The UAE textile industry is the largest trading sector in the country after oil, and is also one of the biggest employment providers in the industrial sector, according to an economic and trade expert.

The country’s textile exports cover more than 50 countries in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Europe, while major exporters are China, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia, said Midhat M Abu Ghazaleh, CEO, Abughazaleh Trading Company (ABCO).

The industry occupies an important place in the economy as a whole and particularly in Dubai, because of its  contribution to the industrial output, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings, said Abu Ghazaleh.

The home-grown garment brands were gaining greater popularity in the local market and abroad, he said, also stressing that more aggressive marketing programmes were needed to promote the country as a high quality clothes producer and incentivise key players in the industry.  

In the men’s wear volumes, the latest reports have revealed that it had grown significantly from its initial figure of 16 million in 2006.

“The UAE textile industry has a diversified product portfolio. Some of the textiles produced in the country are car seats, tents and curtains, in addition to clothes. The knitted fabric is most in demand in UAE, accounting for around 49.7 per cent, followed by woven fabrics.”

The textile and garment companies have improved and upgraded their raw material storage, packing and transport facilities for large-scale operations, according to latest reports.

The apparel brands are very strong due to their presence in premium shopping malls, as the UAE apparel industry has transformed from conventional outlets to large shopping malls and organised retail chains, Abu Ghazaleh added. - TradeArabia News Service