The Middle East Textile Bag Trade Expo will boost regional exports, with manufacturers focusing on global expansion

January 20, 2026 — The organizers announced that the 21st Dubai Spring Textile and Luggage Expo (IATF) will be held from May 18 to 20, 2026, and is expected to boost regional textile and luggage exports and promote global trade connections. The expo will host more than 750 exhibitors from 32 countries, including textile and luggage manufacturers from Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

The main highlights include a dedicated 'Sustainable Tote Bag Zone,' showcasing products made from recycled cotton, organic hemp, and biodegradable fibers. Major retailers in the Middle East, such as Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket in the UAE, will participate in the exhibition to procure new tote bag collections, with purchases expected to exceed $500 million.

The Middle East textile bag market is growing rapidly, and exports are expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2025 (a year-on-year increase of 7.8%). Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are the largest exporters in the region, with demand mainly concentrated on woven shopping bags and high-end textile travel bags. Industry insiders point out that this trade fair will help Middle Eastern manufacturers expand into African and European markets.