International Apparel & Textile Fair – Dubai

International Apparel & Textile Fair – Dubai

International Apparel & Textile Fair – Dubai

The International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) is one the dedicated events to promote the apparel  and textile sector in Dubai & UAE. The event acts as a one-stop platform to showcase the latest developments and emerging technology trends in the apparel and textile and industry. The event also provides a platform to trade the apparel products during the event.


The 8th edition of the International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) took place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 24th April to 26th April 2018. IATF oversaw more than 3,000 visitors participating along with 140 brands  that exhibited textile and apparel products from 25 different countries.

The event played an important role in gathering professionals and decision makers from Apparel, Accessories & Trims, Fabrics, Home Textiles, Machineries and Printing Studios to connect and exchange the knowledge of the industry. The event also provided an opportunity for the buyers, distributors and designers to view and purchase a wide range of textiles from the renowned brands in the industry.

International Apparel & Textile Fair – Event Highlights

The three days event was organized by Nihalani Events Management Company in Dubai. The event speakers included industry experts, CEOs and designers. The Exhibitors were mainly from India, UK, China, Japan, Taiwan, Turkey, Hong Kong, Thailand. According to the reports published by ITAF, there was an increase in the number of visitors to the event by 44% and an increase in exhibitors by 27% compared to the previous editions.

Both International brands and SMEs in the industry had an opportunity to display their products in the event. Some of the Brands that exhibited their products were:

  • Raymond
  • Aide Collection
  • Almodo
  • Atelier Natanski
  • Changi Sheng
  • WellFort Textile Solutions

Several exhibitors suggested that they were highly satisfied with the turnout of the event and they were able to close several deals in the given time. They also suggested that they were able to learn and educate themselves on the latest trends and technologies that are prevalent in the fashion industry. The overall event was highly successful.

Wujiang Tanqiu Yuanfeng Weaving Factory based in China, displayed the latest fabrics that are trending in the industry such as satin fabric, oxford fabric, nylon fabric, silk blend fabrics etc. Qingdao Henghengtai a printing technology displayed their full core high speed digital printing machine which highly effective, precise and less time consuming.

Investment Opportunities in UAE & Dubai’s Retail Sector

With the rising consumer spending power of residents and the increasing flux of tourists to the Dubai and UAE, the country’s retail sector is regarded as one of the fastest growing sectors. Dubai in particular is the major contributor to the UAE’s retail sector with more than 49 per cent of the retail stock held by the Emirate.

According to Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the total consumer spending for the year 2017 was estimated at Dh 723 billion which is expected to reach Dh 958 billion by 2021, growing at a CAGR of 7.5 per cent. Experts believe that Dubai’s retail sector has great potential to further grow in the future.

UAE is now becoming the world’s leading center for textile industry automation with the presence of about 200 apparel manufacturing companies. Accounting for about 5.5 per cent of the world’s annual textile and clothing sales, the UAE has today become the world’s fourth largest trading center of fashion and apparel.

Furthermore, Dubai has taken several initiatives in order to promote the textile industry in the Emirate. A dedicated free zone has been allocated for the textile industry (Dubai Textile City). Which provide 100 per cent ownership for the investment in textile sector in the free zone. The rising number of malls and the expected 3.5 million resident population (Dubai) by 2020 continues to provide an ideal platform for investment in the Dubai and UAE’s apparel and textile sector.


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