The eighth edition of the bi-annual event of International Apparel and Textile Fair (IATF) had received an overwhelming response from the apparel and textile manufacturers in the country worldwide. The three-day event that took place from April 24-26, 2018 was inaugurated by H.E Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, Second Vice-Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Center on April 24 at Zabeel Hall 1, Dubai World Trade Center.
With more than 125 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 apparel and textile. IATF attracts some of the world’s largest manufacturers of textiles, fabrics and leading print design studios. Exhibitors were mainly from China, Japan, Turkey, India, United Kingdom, France and 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 textile from the most prestigious global mills.
IATF had attracted 3,575 buyers who are 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 and Australia.
Leading Industrial professionals from UAE’s Fashion and Lifestyle industry namely Zahra Mojtahedzadeh, Rhea Jacobs and Dima Almalakeh were invited for IATF’s for a special panel discussion to discuss future trends, designs and innovations on 24th April at Zabeel Majlis.
IATF has shown a 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 an opportunity for international retailers to expand in the UAE. Where UAE ranks is the fifth largest country in terms of textile and clothing exports, making International Apparel and Textile Fair a much-needed show in the region. IATF’s Show Director, Dilip Nihalani continuously focuses in making the show bigger and diversified by attracting more exhibitors with different product lines every edition.