The Irish Ambassador's residence in Abu Dhabi, Enterprise Ireland and Tourism Ireland hosted Tech Powered Luxury Live from Abu Dhabi earlier this month to highlight the innovation, creativity and culture of the Irish design sector.

The event marked a significant milestone for Irish creatives, fashion, and music in the Middle East. 

With a special focus on female design, the evening’s festivities closed out the St Brigid’s Day celebrations in the United Arab Emirates, following on from two weeks of cultural activities across the Emirates celebrating Ireland and the creativity of Irish women.

As the first female Ambassador of Ireland to the UAE, Alison Milton was delighted to collaborate with Tech Powered Luxury to bring the magic of Irish fashion design to Abu Dhabi.

The event formed part of the embassy’s Year of 50 Programme, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the UAE. 

Set against the glittering backdrop of the Abu Dhabi oceanfront, the event brought together an audience of dignitaries, fashion buyers, global brand owners, and cultural icons for a memorable occasion. 

Guests included former Ireland rugby international Peter Stringer, model Thalia Heffernan, broadcasters Lorraine Keane and Triona McCarthy, DJ and photographer Christian Tierney, influencer Aideen Kate Murphy, and Forbes 30 Under 30 alum Jessica Chapplow.

Also in attendance were Sara Sabry, the first Egyptian African Arab woman in space, Saeed Mohammed Ali Al Shamsi, former Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Ireland, and Irish entrepreneur Áine Kennedy.

The centrepiece of the evening was a live recording of the Tech Powered Luxury podcast, which was made available to stream on Tuesday (25 February).

The episode featured voices in fashion, beauty, and technology, offering guests an exclusive glimpse into the intersection of innovation and heritage that defines Irish excellence on a global scale.

Moderated by host Ashley McDonnell, the panel featured Akash Mehta of Fable and Mane; Dr. Shawana Vali of By Dr. Vali clinic in Selfridges, London; Jamie Ray of Buttermilk Agency; Anneliese Duffy Fallon, founder of The Linen Shirt Company and Fashion Connect Ireland; and Rosy Temple of Magee 1866. 

Following the podcast, a fashion show spotlighting Irish design talent curated by Anne O'Shead and Jess Colivet took place.

The show featured 40+ pieces from 16 designers including Aoife McNamara, Triona, Magee 1866, Chupi, ALĒO, Melissa Curry, Bróg, Oceanus, Evelyn McDermott Millinery, Linen Shirt Company, Helen Steele, ANDTate, HEINTZ, Roisin Linnane, The White Era and Jennifer Rothwell. 

The night concluded with a performance by chart-topping Irish singer-songwriter Lyra.

“Live from Abu Dhabi was the ultimate celebration for Irish fashion, creativity and innovation. To have 16 Irish designers as well as the country’s top creatives across styling, photography, beauty, videography, music and more - it was a dream come true" said McDonnell.

"The Middle East and in particular the United Arab Emirates are an increasingly important hub not just for over 12,000 Irish citizens based there, but also one of the fastest growing markets for luxury brands - meaning a huge export opportunity for Irish businesses.

"It was my absolute pleasure to co-host Live from Abu Dhabi alongside HE Ambassador Alison Milton at the Irish Residence in Abu Dhabi. Our collective vision was to bring the best of Irish design to the UAE and to provide them the platform to showcase Irish design in this market."

Photo: (l-r) Aideen Kate Murphy, Rebekah Caulfield, Rachel Morgan, Eimear Kennedy, and Jenny Johnston O'Neill. (Pic: Supplied)