The International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF), which bills itself as the Gulf’s biggest international B2B fashion sourcing fair, will take place from November 16 to 18, 2026 (local time) at Dubai World Trade Centre in the United Arab Emirates. Now in its 21st edition, the fair expects exhibitors from more than 22 countries.
Exhibitors from Sri Lanka, Italy and Portugal are set to draw particular attention this year. The Sri Lanka Pavilion, organized by the country’s Export Development Board, will highlight the strength of its apparel industry. Italian and Portuguese participants, meanwhile, will showcase their strengths in premium textiles, specialized fabrics, accessories and quality manufacturing.
IATF is timed for the period when fashion businesses are building their upcoming collections. The show floor spans apparel, fabrics, denim, knitwear, yarn and trims, as well as footwear, handbags, accessories and home textiles, and visitors can also source private-label and OEM/ODM production.
For buyers, it is a chance to handle materials in person, see production capabilities firsthand and build relationships with new suppliers.
Moda Sole & Accessories, the dedicated area introduced at last year’s 20th edition, returns with footwear, handbags, leather goods and fashion accessories, allowing buyers to compare categories beyond apparel in the same venue.
The organizers place IATF within Dubai’s long rise as a center of international trade. The vision of a global commercial hub, first set out by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, has been carried forward by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and today continues through the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to expand international trade.
Since its launch in 2014, IATF has grown into a meeting point that connects manufacturers and suppliers from around the world with retailers, wholesalers, importers, distributors and sourcing professionals across the Gulf and beyond.
Bhavna Nihalani, founder and show director of IATF, framed the edition around face-to-face connection.
“Every new collection begins with a decision, and every lasting business relationship begins with a conversation,” she said. “Our 21st edition brings together international manufacturing expertise, fresh sourcing opportunities and industry knowledge. We look forward to welcoming the global fashion community to Dubai, where meaningful connections continue to shape the future of trade.”
For companies looking to broaden their supplier base, the three days in Dubai offer a rare chance to meet manufacturers from around the world face to face.
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