Al Yamamah University and Institut Français de la Mode Sign Exclusive Strategic Academic Partnership in Fashion & Luxury Management
Paris, France, 24 August 2026
Al Yamamah University (YU) and Institut Français de la Mode (IFM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a long-term strategic academic partnership to advance fashion and luxury management education in Saudi Arabia.
The partnership builds on the Saudi Fashion Commission’s long-term collaboration with Institut Français de la Mode, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2024 that annouced the Strategic Partnership to advance fashion education and professional development in the Kingdom. Through this collaboration, the Fashion Commission has introduced world-class executive education opportunities for Saudi professionals and supported the launch of IFM’s first Riyadh track of its Executive MSc in Strategic Management of Fashion & Luxury, expanding access to internationally recognized fashion education within Saudi Arabia.
This new partnership between Al Yamamah University and IFM represents the next phase of that vision—bringing together one of Saudi Arabia’s leading private universities with one of the world’s foremost institutions in fashion and luxury education to build sustainable academic pathways that prepare the next generation of Saudi fashion leaders.
Under the agreement, YU and IFM become exclusive academic partners in Saudi Arabia for the development of Fashion & Luxury Management programs within the scope defined by the agreement.
The collaboration will begin in Fall 2026 with the launch of a Strategic Management in Fashion & Luxury Track within YU’s MBA and EMBA programs. Jointly developed and delivered by YU and IFM, the program combines internationally recognized academic excellence with the evolving needs of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing fashion and luxury sector.
The partnership may subsequently expand to additional academic programs, executive education and professional training. It reflects a shared ambition to develop Saudi talent, strengthen academic cooperation between France and Saudi Arabia, and contribute to the Kingdom’s fashion ecosystem in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
The signing took place in Paris at the French Ministry of Culture, in the presence of French Minister of Culture Catherine Pégard and senior representatives from both institutions.
Al Yamamah University representatives
· Khalid Mohammed Al-Khudair, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
· Abdulrahman Al Khudair, CEO
· Dr Ahmed Amer
· Dr Abdullah Alhussaini
· Raghad Balkhi
Institut Français de la Mode representatives
· Sidney Toledano, Chairman of the Board, Institut Français de la Mode and Advisor to LVMH Chairman
· Xavier Romatet, Dean, Institut Français de la Mode
· Sylvie Ebel, Vice-Dean, Institut Français de la Mode
· Dr Franck Delpal, Program Director, Institut Français de la Mode
· Dr Pascal Morand, Executive President, Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode
The agreement builds on the Fashion Commission’s strategic partnership with IFM, which has created new opportunities for Saudi professionals to access internationally recognized executive education while supporting the development of a world-class fashion ecosystem in the Kingdom. Most recently, the collaboration enabled the launch of IFM’s first Riyadh-based Executive MSc track, marking a significant milestone in bringing globally recognized postgraduate fashion education to Saudi Arabia.
As part of its mandate to develop Saudi Arabia’s fashion sector, the Fashion Commission identified the need for internationally recognized higher education pathways in fashion management and brought together Al Yamamah University and Institut Français de la Mode to establish this strategic collaboration. The Commission continues to provide sector expertise and market insights to help ensure the program reflects the evolving needs of the Kingdom’s fashion industry and supports the development of future leaders for the sector.
Burak Çakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, said:
“Developing a globally competitive fashion sector begins with investing in people. This partnership reflects the Fashion Commission’s commitment to building a world-class education ecosystem that equips Saudi talent with the knowledge, leadership skills and international perspectives needed to shape the future of fashion. By bringing together leading academic institutions from Saudi Arabia and France, we are creating sustainable pathways that will strengthen the Kingdom’s creative economy and support the ambitions of Vision 2030.”
About Al Yamamah University
Al Yamamah University is a private higher education institution based in Riyadh, offering undergraduate and graduate programs and committed to international academic standards and the development of talent aligned with the evolving needs of the Saudi economy.
About Institut Français de la Mode
Institut Français de la Mode is a leading Paris-based higher education institution dedicated to fashion, luxury and design, combining management, design and craftsmanship education with academic research and strong industry connections.
About the Fashion Commission
Established in 2020, the Saudi Fashion Commission leads the development of the Kingdom’s fashion sector by enabling investment, strengthening the industry’s regulatory and business environment, supporting talent development, and expanding education and professional training opportunities. Through strategic partnerships with leading international institutions and industry organizations, the Commission is building the capabilities needed to support a globally competitive Saudi fashion ecosystem while preserving and celebrating the Kingdom’s rich fashion heritage.
Together with the Ministry of Culture, the Fashion Commission is working to unlock a thriving cultural sector that preserves and elevates the traditions that make the Kingdom unique.
