The Saudi Fashion Commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MinervaHub S.p.A., a leading Italian industrial group specialized in advanced manufacturing and innovation for the fashion and luxury sector across leather goods, footwear, apparel, and accessories.

The agreement, signed in Riyadh, establishes a framework for collaboration to explore opportunities in developing advanced industrial capabilities, fostering knowledge exchange, and supporting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s fashion sector through specialized expertise in textiles, materials, and production technologies.

This collaboration reflects a shared ambition to build a more integrated and competitive fashion ecosystem in the Kingdom, spanning design, development, and manufacturing. It also aims to facilitate connections with relevant stakeholders and explore the potential establishment of local operations that contribute to the sector’s long-term growth.

“Building a globally competitive fashion sector requires strong industrial capabilities, technical knowledge, and long-term investment in innovation,” said Burak Cakmak, chief executive officer of the Saudi Fashion Commission. “Our collaboration with MinervaHub reflects a shared ambition to strengthen the manufacturing and production ecosystem in Saudi Arabia by connecting global expertise with local opportunity. Through partnerships like this, we are creating the foundations for a more integrated and future-facing fashion industry in the Kingdom.”

“We are honoured and excited to partner with the Saudi Fashion Commission in supporting the development of the Fashion ecosystem in this exceptionally growing market," said Alessandro Corsi, ceo of MinervaHub S.p.A. Group. "I am confident MinervaHub’s excellent know-how, combined with the KSA Fashion Commission’s extensive network of talents and the advanced infrastructure available at The Lab, will ensure the success of this ground-breaking initiative.”

The MoU outlines collaboration across business development, technical knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives to support local talent, explore innovative solutions, support potential expansion into Saudi Arabia, and enhance production capabilities at establishments such as The Lab, a state-of-the-art product development studio by the Fashion Commission, supporting local manufacturing through advanced production technologies and machinery.

This agreement builds on the Fashion Commission’s ongoing efforts to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for fashion by fostering strategic international partnerships and attracting specialized expertise. Through such collaborations, the Commission continues to enable a dynamic environment that supports investment, innovation, and the sustainable growth of the sector.