RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry is set to post a cumulative annual growth of 48 percent from 2021 to 2025 as the Kingdom diversifies its economy, a report said. In its latest quarterly release, the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority said that Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission is playing a crucial role in building a more robust ecosystem to propel the sector’s growth. The authority, also known as Monsha’at, revealed that the fashion industry contributed 1.4 percent of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product in 2022. The report added that the total value of the fashion sector in Saudi Arabia, including international brands, stood at $24.6 billion in 2022. On the other hand, the domestic fashion industry in the Kingdom was worth $12.5 billion in 2022. “Saudi Arabia has embarked on a profound transformation across multiple industries. This renaissance spans architecture, music, film, art, food, and more. Through diverse initiatives at the Fashion Commission, we are revolutionizing the fashion sector and elevating our talents to global stages while adhering to the core pillars that drive growth and sustainability,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission. He added: “Due to several strategic initiatives that fostered a dynamic ecosystem of creativity and business acumen, the growth of the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia over the past few years has been unprecedented.” Cakmak said that developing local talent in the Kingdom is one of the crucial missions of the Fashion Commission. He added that the organization has initiated comprehensive educational programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to develop the growth of Saudi nationals in the sector. The official also noted that the commission assists small and medium enterprises operating in the sector in growing and expanding their businesses. “We also advance the industry by providing essential support to entrepreneurs and SMEs, offering assistance and resources that help businesses scale. Regulatory frameworks are established and enforced to ensure ethical practices and sustainability, while cultural preservation initiatives highlight Saudi heritage, promoting it both locally and globally,” said Cakmark. The Monsha’at report added that the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia has employed over 230,000 people as of 2022, and 52 percent of the workforce is female. The authority revealed that the women’s apparel market in the Kingdom will witness a 20 percent growth by 2027, while the men’s market is set to expand by 27 percent during the same period. Cakmak added that participation in international fashion events by Saudi companies will help affirm the place of the Kingdom in the global arena. “Market expansion efforts, including marketing campaigns and participation in international fashion events, further enhance the visibility and competitiveness of Saudi fashion brands. All of these are core strategic pillars that effectively nurture a vibrant, dynamic, and globally competitive fashion industry in the Kingdom,” Cakmak noted. He concluded: “We believe that the future of Saudi fashion lies in the hands of our talented designers and visionary entrepreneurs. As we continue to support and nurture these individuals, we are confident that the Kingdom’s fashion industry will continue to flourish.”