Her Excellency Sheikha Hend Faisal Al Qassemi has been appointed Chairperson of the Advisory Board and Member of Board of Trustees of the recently launched College and Fashion and Design (CFD).

As Chairperson, H.E Sheikha Hend Faisal Al Qassemi will lead CFD’s Board of Trustees, ensuring the success of the college and its vision and mission. She is the Editor-in-Chief of high-end global fashion magazine Velvet, runs the fashion label House of Hend, and was also chosen as the World Fashion Organisation’s Goodwill Ambassador for Qatar. In addition to this, she serves as the CEO of multi-industry conglomerate Paris, London, New York Events and Publishing (PLNY).

H.E. Sheikha Hend was the ambassador for the Breast Cancer Foundation in 2015 and is currently the brand ambassador for the Tourism Authority of Thailand. H.E. Sheikha Hend was also selected as one of The Crans Montana Forum’s New Leader for Tomorrow, a Swiss non- governmental, international organisation that works to build a more humane and impartial world.

Commenting on her new role and responsibilities at CFD, H.E. Sheikha Hend says, “ I am happy to announce my collaboration with the new College of Fashion and proud to announce scholarships for all Emirati students interested in pursing a bachelors degree at the new college. Furthermore, enrolled students will have the opportunity to intern at House of Hend and gain hands-on experience from my fashion label. Design In the last ten years, the Middle East has witnessed an influx of mega brands opening stores here. However, we are still missing a venue for local and regional talent to showcase their capabilities. The unique academic programs in fashion design and fashion business management available at CFD serves as a laboratory and will provide the perfect platform for a new generation of Middle Eastern designers that I will continue to support.”

Prof. Abhilasha Singh, President, and CEO of CFD says, “We are thrilled to have Sheikha Hend on board. She will play a leading role in creating new and innovative learning opportunities that will help build UAE’s fashion industry, and boost the presence of local designers in the Middle East and across the globe.”

Driven by a strong entrepreneurial and artistic spirit, H.E. Hend is the designer behind House of Hend, a luxury ready-to-wear line that showcases exquisitely designed abayas, evening gowns and contemporary wear that combine functionality with style. Her designs have been showcased in various fashion shows in the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Malaysia, France and Italy.

She is an artist at heart and has flourished as a painter further encouraging her to pursue a degree in architecture and a career as a fashion designer. H.E. Hend is also an established author and has published ‘The Black Book of Arabia’, a collection of real stories from around the Arab community. The book was launched in partnership with Bloomsbury Publishing Foundation in Qatar, and she is currently writing the second edition of the book.