From abayas to baseball caps, the call goes out to retailers and artisans to craft branded Expo 2020 goods

Gulf manufacturers invited to cash in on Expo clothing and collection opportunities

DUBAI, 15 August 2017 – From custom caps and cufflinks to tailormade towels and teapots, Expo 2020 Dubai is looking for manufacturers in the Gulf for two important merchandising categories – apparel aShow more

The call has gone out to businesses across the Gulf for the opportunity to produce a wide range of branded Expo 2020 products.

From abayas and kandouras featuring the intricately embroidered Expo 2020 logo to high-end dinner sets or delicate glassware, the organisation is looking for the best producers of goods for the world fair.

Creativity is important with the organisers asking for items that will build “lasting memories” so visitors will remember their expo experience.

The apparel category has a wide range including T-shirts, trainers, headwear and ties, while the homeware includes dinnerware, china, bedding, chairs and lighting.

Small business vendors and big retailers need to craft authentic, local items that capture the country and this region at the first expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

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“One of the great things about hosting a World Expo is that it also attracts visitors who may never have been to the region before,” said Najeeb Al Ali, executive director of Bureau Expo 2020 Dubai.

“Expo 2020 Dubai offers a unique platform for producers to showcase their products in one of the most exciting markets in the world."

There is rising demand for such goods in the region.  The market for apparel and footwear in Dubai was estimated to be worth $12.8 billion (Dh47 billion) marking a 5.5 per cent annual growth in sales since 2010, according to research by Dubai Chamber last year.

The expo will run from October 2020 to April 2021 with the theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and aims to foster creativity, innovation and collaboration globally.

About 70 per cent of the visitors are expected to be from outside the UAE, the largest percentage from outside the host country in the 166-year history of world fairs.

Homeware and apparel are the latest of up to 40 product categories put out to tender by Expo 2020 Dubai following the launch of campaigns to find manufacturers of souvenirs, perfumes and food products. Through its licensing programme, Expo 2020 Dubai will accept tenders for more than 5,000 products.

The tender process to become an official licensee for Expo 2020 is open online for companies to register their interest by the month-end.

Small and medium businesses are being encouraged to participate.

“We want to ensure that merchandise at the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia  region reflects our heritage,” Mr Al Ali said.

“We believe SMEs, such as local artisan producers of apparel and homeware items in the UAE and GCC, are vital in helping us achieve this goal.”

Businesses interested in producing expo-branded products can register on esource.expo2020dubai.ae or email: [e-mail]