April 24, 2025 – Dubai, UAE — The 5th edition of The EMIGALA Fashion & Beauty Awards illuminated the skyline of Dubai on April 22 and 23, transforming the iconic rooftop terrace of Jumeirah Emirates Towers into a sanctuary of style, innovation, and cultural brilliance. With the futuristic silhouette of the Museum of the Future standing tall in the background, this milestone edition delivered two nights of awe-inspiring glamour and global celebration.
The festivities commenced on April 22 with a powerful Opening Ceremony and Panel Discussion, moderated by the charismatic Jessica Bounni. A curated panel of fashion’s brightest luminaries — including Fausto Puglisi, Heart Evangelista, Rami Kadi, Nicolas Mouawad, Hala Al Turk, Tima Abid, and more — shared insights on the shifting paradigms of fashion and beauty across continents and generations. The evening concluded with an intimate networking soiree at Mi Amie, setting a vibrant tone for what was to come.
April 23 – A Night of Stardom, Red Carpet Royalty, and Industry Triumphs
On April 23, the celebration soared to cinematic heights as the EMIGALA Red Carpet unfurled, captivating audiences worldwide. Broadcast live across 10 major television channels and streamed exclusively on X MENA, the arrival of guests turned the venue into a kaleidoscope of couture and charisma.
The carpet was co-hosted by dynamic media figures Janeen Mansour, Mayssa Assaf, and Saim Ali, who welcomed fashion’s elite and captured unforgettable style moments. Standout looks dominated social media within minutes: Marina Ruy Barbosa stunned in a vintage Georges Chakra, Yara Bou Monsef dazzled in Antoine El Kareh, and Heart Evangelista mesmerized in a custom-made bronze gown by Micheal Cinco to walk the Red Carpet and a pearl white crystallized evening gown by Michael Leyva for the award ceremony, an ensemble a story of elegance, heritage, and high fashion.
The Official Awards Ceremony followed with magnetic energy, hosted by digital storyteller and content creator Yara Bou Monsef, whose presence added a modern twist to the evening’s timeless glamour. The ceremony opened with an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Michel Daher, visionary Founder and President of The EMIGALA, who spoke passionately about the power of fashion to transcend borders and elevate voices around the world.
of The EMIGALA
A powerful musical tribute followed—an emotionally charged homage to Elvis Presley, the eternal King of Style and Rock ‘n’ Roll. The performance by acclaimed singer Gilbert Simon, accompanied by virtuoso Emirati pianist Ahmed Al Hashemi, brought the audience to its feet, blending nostalgia with regional artistry in a moving tribute to timeless icons.
The Award Winners – Global Icons and Groundbreaking Creators
The EMIGALA Awards honored individuals and brands that have redefined industry standards and driven innovation with purpose, passion, and panache. The list of winners read like a hall of fame for the creative world:
- Rami Kadi – Arab Couture Designer of the Year
- Fausto Puglisi (on behalf of Roberto Cavalli) – Fashion Legacy Award
- Heart Evangelista – Global Fashion Influencer of the Year
- Pritika Swarup – Global Beauty Influencer of the Year
- Ralph Lauren – Innovative Brand of the Year
- Armani Beauty – Fragrance Brand of the Year
- Dipesh Depala, The Qode – Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year
- Lancôme – Beauty Legacy Award
- Lady Madonna – Lifetime Achievement Award
- Marina Ruy Barbosa – Global Fashion Icon of the Year
- Manuel Arnaut – Fashion Journalist of the Year
- Salma Ben Omar – Caftan Designer of the Year
- Tima Abid – Fashion Innovator Award
- Ola Farahat – Arab Fashion Influencer of the Year
- Laila Aziz – Creative Designer of the Year
- Twins Hadban & Yusur Al Khalidi – Stars of the Night
The Artist in Fashion Award honored multidimensional talents who seamlessly bridge the world of entertainment and fashion, including Bassma Bousil, Nicolas Mouawad, Hala Al Turk, and Arash—each celebrated for their unique aesthetic influence.
An Unforgettable Finale and Industry Unity
The second day concluded with a glamorous After-Party at La Cantine du Faubourg, where winners and guests alike toasted to success, style, and solidarity. The atmosphere pulsed with joy and elegance as attendees celebrated their shared love for creativity and cultural expression in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
A Global Celebration Powered by Visionary Partners
The 5th EMIGALA would not have been possible without the support of visionary sponsors and partners. From hospitality to media, these collaborators added invaluable strength to the event’s execution and global reach:
Jumeirah Emirates Towers, 7 Production, Turkish Airlines, Intercontinental Dubai Festival City, Fujifilm Instax, Genesis, X MENA, Crystal Rose, and Upgrade DS all played a vital role in transforming the awards into an international sensation.
Follow the Glamour
To relive the magic, explore behind-the-scenes moments, and stay updated on future editions, follow @theemigala on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Experience the global heartbeat of fashion and beauty, as EMIGALA continues to inspire, uplift, and revolutionize the world of style.
Waves and runways 