, Building 4, ground floor
• Contact: 800 DIDI DXB (343-4392) 

Other colleges in Dubai offering fashion design courses

Fashion design courses Dubai aren’t just limited to institutes that offer exclusive training for the discipline. There are several schools in the emirate that offer Dubai fashion courses in addition to other options as well. Some of the more recent ones are as follows: 

Capital Education 

Students who have taken part in the Capital’s fashion design programmes have won several awards over the years. The current programme is specifically designed to help students achieve a broader understanding of the industry and determine which related branches are suitable according to their innate talents.

Contents of this popular fashion designing course in Dubai include Production Techniques, Design Exploration in Fashion, Pattern Drafting, Textile Study, and more. The course is available for AED 15,000 after successful completion of which students are awarded a Professional Diploma in Fashion Design which is endorsed by Qualifi — an international awarding body in the UK. For convenience, the fee can be paid in six instalments. 

• Location: Onyx Tower 2, opposite The Greens
• Contact: +971-4-397-0095 | +971-52-105-5618

National Academy

The National Academy offers a number of programmes with several courses offered in Fashion Design as well. The category includes classes in Fashion Illustration, Fashion Draping, Pattern Making and Garment Construction, Fashion Merchandising and Marketing.

The fashion courses in Dubai offered by the institute are designed to instil certain skills in students that will enable them to hold their own in the industry. Consider the certificate course in Fashion Illustration where students are taught basic drawing skills with live models and croquis which are necessary for creating portfolios. All courses can be applied for online at the National Academy website. 

• Location: Offices Land Building, 2nd block, 2nd floor, Karama, opposite Zabeel Park
• Contact: +971-4-334-9545 | +971-55-974-4405

American University in the Emirates

The American University in the Emirates features several interesting courses for design in Dubai including a Bachelor of Science in Design. 

Students at the university have access to appropriate facilities like large design studios, dress forms, garment cutting tables, textile labs and printing facilities where they can hone their creative talents. The programme is structured around 37 courses with 126 credit hours. This includes a Core Course, Specialisation Course and Free Electives. Scheduling is based on offered courses chosen by students. This Dubai fashion degree is available with a one-time admission fee of AED 3,150 with one semester costing approximately AED 20,000. 

• Location: Dubai International Academic City
• Contact: +971-4-449-9000

Inscape

A South African institute with a branch in Dubai, Inscape is currently offering two short courses in fashion design in Dubai— a Certificate and an Advanced certificate course in fashion design. Both courses have a duration of 20 weeks. Those looking for part-time fashion designing courses in Dubai are encouraged to apply. 

The Certificate in Fashion Design course — available for an annual fee of AED 8,100 — introduces students to basic sewing techniques and pattern making. Modules include basic fashion drawing, introduction to textiles as well as a portfolio where applicants are expected to give evidence of their skill sets. The Advanced Certificate in Fashion Design, on the other hand, includes modules that cover themes like starting a business in the industry, pattern development, garment construction and an advanced portfolio. This course is currently available for an annual fee of AED 8,800. 

• Location: Office 209, building 6A, Dubai Design District
• Contact: +971-4-584-6715

AMITY University

Another institution offering a fashion design course in Dubai is AMITY University. A current offering is a 4-year Bachelor programme in Fashion Design. While training to be B.Des graduates, students will get the opportunity to explore different aspects in the industry ranging from styling to visual merchandising, marketing, e-commerce and runway events. With a strong focus on emerging technologies in the fashion industry, all students are also expected to complete courses in related computer applications. The programme is available for a fee of AED 35,000 per year. 

• Location: Dubai International Academic City
• Contact: +971-4-455-4900

That’s all for our review of the best fashion design courses in Dubai. Looking for additional courses that can complement your career in fashion? Our picks for photography courses in Dubai can help you gain the edge you need to advance your career. If you like to go the extra mile, our recommendations for makeup courses in Dubai are worth considering. For inspiration in designing modest-wear, visit local abaya stores in Dubai. 

Is there any course we missed out? Let us know in the comments.

For more information on training courses in the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.