Archives 2026

Natuf Café Onboards Milind Soman as Cultural Ambassador to Champion Clean Levantine QSR Vision

EBG Group’s Natuf Café brings Milind Soman on board as cultural ambassador to drive its clean Levantine QSR vision through his fitness philosophy

Feb 11: EBG Group, a fast-growing multi-sector organisation with interests across Mobility, Health, Realty, Lifestyle, Food, Services, Technology, and Education, has announced the next phase of growth for its flagship food and beverage brand, Natuf Café, by appointing fitness icon, actor, and wellness advocate Milind Soman as its cultural and lifestyle ambassador. Known for his long-standing commitment to clean living, endurance, and mindful nutrition, Soman’s philosophy closely mirrors Natuf Café’s approach to Levantine cuisine rooted in Middle Eastern food traditions, where fresh ingredients, balanced flavours, and sustainable choices come together without compromise.

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The association marks a significant milestone as Natuf Café accelerates its ambition to build one of India’s most progressive Levantine quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains, offering protein-rich, low-carb, low-fat, and low-sugar meals through a plastic-free, sustainability-first ecosystem. Positioned at the intersection of global flavours and mindful nutrition, Natuf Café is redefining how India consumes fast food. Together, Natuf Café and Milind Soman champion the belief that clean, nutritious eating is no longer niche or aspirational—but mainstream, accessible, and culturally relevant for today’s urban consumer.

As part of its expansion roadmap, Natuf Café will scale across corporate-owned outlets, franchise formats, cloud kitchens, and exclusive retail cafés, catering to India’s growing population of young, urban, and wellness-conscious consumers. The brand aims to establish over 100 outlets nationwide by the end of 2026, spanning both company-owned and exclusive partner locations.

Commenting on the association, Hari Kiran, Co-founder & COO, EBG Group, said,

 “Milind Soman embodies the values we stand for at EBG—discipline, authenticity, and conscious living. Natuf Café is not just expanding as a QSR brand; it is building a movement around better food choices that respect people, the planet, and long-term well-being. Over the next year, EBG Group plans to invest between ₹35 lakh and ₹1.25 crore per outlet, supporting rapid retail development across key Indian cities.”

Amer Juneidi, Founder & Managing Director, Natuf, said,

“For me, Natuf has always been about sharing heritage, culture, and honest food. Partnering with Milind Soman feels natural because he represents integrity and mindful living. As we scale Levantine cuisine across India, we remain committed to authenticity, nutrition, and sustainability in every meal.”

Speaking on the partnership, Milind Soman said,

“What attracted me to Natuf Café is its simplicity and honesty. The food is rooted in tradition, naturally nutritious, and aligned with how people want to eat today—without excess or compromise. I’m glad to associate with a brand that is making healthy, sustainable food part of everyday life.”

Natuf Café differentiates itself from conventional QSR brands by offering wholesome Levantine-inspired meals that balance bold global flavours with nutrition and wellness. From colourful hummus bowls and protein-packed wraps to fresh, low-sugar offerings, each outlet operates with a plastic-free supply chain, reinforcing EBG Group’s People–Planet–Profit philosophy.

 Formula Group secures strategic investment from Japan’s Relo Group

New Delhi, Feb 11: Formula Group, a leading Relocation Management company, has entered into a strategic partnership with Relo Group Inc Japan, with them acquiring a significant minority stake in the company. This partnership is a significant milestone in Formula Group’s growth and global expansion strategy.

The partnership brings together Formula Group’s strong market presence in India, deep operational expertise, and customer-focused solutions with Relo Group’s global experience and strategic capabilities. The collaboration was concluded with Grant Thornton supporting as the exclusive financial advisor to Formula Group.

This will strengthen and enhance Formula Group’s position in the employee mobility & corporate relocation segment in India, while enabling Relo Group to accelerate growth in the rapidly growing Indian market.

Commenting on the partnership, Ankit Ahuja, Partner, Grant Thornton Bharat, added,

“This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the employee mobility segment. The collaboration will further strengthen Formula Group’s leadership in relocation and integrated corporate mobility by leveraging Relo Group’s strong global footprint and deep expertise in the Japanese market. At the same time, Relo Group gains a significant boost in the rapidly growing Indian market through Formula Group’s established brand presence and proven operational excellence.”

ITC Windsor Curates an Enchanting Valentine’s Evening with a Thoughtfully Crafted Culinary Experience

Bengaluru, Feb 11: As twilight descends, ITC Windsor invites couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day in an atmosphere of romance, elegance, and refined indulgence. With warm ambient lighting, graceful surroundings, and a specially curated menu, the hotel sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable evening of togetherness.

ITC Windsor - VDay2026

Designed as a seamless culinary journey, the Valentine’s experience blends alfresco charm, poolside warmth, and classic indoor sophistication — offering guests a romantic setting that transitions effortlessly through mood and flavour.

The evening begins with the comforting warmth of Asian Hot Pot and the bold, enticing flavours of Stir-Fried Seafood in Black Bean Sauce. Fragrant grills and soulful preparations follow, encouraging slow conversations and shared moments. The menu further delights with refined favourites such as Spinach and Ricotta Dumplings, Mustard Baked Fish, and Kentucky-Style Fried Chicken — thoughtfully balancing delicate nuances with hearty indulgence.

The celebration concludes on a sweet note with Strawberry Verde, a luscious medley of fresh berries and velvety cream. Adding a distinctive touch is the Strawberry Almond Coriander Delight, where nutty crunch and gentle aromatics meet ripe strawberry sweetness — creating a memorable finale to a night dedicated to love.

With its elegant setting and carefully curated flavours, ITC Windsor promises a Valentine’s celebration that is intimate, indulgent, and truly unforgettable.

Balrampur Chini Mills Limited Announces Q3 & 9M FY26 Financial Results

Balrampur Chini Mills Limited has announced its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025.

Strong Operational Performance in Q3 FY26

BCML delivered a healthy performance during the quarter, reporting improved distillery volumes and better realizations in the sugar segment.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Vivek Saraogi, Chairman and Managing Director, Balrampur Chini Mills Limited, said:

“During the quarter, the sugar segment delivered strong performance, driven by improved realizations despite the increase in SAP of sugarcane from Rs. 370 per quintal to Rs. 400 per quintal, which led to higher production costs.

The distillery segment delivered stable performance driven by higher volumes. However, the absence of revision in ethanol prices resulted in a decline in margins.

Sugarcane crushing during the quarter was approximately 8.4% higher at 387.6 lakh quintals owing to the early start of a few plants and better capacity utilization. Gross sugar recovery (C-heavy terms) improved marginally by 8 basis points to 10.63%. Despite a decline in sugarcane area, crushing for the Company is expected to be higher due to additional area allotted by the State Government.”

India’s net sugar production (post diversion to ethanol) is estimated at 28.8 MMT, up approximately 10.3% from 26.1 MMT in the previous season. The Government has announced an export quota of 1.5 MMT for the season. Considering domestic consumption and exports at 29.2 MMT, closing stock is expected to be around 4.6 MMT as on September 30, 2026, indicating a drawdown from last year’s opening inventory of 5 MMT.

On the policy front, concerns regarding ethanol imports from the US for blending have eased following the trade deal. However, the pending revision in domestic ethanol prices continues to remain an overhang. Despite a significant increase of approximately 16.4% in sugarcane FRP and operational costs, ethanol prices under the Juice and B-Heavy routes have not been revised since ESY 2022-23. The Company emphasized t

Broken Glass Injuries on Goa Beaches Renew Focus on Deposit Refund Scheme

Panaji, Feb 11:  Last year, numerous beachgoers went back home carrying memories of injuries from broken glass bits littered on Goa’s sunny beaches. In January alone this year, two cases were reported wherein people had to be administered first aid by lifesavers after suffering cuts from broken glass strewn along the popular North Goa shoreline.

The injuries, recorded across multiple beaches, underline a recurring safety concern linked to discarded glass bottles according to Drishti Marine, the state – appointed lifesaving agency.

“The issue of glass litter is a challenge for tourists and citizens alike. For a tourist destination and any healthy functioning society, it is imperative to address this issue,” says Carlos Souza, convenor of the Confederation of Indian Industries’ Goa panel on Tourism.

Data sourced from Drishti Marine, the Goa government-appointed beach safety agency, shows that injuries linked to broken glass were reported in 2025 from Anjuna, Arambol, Baga, Benaulim, Calangute, Colva and Palolem. In 2024, similar cases were recorded across Betalbatim, Morjim, Velsao, Baina and Palolem.

For those whose livelihoods depend on the beach, the pattern is familiar. “Tourists take bottles on the beach, they drink, they bury them, sometimes they litter, sometimes they break them,” says Cruz Cardoz, president of the Shack Owners Association. “Later, people step on it. A lot of people cut their feet.”

Cardoz suggests that a deposit scheme for bottles sold near beaches may well be the answer. “Right now, nobody keeps a deposit,” he says. “If you sell a bottle and tell the person to keep a deposit and take it back once the bottle is returned, people will bring it back.”

That logic mirrors the thinking behind the state government’s Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS), currently being rolled out by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Goa. Under the scheme, consumers pay a refundable deposit at the point of purchase, which is returned when the empty container, including glass bottles, is brought back to an authorised collection point.

Dr Anthony de Sa, who heads the DRS Scheme Administrator Committee, stated that the DRS scheme was shaped to include waste that does not get collected when discarded, because of its low re-sale value – such as multi-layered plastic (MLP) . “While a significant amount of waste is being managed, especially materials with clear monetary value, such as PET bottles and beer bottles, low-value waste, such as chips and chocolate wrappers and juice cartons, is largely left behind. These materials were difficult to collect, costly to transport and generated little revenue, yet they are disastrous for the environment,” he said.

Explaining the approach, de Sa said that it was important to have a comprehensive approach, in which high value as well as low value waste were both collected, and internal cross-subsidies leveraged. “The objective is to incentivise return at source, not to deal with the material after it enters drains, beaches or public areas,” he said, adding that the DRS, while incentivising waste collectors, was also aiming to drive at a social behavioural change towards waste disposal by consumers, and packaging by manufacturers.

Carlos Souza believes measures like the DRS are necessary if Goa wants to protect both residents and visitors from the menace of glass litter. “Glass litter is a threat to safety. It affects how tourists experience Goa and how residents use public spaces,” he says.

According to Anthony Fernandes, who runs the Roma Cafe beach shack shared how glass litter finds its way into the sand especially at night, when groups of domestic tourists drink on the beach and leave the garbage behind. “Even in the water there are glass bottles and people get cuts,” Fernandes says.

Odysse Electric Strengthens Leadership; Appoints Industry Veteran Sudhir Goel as Co-founder

New Delhi; Feb 11: Odysse Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s fastest-growing premium electric two-wheeler manufacturers, today announced a significant evolution in its leadership structure with the appointment of Sudhir Goel as Co-founder. This strategic move underscores the company’s transition into a more robust, professionally run organisation designed to capture the next phase of growth in the Indian EV revolution and green mobility.

Sudhir Goel

By bringing aboard Mr. Goel, a seasoned leader with over 28 years of experience spanning in the automotive, engineering, and electric vehicle sectors, the company aims to institutionalize its operations and drive sustainable, long-term value for stakeholders. Mr. Goel is a proven strategist, business leader and has successfully scaled ventures from inception to profitability and launched breakthrough products in electric mobility. His distinguished career includes leadership roles at Ford Motor Company in Japan, Jay Ace Technologies (a JP Minda Group company) as CEO, and Greenfuel Energy Solutions as President – Lithium Batteries, followed by his work as an independent consultant guiding EV companies in scaling their operations.

The appointment of Sudhir Goel as Co-Founder emphasizes Odysse Electric’s commitment to building a corporate structure that balances entrepreneurial agility with world-class professional management. In his new role, Mr. Goel will focus on Operational Excellence – streamlining supply chain and manufacturing processes to meet the growing demand and Strategic Expansion – strengthening Odysse Electric’s retail footprint.

Nemin Vora, Founder & CEO, Odysse Electric Vehicles said,

“Odysse Electric is no longer just new startup; we are a significant player in the national mobility conversation. The appointment of Sudhir Goel as Co-Founder is a testament to our evolution. His professional pedigree and track record will provide the structural backbone we need to drive long-term growth.”

On his appointment, Sudhir Goel, stated,

 “I am excited to join Odysse at this pivotal stage. The company has built a strong foundation with innovative products and a clear vision. I look forward to leveraging my experience to scale operations, strengthen the EV ecosystem, and drive Odysse towards becoming a significant player in the sustainable mobility revolution.”

With the expansion of the leadership team, Nemin Vora, Founder and CEO of Odysse Electric, will continue to lead the brand’s vision and product development in close association with co-founder Sudhir Goel. This strategic leadership enhancement positions Odysse to solidify its market presence, optimize its supply chain, and explore new avenues for growth, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and innovative mobility solutions.

Atmosphere Core Secures A Triple Win At Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025

Maldives, Feb 11: Atmosphere Core closes 2025 on a high note, earning three major honours at the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025 for RAAYA by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi, and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi. The recognition underscores the group’s ability to deliver clearly differentiated resort experiences for diverse audiences, while maintaining a consistent focus on quality, comfort, and guest satisfaction across its portfolio.

Atmosphere x Layalina Editors Choice Awards

At the awards, RAAYA by Atmosphere was named Best New Luxury Resort of the Year – Maldives, while Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives received the title of Best All-Inclusive Luxury Resort, and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi was recognised as Most Stylish Resort – Maldives. These awards are based on Layalina’s independent editorial evaluation and key quality benchmarks, celebrating excellence across luxury, all-inclusive hospitality, and lifestyle-driven design. Layalina is a leading Arab lifestyle publication under 7awi Media Group, with strong influence across the GCC and region. Together, these wins highlight Atmosphere Core’s understanding of modern travel expectations, offering experiences that are thoughtful, well-crafted, and effortless to enjoy, whether guests seek tranquillity, variety, or social energy.

Each of the awarded resorts contributes a distinct personality to the portfolio. RAAYA by Atmosphere, located in the Raa Atoll, is characterised by its tranquil setting and castaway-artist concept, inviting guests to slow down, immerse themselves in nature, adventure, and reconnect at their own pace. Atmosphere Kanifushi continues to stand out for its scale and consistency, delivering a generous all-inclusive experience through the Kanifushi Plan™, its expansive villas, and a long, natural island that appeals equally to families and couples. In contrast, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi offers a more energetic island escape, with contemporary design and a vibrant social atmosphere that resonates with travellers who value shared spaces, movement, and modern styling. Together, these accolades reflect a thoughtfully curated portfolio designed to cater to a wide range of travel moods and preferences with equal care and attention.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core, said:

“We are truly honoured to receive the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025, recognising RAAYA by Atmosphere as Best New Luxury Resort of the Year, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives as Best All-Inclusive Luxury Resort, and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi as Most Stylish Resort. This recognition reflects our thoughtfully curated experiences, rooted in genuine care and a strong sense of product and space. These awards are a testament to the passion and commitment of our teams, as well as the continued trust of our guests. They inspire us to consistently deliver meaningful and distinctive hospitality experiences across the Maldives.”

At the heart of these achievements is Atmosphere Core’s philosophy of the Joy of Giving, where hospitality is shaped by care, generosity, and attention to detail. This ethos shapes destinations that feel deeply connected to their surroundings and inspires bespoke experiences that anticipate guests needs. Each stay is welcoming, effortless, and personal, creating meaningful moments that uplift, restore, and leave a lasting impression beyond the journey.

IIT Delhi opens admissions for its Online PG Diploma in Healthcare Product Development and Management

Feb 11: The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has announced admissions for the second batch of its Online Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Product Development and Management. Offered by the Centre for Biomedical Engineering, IIT Delhi, the programme delivers a multidisciplinary learning experience spanning biomedical innovation, regulatory science, commercialisation strategy and product management. Through a carefully designed curriculum, it enables learners to build the capabilities required to translate healthcare solutions into market-ready products.

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The 12-month Online Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Product Development and Management suits professionals and aspiring specialists across the healthcare product ecosystem, whether they work in biotechnology research, healthcare entrepreneurship, medical technology or regulatory functions. The programme builds role-ready competencies for careers in biotech, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, healthcare IT and digital health innovation. It also strengthens foundational understanding of human anatomy and disease pathways to inform product conceptualisation, develops practical knowledge of materials and mechatronics for healthcare applications and sharpens the ability to evaluate emerging research directions and innovation opportunities in healthcare product development.

India’s healthcare sector continues to expand rapidly, driven by population density, access gaps and an accelerating push towards technology-led delivery. Estimates indicate India requires 2.4 million additional hospital beds, translating into approximately 2 billion square feet of healthcare infrastructure to move towards global standards. Brickwork Ratings has projected that India’s hospital sector could reach USD 202.5 billion by 2030, from an estimated USD 122.30 billion in 2025, supported by rising demand, private investment, government initiatives and the adoption of technologies such as AI and telemedicine. AI’s share of the healthcare market is projected to exceed 30% by 2030, up from approximately 15% currently. In parallel, the wearable medical devices market is projected to grow to USD 184.75 billion by 2033, from USD 42.1 billion in 2024, propelled by consumer adoption, healthcare digitalisation, and intelligent monitoring technologies.

Speaking on the announcement of the second batch Prof. Arnab Chanda, Programme Coordinator, IIT Delhi said,

 “India’s healthcare growth demands professionals who can build products with scientific depth and real-world viability. This diploma trains learners to move from unmet clinical needs to validate, compliant and commercially scalable solutions. We bring together engineering, clinical perspective and product strategy through rigorous coursework, practical projects and expert-led teaching, so participants can deliver innovations that stand up to regulatory and market expectations.”

Graduates, postgraduates and working professionals with BE/BTech/BCA/BIT in any engineering discipline or equivalent, BSc (or equivalent) in life sciences and related basic sciences, and MBBS, BDS, BPharm or allied disciplines can apply. The programme also considers professionals from healthcare, biomedical, biotech or related industries with BE/BTech/BSc/Diploma in Engineering/MBA/MCA qualifications. Participants can pursue roles such as Healthcare Product Manager, Medical Technology Consultant, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Health Data Analyst, among others.

The year-long programme includes 450+ hours of learning, comprising 200 hours of live online sessions, 120 hours of practical work and projects and a two-day campus immersion. The curriculum spans 18 academic credits across two semesters and includes eight modules, covering topics such as Mechanics of Biomaterials, Biofabrication, Research Techniques in Biomedical Engineering, Soft Tissue Characterisation and Applications, Healthcare Wearables Design and Applications, and Healthcare Entrepreneurship and Management, among others. Learners also work with tools such as Pick 3D Printer, AutoCAD, and UX/UI platforms.

Delivered by IIT Delhi faculty and industry experts, including eminent healthcare industry experts, the programme runs through live, interactive online classes and combines academic rigour with practical application. Participants engage in real-time simulations, case-based analyses and hands-on projects, with an optional two-day campus immersion designed to deepen peer learning and professional exchange. On successful completion, learners receive Affiliate Alumni Status.

OPPO India elevates after-sales experience with Service Center 3.0 Pro

New Delhi, Feb 11:  Reaffirming its commitment to customer-centric innovation, OPPO India today announced the introduction of Service Center 3.0 Pro, the next generation after-sales network designed to further enrich the ownership experience for today’s modern-day users. With 29 premium centres already operational, OPPO aims to bring 110 new centers across India in 2026.

Transperant service

Going beyond conventional repair and support, Service Center 3.0 Pro delivers a hassle-free service experience that prioritises comfort, transparency, and operational efficiency. The upgraded format integrates digital check-in and real-time queue updates to reduce wait times, supported by dynamic digital signage that provides continuous, clear communication throughout the visit. Customers also benefit from face-to-face repair and servicing for their devices, ensuring clarity, authenticity, and a more informed service interaction.

The new centres feature a refreshed visual identity that creates a cleaner, more welcoming first impression. The layout has been streamlined with clearly defined service zones and comfortable lounge areas for easy navigation. Smarter use of space introduces multi-purpose work points to improve efficiency without compromising comfort. The centres also include a dedicated product experience zone, allowing users to explore devices hands-on, along with a gaming zone to make waiting more enjoyable. These centers are already operational across 18 states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi NCR, Kerala, and other key markets, with expansion continuing nationwide.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Goldee Patnaik, Head of Communications, OPPO India, said:

“Customer expectations continue to guide how we evolve our service strategy at OPPO India. With a nationwide network of service centers, we stay closely connected to what our users need from after-sales support. Their message has been consistent: service must be faster, more transparent and supported by simple, technology-led processes. These next-generation centers are built for modern-day users who value efficiency, clarity and a consistent premium experience across touchpoints. As we scale this upgraded format across the country, our focus remains the same—every improvement starts with what our customers tell us.”

OPPO continues to strengthen its consumer commitment through a robust network of over 570+ service centers across 500+ cities, offering support in 19 languages. Free pick-up and drop for repairs, along with a 24-hour turnaround time, remain key pillars of OPPO’s service promise, reinforcing its dedication to a seamless and premium after-sales experience. These initiatives ensure minimal downtime, delivering fast, reliable, and hassle-free support to users nationwide.

Technology-Led Efficiency, Human-Centric Care

Aligned with the Government of India’s Right to Repair initiative, OPPO India provides a Self-Help Assistant accessible via social media platforms (X, Facebook, Instagram), YouTube, website videos, and the MyOPPO App, enabling users to troubleshoot independently.

Support also includes AI-powered chatbots, IVR voice bots, and a multilingual hotline in nine languages—Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Malayalam, and Kannada—operating from 9 AM to 10 PM daily, including public holidays.

Find and Reno users enjoy priority support through Premium Queue registration. Service benchmarks include a six-hour email turnaround time, a two-hour social media response time, 92% of calls answered within 20 seconds, and 97% of chats responded to within 20 seconds.

Building Relationships Beyond Repairs

OPPO India strengthens long-term ownership value through service-led engagement. Service Days are celebrated from the 10th to 12th of every month, offering free refreshments, phone cleaning, software updates, screen guards, phone back covers, and attractive repair discounts.

Find and Reno series users receive additional benefits, including complimentary phone covers and screen guards twice a year. Customers can also opt for OPPO Care Protection Plans, available with select new device offers or for separate purchase, covering one-time screen replacement, extended warranty, and protection against accidental and liquid damage.

Niti Gupta Returns with Season 7 of AFRA World Fashion Confluence

Internationally Acclaimed Fashion Curator Niti Gupta Is Back with Season Seven of Her Marque Showcase – The AFRA World Fashion Confluence

In an ever-evolving global fashion landscape, Niti Gupta continues to stand apart as a visionary curator and strategic force, shaping meaningful opportunities for designers across geographies. Her flair for spotting emerging talent, refined branding expertise and deep industry insight have distinguished her platform, The AFRA World as one of the most luxurious and holistic fashion experiences globally.


Niti-Gupta

With over 27 years of experience within the fashion industry, Niti has mastered the art of identifying designers at crucial inflection points in their creative journeys, bringing them into her fold and working alongside them to elevate their brand identity. Moving beyond spotting potential, her knack for strategically moulding emerging talent for international markets is her greatest strength and her most formidable contribution to the world of fashion. Her influence goes beyond curating collections – instead, she curates brand journeys, working closely with designers on ideation, storytelling, visual identity, positioning and long-term scalability.

The AFRA World was born in response to a critical gap that Niti perceived within the fashion ecosystem: while talent is abundant, the access, direction and global visibility that this talent needs to reach their true potential remains elusive. Thus, The Afra World Fashion Confluence was conceived as far more than a runway platform; it is a 360-degree fashion incubator, an immersive accelerator where creativity meets commerce, design is supported by strategy and emerging designers are offered vital exposure to a respected luxury platform.

Over the years, The AFRA World events have evolved into multi-sensory fashion experiences. Each season is thoughtfully curated to reflect not just global trends, but local cultural nuances, ensuring relevance and resonance across markets. From high-impact runway showcases and luxurious venues to buyer interactions, retail explorations, panel discussions and knowledge-sharing forums, every element is designed to create sustained value for designers beyond the spotlight.

What sets The AFRA World apart is its emphasis on experience-led luxury. Designers are introduced to a refined platform where presentation, ambience, audience curation and storytelling come together seamlessly. These events offer a rare opportunity for designers to engage with buyers, media, stylists and fashion stakeholders in an environment that encourages dialogue, collaboration and lasting relationships.

With Dubai as its nucleus, The AFRA World mirrors the city’s role as a global melting pot of cultures, commerce, and creativity. This strategic base has enabled the platform to foster strong international ties while providing designers vital access to new markets and global audiences. Under Niti’s guidance, designers—especially those from emerging fashion markets—have successfully adapted their collections for international sensibilities while retaining their unique creative identities.

Season after season, global brands such as Iqbal Hussain, Preeti Kler, Jafer Jafry, House of Tuhina, Kokommo, Nergisse and Veera, Mina Siddique, MOH by Meera, SJON, and Lagos Shirt Factory have leveraged their debut at The AFRA World to achieve significant growth. Niti’s strategic marketing, innovative styling and visionary branding direction for debut designers have helped them to build stronger portfolios, compelling visual narratives and elevate their brand presence—laying the foundation for expansion into new markets and platforms.

Speaking about her approach, Niti Gupta shares:

“The AFRA World Fashion Confluence is designed as an ecosystem, not an event. Our 360-degree approach and experience ensure designers walk away with more than exposure—they gain insight, access and a roadmap for longevity, as well as an elevated brand identity.”

As Season 7 unfolds, Niti Gupta remains deeply committed to nurturing talent and fostering global collaborations. Her long-term vision is to build a fashion ecosystem that is creative yet strategic, luxurious yet purposeful—one that consistently empowers designers to grow, evolve and claim their place on the world stage.

Through The AFRA World Fashion Confluence, Niti Gupta continues to redefine the length and breadth of what fashion platforms can be: immersive, inclusive and truly transformational. The upcoming season of THE AFRA World Fashion Confluence is slated for September 2026.