6th edition of IATF received tremendous support from apparel and textile manufacturers

The 6^th edition of International Apparel and Textile Fair (IATF) had received tremendous support from apparel and textile manufacturers in the country and worldwide. The three-day event that took place from 8^th to 10^th April 2017 was inaugurated by H.E Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, Second Vice-Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre on 8^th April at 10:30 am at Zabeel Hall 1, Dubai World Trade Centre.

With more than 100 exhibitors from various countries around the world who participated in the fair, IATF has once again proven its status as UAE’s exclusive sourcing fair for textiles and clothing. IATF attracts some of the world’s largest manufacturers of fabrics and leading print design studios. Exhibitors were mainly from Turkey, China, Italy, Spain, India, UK and many more.

The fair provides manufacturers and their agents the opportunity to showcase their products to the most influential buyers and designers in the UAE fashion sphere. The event further offers buyers, distributors and designers the opportunity to view a wide range of textiles from the most prestigious global mills.

The 6^th edition of International Apparel and Textile Fair had attracted 2980 buyers who were mainly from the UAE and GCC region. A number of visitors came all the way from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait and Qatar. Other buyers came from all across Asia, African countries, Europe, the USA and Australia.

International industry professionals from prestigious organizations and companies namely Wrap Compliance, Right Source, Sin – Style Innovation and Heliozid Oce Emirates had spoken in a series of talks during these three days. Relevant information on future trends, designs and innovations were provided to visitors by the speakers, in addition to being introduced to Worldwide Accredited Responsible Production (WRAP).  Speakers from local institutions of Manipal University, Esmod Fashion Institute, Amity University and American University in the Emirates had also provided the audience further information on various topics about the fashion industry.

A show such as International Apparel and Textile Fair is much needed in the region as the UAE continues to see robust growth in the clothing and textile industry. The last few years had shown remarkable increase in retail sales on apparel, making it as one of the most attractive sectors in the UAE. The apparel industry in the region provides opportunity for international retailers to expand in the UAE. The country is also the world’s 11^th biggest clothing importer with $4 billion import value. Next to London, Dubai is the second global city having the highest percentage (55%) of international retailers.

IATF’s Show Director, Mr. Dilip Nihalani continuously focuses in making the show bigger and diversified by attracting more exhibitors with different product lines every edition to cope with the growing demands of the apparel and textile market in the region. Mr. Nihalani was quoted saying “We are proud to continuously bring in and introduce prominent manufacturers from all across the globe to the clothing and textile buyers and retailers not only here in Dubai or the UAE or the GCC, but the whole of the MENA region. We are glad with the support that we are getting ever since we had started this show in 2014. “

Meanwhile, International Apparel and Textile Fair 7^th edition is set to take place on 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd November 2017 for its Autumn/Winter edition.