UAE and KSA emerge leading importers of European lingerie brands

The UAE and Saudi Arabia emerged as leading importers of European-manufactured lingerie brands last year, accounting for 77 per cent of total exports to the Gulf followed by Kuwait at 16 per cent.

The assessment of lingerie exports to the region was concluded recently by EFTEC and planetfair Dubai LLC, who are organising the fourth edition of Prestige, an international trade fair for fashion and footwear brands. The exhibition takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from September 17-19.

'This year's Prestige will focus on bridging the gap between GCC importers and European suppliers,' said Michael Mueller, Managing Director, planetfair Dubai LLC. 'Also keeping in mind the demand for quality undergarments and the increase in exports of European brands to the region, this year's trade fair will see the introduction of LINGERIE ARABIA, the first specialsed event for lingerie in the Middle East.'

The exhibition space reserved for LINGERIE ARABIA was sold out more than two months ahead of the event, added Mueller.

'The European lingerie and swimwear line-up already enjoys great popularity among both international and GCC customers and we want to expand its market share in this region significantly.'

According to EFTEC statistics, the leading position of the United Kingdom, which accounted for 63 per cent of lingerie sales to the UAE in 2004 was occupied by German manufacturers who reported a 58 per cent increase in exports to the UAE in 2005. Italy and Spain also gained popularity reporting a 10 per cent and eight per cent increase in sales respectively of lingerie to the UAE last year.

Mueller added: 'Among overall fashion garment sales, best selling product categories in the region include brassieres, swimwear, day and night innerwear and underwear.'

LINGERIE ARABIA will feature 60 upper-medium to high-end brands and related products covering floor space of around 1250 square metres. Exhibitors include leaders from the European lingerie industry such as Barbara, Chantelle, Huit, Group La Perla, Lejaby, Morera, Simone Pérèle, Passionata, Ravage and Falke. Lingerie Francaise, an association representing high-end lingerie brands in France, will also extend their support to Lingerie Arabia.

'Participants from Turkey received a very good response in last year's showcase and this year more than 12 leading Turkish brands will be participating in LINGERIE ARABIA. This is a positive endorsement for us,' added Mueller.

Key partners for Prestige 2006 are the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The high quality standard of the exhibition is supervised by ITMM (International Textile and Fashion Marketing and Management) and EFTEC (European Fashion and Textile Export Council), Brussels.

Prestige 2006 and LINGERIE ARABIA will run from 11am to 7pm from September 17 to 19, 2006 in Hall 4 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. The exhibition is open to trade visitors only.