October Special — 50% off Spotlights and exhibitor listsSee prices

    Dates

    16–18 Nov 2026

    City / country

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Venue

    Dubai World Trade Centre (Dubai Exhibition Centre)

    Time

    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) Autumn 2026

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    Notable exhibitors

    Companies exhibiting at International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) Autumn 2026 include A.P.S. NUOVI TALENTI, Aayesha, ABCO INDIA, AFC Industry and AKCAKAYA TEXTILE.

    • A.P.S. NUOVI TALENTI
    • Aayesha
    • ABCO INDIA
    • AFC Industry
    • AKCAKAYA TEXTILE

    Event overview

    Overview

    The International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) is a premier sourcing platform for fashion fabrics, garments, handbags, footwear, and clothing accessories.

    The 21st edition will take place from November 16 to 18, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, showcasing a wide range of exhibitors from around the globe.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Edition Dates: IATF Autumn 2026 runs November 16-18, 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
    2. 2Scale: More than 400 exhibitors are expected at the autumn sourcing edition.
    3. 3Buyer Access: Entry is free for all buyers and visitors who register.
    4. 4Sector Focus: The fair is positioned as the Gulf's biggest international B2B trade sourcing fair for apparel and textiles.
    5. 5Venue Logistics: Dubai World Trade Centre is about 15 km from Dubai International Airport (DXB), roughly a 10-20 minute drive off-peak.

    Why visit

    Visitors will benefit from direct access to a diverse range of exhibitors, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and insights into the latest trends and innovations in the fashion sector. The fair is a must-attend for professionals looking to source high-quality products and establish valuable connections.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at IATF provides companies with unparalleled visibility in the MENA region, access to a targeted audience of buyers and decision-makers, and opportunities to showcase their latest products and innovations. It's an essential platform for expanding market reach and building brand recognition.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Retail buyers from department stores and e-commerce platforms
    Wholesalers and distributors seeking new suppliers
    Fashion designers looking for innovative materials
    Manufacturers interested in sourcing high-quality fabrics
    Private label brands aiming to expand their product lines
    Industry professionals seeking networking opportunities

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Textile manufacturers showcasing fabrics and materials
    Apparel brands presenting their latest collections
    Footwear producers displaying innovative designs
    Accessory designers offering unique products
    Home textile companies featuring diverse offerings
    Sustainable fashion brands promoting eco-friendly products

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Fashion fabrics and textiles for apparel
    Garments including ready-to-wear and bespoke options
    Footwear and shoe care products
    Handbags and fashion accessories
    Home textiles such as curtains and upholstery
    Innovative materials including sustainable options

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Dubai World Trade Centre (Dubai Exhibition Centre)

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Parking: Ample paid parking available.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Free registration

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    10:00 AM –6:00 PM
    Register

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2026 · 400 exhibitors

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    5,000

    Exhibitors

    300

    Exhibitor countries

    20

    Visitor countries

    60

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) is a premier sourcing platform for fashion fabrics, garments, handbags, footwear, and clothing accessories. The 21st edition will take place from November 16 to 18, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, showcasing a wide range of exhibitors from around the globe. IATF serves as a vital platform for connecting global businesses in the fashion and textile industry, facilitating trade and collaboration among manufacturers, suppliers,.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Retail buyers from department stores and e-commerce platforms, Wholesalers and distributors seeking new suppliers, Fashion designers looking for innovative materials, Manufacturers interested in sourcing high-quality fabrics. Dates: November 16-18, 2026. Location: Dubai World Trade Centre. Free entry for all visitors. Over 400 exhibitors expected. International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) Autumn 2026 attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibiting at IATF provides companies with unparalleled visibility in the MENA region, access to a targeted audience of buyers and decision-makers, and opportunities to showcase their latest products and innovations. It's an essential platform for expanding market reach and building brand recognition. Exhibitor categories include Textile manufacturers showcasing fabrics and materials, Apparel brands presenting their latest collections, Footwear producers displaying innovative designs, Accessory designers offering.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Middle East — Dubai, United Arab Emirates (GCC apparel, textile and accessories sourcing hub)

    Why it matters

    Dubai is the Gulf's main re-export and wholesale gateway for apparel and textiles, serving the GCC, wider Middle East, Africa and South Asia from one duty-efficient logistics base. IATF sits in that trade flow twice a year, giving mills and printers a compact route to regional importers, retail chains and brand sourcing teams without the cost of travelling to multiple European or Asian fairs. For buyers, the show concentrates fabric, trim and ready-garment suppliers in one DWTC hall within walking distance of Dubai's trade hotels.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.

    Global apparel & textile sourcing circuit

    Book IATF Autumn 2026 first (16–18 Nov 2026, DWTC) and treat the Q1–Q2 European and Asian fairs as complementary range-building trips for the following season.

    IATF is one node in a twice-yearly pattern of fabric and apparel sourcing fairs. Buyers typically cover Dubai for Middle East/Africa reach, then one European and one Asian fair for breadth and trend direction.

    Q4 2026

    Dubai (IATF Autumn) — Middle East, Africa and South Asia reach

    Q1 2027

    European fabric fairs — trend, premium and sustainability-led sourcing

    Q1–Q2 2027

    Asian fabric fairs — volume, price competitiveness and technical fabrics

    Peer events listed from sector knowledge; confirm exact edition dates and venue details on each organiser's own website before planning travel.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · AED

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    DXB

    Dubai International

    Primary gateway; Sheikh Zayed Road corridor to DWTC in normal traffic.

    ~15 km

    to venue

    10–20 min off-peak

    by car

    DWC

    Al Maktoum International

    Al Maktoum International is south of the city — allow extra time in peak hours.

    ~55 km

    to venue

    45–60 min

    by car

    SHJ

    Sharjah International

    Sharjah airport serves budget carriers; cross-emirate taxi fares vary by operator.

    ~30 km

    to venue

    30–40 min

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    World Trade Centre / Sheikh Zayed Road (walking or 1–2 Metro stops from DWTC)

    USD 70–120 / night

    Rates quoted per room per night, excl. 5% VAT + tourism dirham fee; book 6–8 weeks out as IATF dates sit in Dubai's high season.

    source
    Mid-range
    Trade Centre / Downtown Dubai (5–15 min taxi or Metro Red Line)

    USD 130–210 / night

    Closest cluster to the venue halls; many properties run negotiated trade-fair rates — ask for the DWTC/IATF rate code.

    source
    Premium
    Sheikh Zayed Road / Downtown / DIFC (10–20 min taxi)

    USD 260–450 / night

    Used for buyer-hosted meetings and VIP hospitality; DIFC properties add evening networking options within a short drive.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi

    Estimated costAED 40–55 (metered taxi off-peak)
    Best forDubai International (DXB) to Dubai World Trade Centre (Dubai Exhibition Centre)

    Red Line metro serves DWTC and Expo City when applicable.

    metro

    Estimated costAED 4–8.50 (Nol Card single journey)
    Best forWorld Trade Centre Metro Station (Red Line) to venue

    RTA Red Line stops at World Trade Centre — buy or top up a Nol Card at the station.

    taxi

    Estimated costAED 90–130 (taxi estimate)
    Best forAl Maktoum International (DWC) to Dubai World Trade Centre (Dubai Exhibition Centre)

    45–60 min typical drive; Al Maktoum International is south of the city — allow extra time in peak hours.

    taxi

    Estimated costAED 80–110 (taxi estimate)
    Best forSharjah International (SHJ) to Dubai World Trade Centre (Dubai Exhibition Centre)

    30–40 min typical drive; Sharjah airport serves budget carriers; cross-emirate taxi fares vary by operator.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    On-arrival available
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Visa on arrival (free entry stamp)GCC nationals and citizens of the UK, EU/Schengen states, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and 70+ other nationalities on the UAE's on-arrival listNot yet confirmedIssued at passport control on arrival (30–90 days depending on nationality)
    Pre-arranged UAE tourist/visit visa (30-day single entry)Nationals not on the on-arrival list — commonly India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and others requiring sponsorship$95.003–5 working days (allow 2–3 weeks in peak periods)
    Multiple-entry business visa (60-day)Repeat trade visitors and exhibitors making more than one sourcing trip to the UAE$175.005–7 working days

    A large share of IATF's European, UK, North American, Japanese and GCC buyers travel visa-free or on arrival; visitors from South Asia and parts of Africa should apply in advance.

    The UAE accepts ATA Carnets for trade-fair exhibits and professional equipment; exhibitors should confirm the carnet route and Dubai Customs clearance steps with the organiser and their freight forwarder.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    November is one of Dubai's most comfortable months: daytime highs around 28–31°C, nights around 21–24°C, low humidity and almost no rain (typically under 10 mm for the whole month). Indoor halls are strongly air-conditioned, so light layers work best.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to United Arab Emirates.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Dress & etiquette

    Business dress is smart and modest — suits or smart-casual for show days; shoulders and knees covered in public buildings is the safe norm. Greetings are usually a handshake, though some visitors prefer to wait for a woman to offer her hand first.

    Tipping

    Around 10% is customary for restaurant service (often already added as a service charge), AED 5–10 for hotel porters, and taxi drivers are typically given the fare rounded up.

    Weekend, hours & Ramadan

    The working week runs Monday–Friday with Friday as a shorter day; meetings are usually scheduled 09:00–18:00. November 2026 falls well outside Ramadan, so show-floor and nightlife hours operate normally.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: DXB

    Book flights to DXB when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare DWC only if fares are materially lower.

    Visa

    Many nationalities — including UK, EU/Schengen, US, Canadian, Japanese, GCC and 70+ others — receive a free visa on arrival at DXB/DWC. Visitors from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and other non-on-arrival countries must obtain a pre-arranged UAE visit visa (approx. USD 95 / AED 350) through their airline, hotel or a licensed sponsor, ideally 2–3 weeks before travel.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    No pre-application needed; passport must have 6 months validity. Confirm your nationality on the official UAE government portal before booking. Apply through your airline, a UAE hotel, or a licensed Dubai sponsor before travel; fee is an approximate market rate (~AED 350) — confirm on the official portal.

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Areas to stay

    Sheikh Zayed Road / Downtown / DIFC (10–20 min taxi) · Trade Centre / Downtown Dubai (5–15 min taxi or Metro Red Line) · World Trade Centre / Sheikh Zayed Road (walking or 1–2 Metro stops from DWTC)

    budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Book

    mid range

    Not yet confirmed

    Book

    premium

    Not yet confirmed

    Book

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Dubai International (DXB) to Dubai World Trade Centre (Dubai Exhibition Centre): AED 40–55 (metered taxi off-peak). Red Line metro serves DWTC and Expo City when applicable.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Dubai World Trade Centre (Dubai Exhibition Centre): World Trade Centre / Sheikh Zayed Road (walking or 1–2 Metro stops from DWTC): Ibis World Trade Centre, Rove Trade Centre, Premier Inn Dubai World Trade Centre; Trade Centre / Downtown Dubai (5–15 min taxi or Metro Red Line): Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai, Hyatt Place Dubai Wasl District, Roda Al Murooj Hotel Downtown Dubai; Sheikh Zayed Road / Downtown / DIFC (10–20 min taxi): Conrad Dubai, Shangri-La Dubai, Fairmont Du

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Dubai; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Dubai Metro Red Line serves World Trade Centre and Expo City corridors.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Dubai World Trade Centre (Dubai Exhibition Centre); confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: November 2026

    Temperature: 28–31 °C daytime / 21–24 °C at night

    Seasonality: November is the start of Dubai's dry, comfortable season — rainfall is minimal (typically under 10 mm for the month) and humidity drops; no monsoon or storm risk to plan around.

    Packing: November is one of Dubai's most comfortable months: daytime highs around 28–31°C, nights around 21–24°C, low humidity and almost no rain (typically under 10 mm for the whole month). Indoor halls are strongly air-conditioned, so light layers work best.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Day 2 — Tuesday 17 November 2026

    A three-day show typically peaks on day 2: all exhibitors are staffed and stocked with samples, buyers' own meeting calendars are full, and side events/hospitality tend to be scheduled once registration is complete on day 1. Travel on day 2 also avoids any opening-morning crowding and the final-day dismantling that starts late on day 3.

    1

    Check passport validity and UAE entry requirements for your nationality — UAE visa rules vary by passport; confirm whether your nationality gets visa on arrival or needs a pre-arranged visa before booking travel for IATF Autumn 2026.

    2

    Book flights into Dubai for the November 16-18, 2026 show dates — Dubai International (DXB) is about 15 km from Dubai World Trade Centre; Al Maktoum International (DWC) is about 55 km and Sharjah International (SHJ) about 30 km.

    3

    Reserve a hotel close to Dubai World Trade Centre — Properties near the World Trade Centre Metro Station (Red Line) keep the daily commute to the venue short.

    4

    Complete visitor pre-registration for IATF Autumn 2026 — Entry is free for buyers and visitors; pre-registering on the official site speeds up badge collection on arrival.

    5

    Download the hall plan and exhibitor list — Use the organiser site to map the halls and mark exhibitors in your sourcing categories before you travel.

    6

    Pre-schedule B2B meetings with target exhibitors — Reach out to apparel, fabric and accessory suppliers ahead of the show so day-1 and day-2 slots are confirmed.

    7

    Shortlist sessions and product zones to visit — The fair runs 10:00 to 18:00 daily, so plan hall routes around your priority categories.

    8

    Arrange airport transfer or a Nol Card for the metro — The RTA Red Line stops at World Trade Centre Station; buy or top up a Nol Card for single journeys.

    9

    Plan your packing for warm November weather in Dubai — Business attire for meetings plus light, modest clothing for public areas and venues.

    10

    Prepare meeting documents, product specs and business cards — Bring printed specs or lookbooks for sourcing discussions and note down target price points.

    11

    Confirm baggage allowance for samples and catalogues — Check your airline's allowance if you plan to carry back fabric swatches or product samples.

    12

    Arrive in Dubai and collect your badge at the venue — Leave buffer time for airport formalities and allow extra road time to Dubai World Trade Centre during peak hours.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    09:00–12:30

    Registration and first full hall sweep: map the floor by product category (fabrics, prints, trims, apparel) and shortlist stands for meetings

    IATF exhibition halls, Dubai World Trade Centre
    13:30–17:30

    First-round supplier meetings with priority mills and printers; exchange contact cards and confirm follow-up sampling requests

    IATF exhibition halls, Dubai World Trade Centre
    09:30–16:00

    Deep-dive second meetings, fabric quality and colour-approval reviews, plus any seminars or trend presentations scheduled by the organiser

    IATF exhibition halls / conference area, Dubai World Trade Centre
    10:00–15:00

    Final negotiation, sample orders and closing paperwork, then a debrief over coffee before departing

    IATF exhibition halls, Dubai World Trade Centre

    Side trips

    2

    Old Dubai — Dubai Creek, Gold Souk & Spice Souk

     

     

     

    Abu Dhabi — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Louvre Abu Dhabi

     

     

     

    Networking spots

    3

    IATF exhibition hall aisles and exhibitor lounges

     

     

     

    Dubai World Trade Centre concourse & café areas

     

     

     

    Sheikh Zayed Road & DIFC hotel lounges (Conrad Dubai, Fairmont Dubai, DIFC restaurants)

     

     

     

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · standard

    Not yet confirmed

    forecast

    visa_fee

    visitor · on_arrival

    Not yet confirmed

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · pre_arranged_visit_visa

    USD 90–110 / per person

    estimate

    hotel_night

    visitor · Budget

    USD 70–120 / per room per night

    estimate

    hotel_night

    visitor · Mid-range

    USD 130–210 / per room per night

    estimate

    hotel_night

    visitor · Premium

    USD 260–450 / per room per night

    estimate

    per_diem

    visitor · standard

    USD 60–90 / per person per day (meals & local transport)

    estimate

    exhibitor_stand

    exhibitor · shell_scheme

    USD 250–450 / per sqm (minimum stand sizes typically apply)

    estimate

    exhibitor_insurance

    exhibitor · stand_and_liability

    USD 150–500 / per exhibitor participation

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · Pre-arranged UAE tourist/visit visa (30-day single entry)

    USD 95 / per application

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Multiple-entry business visa (60-day)

    USD 175 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You have a defined sourcing brief (categories, MOQs, target price points) and can commit 2–3 days on the floor for supplier meetings.

    Best for

    Fabric, apparel and accessories buyers, sourcing managers and designers evaluating mills and printers for the SS/SS27–AW27 ranges

    Min. budget

    $550.00

    Timeline

    4–8 weeks (visa lead time, flight and hotel booking in Dubai's high season)

    Risks

    Entry is free but registration may close before the show — confirm the trade-visitor pass on the organiser site.

    November is peak travel season in Dubai; hotel rates rise sharply inside 30 days of arrival.

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    exhibit

    You can staff an Arabic/English-speaking stand for all three days and already have, or can generate, a regional buyer list.

    Best for

    Textile mills, fabric printers, trims/lace suppliers and apparel manufacturers selling into the GCC, Middle East and Africa markets

    Min. budget

    $3,700.00

    Timeline

    4–6 months (space contract, stand design, freight and customs, visa, marketing)

    Risks

    Stand space, shell scheme and freight are quoted by the organiser and vary by size and location — confirm live pricing.

    Sample shipments require customs/freight lead time; ATA Carnet routing should be arranged early.

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    skip

    You are not sourcing textiles/apparel for Middle East or Africa channels and cannot act on supplier introductions within 6 months.

    Best for

    Buyers with no Middle East sourcing mandate, or those already covered by European/Asian fairs in the same season

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    None

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) Autumn 2026
    Official imagery from International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) Autumn 2026

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    B2B
    Business-to-business, referring to transactions between businesses.
    2
    Exhibitor
    A company or individual that displays products at a trade show.
    3
    Sourcing
    The process of finding suppliers for goods and services.
    4
    Networking
    The action of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
    5
    Trade Fair
    An exhibition organized so that companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products and services.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    9

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    International Apparel & Textile Fair

    2

    Dubai travel reference

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