The International Apparel & Textile Fair 2025 Dubai (IATF), one of the Middle East’s largest fashion and textile trade shows, was held from November 17 to 19 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Marking its 20th edition, this year’s fair welcomed more than 400 exhibitors and over 5,722 buyers from around the world, reaffirming its position as the Gulf region’s central hub for international fashion sourcing.
Dubai as a Crossroads of the Global Fashion Industry
The opening ceremony featured H.E. Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, Vice Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre, and Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President of the same institution. Their presence highlighted Dubai’s growing prominence as a global trading hub connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
IATF Founder and Show Director Bhavna Nihalani emphasized the fair’s role, stating, “IATF is the ultimate sourcing destination where the world’s top-tier exhibitors gather.”
The venue brought together leading fashion markets, including France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey, and Japan. China and India, in particular, sent large delegations, underscoring the increasing influence of Asian markets within the global supply chain.
Debut of ‘Moda Sole & Accessories’ Creates a Complete Sourcing Ecosystem
One of this year’s major highlights was the launch of the Moda Sole & Accessories area. With more than 70 booths, the section showcased a broad range of categories, including footwear, handbags, lace, trims, and premium accessories, greatly expanding the fair’s product offerings.
The introduction of this new area has transformed IATF into a full-spectrum sourcing fair, covering everything from raw materials to finished products and accessories.
Exhibitors and buyers praised the initiative, noting that it provided a multi-dimensional and comprehensive sourcing experience that cannot be replicated through online research or isolated business trips.
Sustainability and Circular Design Take Center Stage
Sustainability was a defining theme of IATF 2025. Exhibitors placed strong emphasis on sustainable materials, circular design, and ethical production, presenting concrete innovations aimed at reducing environmental impact across material development and manufacturing processes.
These efforts reflected the global industry’s accelerating shift toward responsible brand management and transparent supply chains.
Hosted Buyers Program Generates Over 1,000 Business Meetings
IATF’s signature Hosted Buyers Program also evolved further this year.
Key retailers, sourcing offices, and distributors from GCC countries, India, and Europe were invited, resulting in more than 1,000 structured business meetings between exhibitors and buyers.
The program enabled exhibitors to secure highly targeted sourcing opportunities, with many discussions already progressing toward long-term partnerships—solidifying IATF’s reputation as the strategic sourcing hub of the Middle East.
Next Edition Scheduled for May 2026
The next edition of IATF is set to take place from May 18–20, 2026, at Dubai World Trade Centre Halls 3 & 4. The fair will continue expanding its international sourcing network for menswear, womenswear, and kidswear brands. Exhibitor registration is already open, and demand is so strong that floorplan allocation is filling up rapidly.
Dubai has emerged as a richly diverse international market where European brands expand their presence, Asian brands enter new territories, and distinctive Middle Eastern labels continue to rise. For material suppliers, OEM manufacturers, and designer brands alike, IATF serves as a pivotal gateway for navigating and entering the Middle Eastern market.
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