European textiles in Mid East export drive

Due to the increasing per capita incomes and the growing middle classes throughout the region, European manufacturers are now confident of securing mainstream demand for mid to high end designer labels, in a price-bracket that is economically viable for them to export.

Dr Gabriella Walek, President, NDL - National Fashion League Hungary, commented,

"We've come back to Motexha with an increased presence of over 400 per cent this year. Our companies were here to find serious partners and new agents and we've met prospective buyers from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and the UAE. We are now looking forward to Motexha 2008 and an even bigger participation from Hungary."

Dominated by ladies' wear & fashion accessories, European exhibitors were prominent in a dedicated arena for international brands and franchise labels. Showcasing their mid to high-end brands and new designers, preference was clearly given to Motexha as their launch pad to enter and strengthen their share in the lucrative Middle East markets.

To underscore the elevated status of Motexha 2007, a rather special guest from the UK participated this year, 'by royal appointment'. Peter Reed (Textiles) Limited, holds the unique accolade of being manufacturer of bed linen for Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II. Pioneers in the production of cotton bed linens, the UK manufacturer decided to unveil their 'Original Hotel Sheet Collection'.

Mark Reed, Peter Reed (Textiles) UK, said, "Presently a third of our business is to luxury hotels worldwide. At Motexha, we are targeting high-net worth individuals, Arabs and Europeans, who have bought signature villas on developments such as The Palm in Dubai. We want mainstream retail exposure either direct or via a distributor."

The event which concluded recently at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC), accommodated in total 226 exhibitors and over 100 international brands from over 25 countries. This was a healthy 35 per cent increase over the previous year. Opened by HE Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director General, Dubai Department of Information, Motexha continues to drive the region's textiles industry, currently estimated to be worth over US$ 12 billion. In addition, the GCC market for leather goods including footwear has grown significantly and is now valued at over US$ 1 billion. Indeed the footwear market alone in the UAE is worth more than US$ 300 million annually.

Another noteable exhibitor was Farah Leghari, an up-and-coming Pakistani fashion designer, fusing 'East and West' in her trademark style. She made headlines around the world when she designed evening wear for Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, during their official visit to Pakistan in 2006.

"I've had a lot of enquiries from Saudi Arabian visitors to Motexha, in particular. In one two hour period I had serious enquiries from seven Saudis and several Iranians based in the UAE. One businesswoman is keen to sell my clothes online, opening up a much bigger market for my designs," she remarked.

Visitor profiles at Motexha also emphasised its growing regional appeal with more than 30 per cent of visitors attending from outside of the UAE and significantly 89 per cent confirmed they would be visiting Motexha next year.

Farzaneh Bajoul, a fashion retailer from Ras Al Khaimah, stated, "The show was promoted very well and the quality at the exhibition is very good, particularly the Indian and Italian goods."