The International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) returns to Dubai for its 20th edition, positioning sustainable fashion and supply chain resilience as the most critical newsworthy angle.
The 20th edition, running November 17–19, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), serves as a pivotal B2B gateway to the Middle East and Africa (MENA) market, an apparel and textile hub whose value exceeded $64.9 billion in 2022. This year’s fair, themed "Textiles Reimagined, Fashion Redefined," will host over 450 exhibitors from 25+ countries, but the focus is less on volume and more on ethical practices.
Following global supply chain disruptions, the event is emphasizing the need for diversification and transparent sourcing. This commitment is highlighted by the significant push for eco-friendly materials, including organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and biodegradable textiles. A key challenge remains the high cost and complexity of logistics for international suppliers, prompting many to actively seek local partners and more cost-effective shipping solutions to penetrate the MENA region fully.
The fair is not just showcasing products but addressing industry challenges head-on. Expert-led seminars will cover topics like sustainable manufacturing and the digital transformation of the textile sector. The event is set to attract over 4,500 verified buyers, retailers, and designers, facilitating the face-to-face quality assessment and relationship building that is vital for establishing resilient supply chains. As one exhibitor noted previously, "Meeting potential partners face-to-face builds trust more effectively than email exchanges... These personal connections often prove invaluable when supply disruptions require rapid problem-solving." The IATF's focus underscores Dubai’s role not just as a trading post, but as a critical hub driving the global shift toward a more responsible and digitally-enabled textile industry.
The International Apparel & Textile Fair is the largest B2B fashion and textile trade fair in the MENA region. Held annually, it is a key sourcing platform for fashion fabrics, garments, home textiles, accessories, and print designs. It provides an exclusive trade-only environment for manufacturers and suppliers from around the world (including major textile nations like India, China, Turkey, and Italy) to connect with influential buyers, retailers, and distributors, capitalizing on the UAE's status as a major global trade and re-export hub.
