The 18th edition of the International Apparel and Textile Fair (IATF) wrapped up on November 14, 2024, at the Festival Arena in Dubai, reinforcing its position as the leading business-to-business (B2B) trade platform for fashion in the Gulf region. The fair kicked off on November 12 with an opening ceremony attended by key figures in the fashion industry, including Show Director Ms. Bhavna Nihalani, and other distinguished leaders such as Mr. Ahmed Al Mahmood, Ms. Claudia Pinto, Ms. Sumayra, Ms. Diren Khalife, Ms. Zulema Vazquez, and Ms. Saimure Duolikun. The 2024 edition marks a significant milestone, commemorating a decade of excellence as a critical player in the UAE’s fashion and trade scene.
Since its inception, the IATF has undergone remarkable growth under the leadership of Ms. Nihalani, evolving from a modest gathering of 50 exhibitors to a spectacular showcase featuring over 450 exhibitors from 27 countries. This expansion underscores the UAE’s increasing dominance in the global fashion industry, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as the Gulf’s ultimate fashion trade destination.
“The International Apparel and Textile Fair is a strategic platform advancing the UAE’s influence in the global fashion ecosystem,” said Ms. Nihalani. “Marking this 10-year milestone, our commitment remains firm—to drive innovation, create meaningful connections, foster strategic partnerships, and enable measurable growth for industry stakeholders.”
The 18th edition of the fair also featured dedicated pavilions from countries including China, Hong Kong, India, and Kyrgyzstan, providing a unique glimpse into regional trends, innovations, and sustainable practices in fashion. These pavilions enabled attendees to tap into emerging markets and explore the latest developments in the textile and apparel sectors.
Throughout its three-day run, IATF provided invaluable networking opportunities, connecting a wide range of buyers, brands, and industry professionals from across the Gulf region and beyond. Building on the success of this year’s event, IATF has already announced its next edition, scheduled to take place from May 20 to 22, 2025, at the Festival Arena, Dubai. The upcoming event promises to offer expanded exhibitor displays and even more dynamic engagement opportunities, further cementing Dubai’s status as a global trade hub.
