Over the last 28 years, IATF(International Autumn Trade Fair) has been recognised as a robust regional business platform for the global consumer goods industry keen to expand footprints in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. IATF will unveil an exciting mix of products comprising cosmetics, foodstuffs, electronics, household appliances, plastic household products, toys, stationery, electrical items, handicrafts, carpets, garments, textiles, house ware, kitchen ware, sanitary ware, novelties, machinery, machine tools, hardware accessories and dairy products. 

Market Information

The UAE Ministry of Economy states that consumption in the UAE amounted to Dh. 483.9 billion in 2008, at a growth percentage of 32 per cent. Total exports of goods and services increased to 746.7 billion, achieving a growth percentage of 7.6 per cent. Crude oil constituted 36.2 per cent of commodity exports structure in 2008, whereby re-export comprised 38.8 per cent, free zones exports 11.2 per cent, oil by-products 2.5 per cent, gas 4.5 per cent and other exports 6.8 per cent.On the other hand, total imports of goods and services increased to Dh. 562.6 billion in 2008, compared with Dh. 545.3 billion and growth of just 3.2 per cent. The ministry of economy also made it one of its basic roles to drive maximum benefit from economic agreements signed with countries world-wide with the ultimate goal of enhancing growth and development.Obviously, all the above facts are robust indicators for the sustained growth of the consumer goods industry in the UAE which reinforces this industry in the entire MENA region and in this context IATF offers a vantage point for global consumer goods players to expand presence and penetrate the MENA market.