Dubai Autumn/Winter fashion week cancelled for now

The cancellation of Dubai's Autumn/Winter Fashion Week, which should have started this weekend, could have a major impact on the region's fashion industry, designers have warned.

The event, held twice a year to showcase collections for the season ahead, had been accused of being more of a social occasion than a serious trade event.

While organisers now have more time to plan for the October shows, designers are looking at a lost season and model agencies have spent money making bookings they have now had to cancel.

Howard Johnson reports from Dubai.