IATF 2025 Reinforces Its Position as Gulf’s Top Fashion Sourcing Fair

A milestone edition that expands global participation, sustainability focus, and sourcing opportunities across the fashion value chain.

The 20th edition of IATF solidifies its status as the Gulf’s largest B2B fashion sourcing platform, attracting global exhibitors, buyers, and industry leaders to Dubai.

“IATF 2025 is more than a trade fair; it is the region’s ultimate sourcing destination, bringing together the world’s finest exhibitors under one roof,” noted Bhavna Nihalani, Founder & Show Director of IATF. The 20th edition of the International Apparel & Textile Fair, held from November 17–19 across Halls 6 & 7 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, once again cemented its reputation as the Gulf’s largest international B2B fashion trade sourcing event and an essential fixture in the regional sourcing landscape.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by H.E. Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, Vice Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre, along with Mr. Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President of DWTC. Their presence highlighted Dubai’s continued rise as a global crossroads for fashion trade — a marketplace where industries, ideas, and innovations converge.

The fair saw participation from major global markets including France, Australia, the UK, Turkey, the USA, Spain, Japan, Russia, Portugal and Italy. With over 400 exhibitors and 5,722+ buyers from the GCC and Europe, IATF 2025 marked one of its strongest editions. China and India emerged as the largest international delegations, reflecting the fair’s growing footprint across Asia.

Showcasing exhibitors from 30+ countries such as Poland, Taiwan, South Africa, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Thailand, and South Korea, the event offered a panoramic view of global textile and fashion capabilities. National pavilions — including HEPC (India), GIZET (Ethiopia), China, and Kyrgyzstan — highlighted regional strengths and further reinforced IATF’s international value.

For the first time, the introduction of Moda Sole and Accessories transformed the fair into a complete, all-inclusive sourcing ecosystem. Featuring 70+ specialized booths displaying footwear, handbags, trims, laces, and premium accessories, the pavilion garnered praise from buyers for its trend-led curation and strong product diversity — proving that IATF continues to deliver an experience no digital platform or dispersed sourcing trip can match.

IATF 2025 also placed renewed emphasis on sustainability, circularity, and ethical production. Exhibitors showcased how innovation and responsible sourcing can align to meet the global demand for traceability and eco-conscious design.

The Hosted Buyers Program added further value, facilitating 1,000+ high-impact meetings between exhibitors and top regional buyers. Delegates from the GCC, India, and Europe participated, enabling strategic sourcing conversations and long-term partnerships through its targeted matchmaking format.

Reflecting on the fair’s expanded impact, Bhavna Nihalani shared, “The 20th edition of IATF reinforces its position as the Gulf’s largest and most influential international B2B fashion trade fair. This event has evolved into a complete sourcing ecosystem, offering buyers a seamless pathway to discover fashion, textiles, and accessories across the full product chain. With IATF, regional and international buyers no longer need to look elsewhere — everything they require for strategic sourcing is gathered under one roof, making it the definitive destination for global fashion trade.”

With growing cross-continental participation and increasing brand trust, IATF 2025 reaffirmed why Dubai remains a creative powerhouse for global fashion trade — bridging markets, industries, and ideas through innovation and commerce.

The 21st edition of IATF will return to Dubai World Trade Centre, Halls 3 & 4, from May 18–20, 2026, inviting manufacturers, producers, and designers in menswear, womenswear, and kidswear to engage with the next chapter of sourcing, sustainability, and style.

Bookings are officially open, with the floor plan live and booth availability limited. Exhibitors are encouraged to secure their space at the Gulf’s premier B2B fashion sourcing event.