This week, Emirates Woman spoke to Amal Al Raisi, founder of her namesake Omani fashion house, known for their ready-to-wear timeless pieces.

Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.

Launched in 2006, the fashion label shed’s light on an array of classic silhouettes such as dresses, jumpsuits and kaftans, all reimagined with a modern twist. Transcending seasons, Amal Al Raisi is synonymous for its feminine aesthetic of timeless silhouettes and exquisite embellishments symbolising the women of today.

To delve into her journey as an entrepreneur, Emirates Woman sat down with Al Raisi to see how it all began.

What was your favourite subject at school?

My favourite subjects are History, Biology and Art.

What was your first job?

Training and development specialist at The Ministry of Commerce.

What brought you to Dubai?

I’m based in Oman, I have always been working with agencies in Dubai , and most of my business meeting with suppliers happen in Dubai.

What inspired you to enter the fashion space and launch your brand?

I always wanted to launch something that would make me different, it’s an industry with massive competition, so what better than having Oman as my inspiration, no one knows my culture and heritage better than me and that is my strength.

Talk us through the concept?

The concept is always rooted in storytelling. I build each collection around a narrative whether it’s Muscat’s role as a maritime hub, the resilience of its fortresses, or the elegance of a single flower. But I don’t stop at heritage; I evolve it with modern cuts, luxurious fabrics, and global sensibilities. That way, every piece feels distinctly Omani yet carries an international appeal. It reflects my larger vision: to put Oman on the fashion map by merging tradition with modernity.

What are the key elements of your role?

My role is multi-layered. I am not only the designer but also the entrepreneur behind the brand. I lead the creative vision while also managing strategy, collaborations, and partnerships that allow the brand to grow internationally. It’s about balancing artistry with business, ensuring that every decision strengthens both the identity of the brand and its future direction.

Talk us through your daily routine.

An important part of my role is also mentorship. Through the Fashion Future Programme, I guide and empower young Omani designers. I see it as my responsibility not only to create collections but also to contribute to the growth of the fashion industry in Oman. My role is about leading by example, building a brand while creating opportunities for others.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?

My advice would be to stay true to your identity and never lose sight of your roots. When I started, my vision was always to show the world the beauty of Oman through fashion, and that has guided me for almost two decades. The fashion industry is not always glamorous it takes discipline, resilience, and a lot of patience. You need to balance creativity with business, because building a brand is as much about strategy as it is about design. Surround yourself with the right people, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to dream big. Most importantly, remember that success is a journey. There will be highs and lows, but if your purpose is clear and your work carries authenticity, every challenge becomes part of the story you are creating.

Tell us more about the pieces?

At Amal Al Raisi, the pieces are more than clothes they are stories woven into fabric. Each collection blends modern silhouettes with elements drawn from Oman’s heritage, whether it’s the geometry of our architecture, the softness of our natural landscapes, or the craftsmanship of traditional embroidery. Our ready-to-wear line offers elegant, timeless pieces for women who want something refined yet wearable. Alongside that, we have a bridal line, children’s wear, Resort kaftans which is our most affordable line, and we are expanding into accessories such as bags, belts, and even perfumes to complete the lifestyle around the brand. Beyond the collections, we also offer something I believe is just as important: mentorship. Through the Fashion Future Programme, I work with young Omani designers to help them grow their skills and prepare for the industry. So, it’s not only about creating beautiful pieces but also about building a sustainable ecosystem for fashion in Oman.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever received was to never compromise on my identity. Early in my career, I was told that if I wanted to be recognized internationally, I should design in a way that would ‘fit in.’ But I chose the opposite I built my brand on celebrating Oman and showing the world our heritage through fashion. That advice , to stay authentic, to be confident in who you are has guided me through every collection, every challenge, and every opportunity. It reminds me that originality and purpose are what make a brand timeless.

And what is the worst?

The worst advice I ever got was to slow down and ‘wait until the time is right.’ If I had waited for the perfect moment, I don’t think I’d have ever started. Sometimes you just have to begin and figure it out along the way.

What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?

COVID was the toughest challenge, but it taught me to adapt, stay resilient, and reimagine how my brand connects with the world.

What’s lies ahead for the brand?

What lies ahead is more than just the growth of my brand , it’s about building an ecosystem for fashion in Oman. In 2026, I’ll be celebrating 20 years of Amal Al Raisi, but I’m equally proud to be the founder of Muscat Fashion Week , which will place Oman firmly on the global fashion map. Alongside that, the Fashion Future Programme will continue to mentor and empower the next generation of Omani designers, ensuring that our creative industry grows sustainably. For me, the future is about expanding internationally while also creating platforms at home that inspire, educate, and open doors for others.

– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram

Images: Supplied