Manish Malhotra opens 1st Dubai store

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Dubai: Fashion designer Manish Malhotra is set to open his store in Dubai in collaboration with city-based Saif Belhasa Group of Companies for a Dirham (Dh) two million project.

Scheduled to open next month, the store, which is the first in the Middle East, will feature a new range of western and Arabic designs, as well as his trademark Indian styles.

Malhotra, whose client list includes top Bollywood stars and pop star Michael Jackson, said setting up his first store outside India and designing for consumers less familiar with his products is not a business gamble, Gulf News reported.

"I think business will be good here because it’s a population made up of various nationalities that are open to new ideas and designers," he said.

"And the best way to assess a new audience is not through fashion shows but to open a store," he added.

The designer said 60 per cent of his clothes will be Mumbai-made traditional wear, and the remaining consisting of new designs would cater to Arab and Western markets.

The project is also new territory for the Saif Belhasa Group, known in the UAE for its driving centre. Sarah Rashid, vice chairman Saif Belhasa Group, said they had accquired exclusive franchise rights for Malhotra's store since she felt that there was a gap in the market for his distinct style.

"It came into my mind that we needed a designer who would come to this part of the world and not only cater to Indians, but also to the Arabic market," she said.

"I think Manish is the right person." Saif Ahmad Belhasa Chairman said the Dubai move was part of a "bigger plan" which will see Manish Malhotra stores open in Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.