By Bhavna Batra
Bhavna’s journey with the International Apparel & Textile Fair (IATF) began with a simple yet profound realization: the Middle East, with its bustling cities and growing appetite for fashion, relied too heavily on distant markets for its textiles and apparel. Alongside her late husband, Dilip, Bhavna saw an opportunity to create a regional sourcing hub in Dubai—an event where international suppliers could connect directly with local businesses. In 2014, this vision became a reality with the first edition of IATF, marking the beginning of what would become the Gulf’s largest and most influential B2B fashion trade fair.
Building credibility in those early days was no small feat. Convincing suppliers and exhibitors to invest in an unproven platform in Dubai required resilience, long hours, and a steadfast belief in IATF’s potential. The fair’s first few editions were a trial by fire, with Bhavna and her team reaching out persistently, creating a high-quality experience, and, little by little, gaining the industry’s trust. What began with just 50 exhibitors has, in less than a decade, transformed into an event hosting more than 450 exhibitors from around the world. Bhavna looks back at IATF’s transformation with immense pride. “One of our proudest milestones is the fair’s establishment as the largest B2B fashion trade event in the Gulf,” she says.
Bhavna’s vision for IATF has always extended beyond numbers; her goal has been to make Dubai a crucial point on the map for global fashion and textile trade. IATF has evolved to represent a dynamic bridge connecting regional demand with international supply, fostering a marketplace where buyers and suppliers can come together under one roof, close to home. With each edition, Bhavna has watched as the Gulf’s reputation in the fashion industry strengthened, its influence on the global market growing. Through IATF, Dubai has become a natural destination for suppliers looking to tap into the regional market, and local businesses are now able to reduce logistical costs and increase their competitiveness.
Central to IATF’s success has been Bhavna’s commitment to adapting and growing with the industry’s needs. One of her recent initiatives is a newly launched Fur Pavilion, a testament to her responsiveness to attendee feedback and market trends. IATF’s evolution has also been shaped by the rise of sustainable fashion, with Bhavna encouraging exhibitors to adopt eco-friendly practices and actively seeking partnerships with sustainability-focused suppliers.
The fair’s growth and success are a result of teamwork, a fact Bhavna always acknowledges. Behind IATF is a group of committed professionals who share her vision and work tirelessly to make every edition a success.
A defining moment in Bhavna’s career and one of her greatest challengescame with the sudden loss of her husband Dilip, the Co-founder of IATF. The personal heartbreak could have easily led to stepping back, but for Bhavna, the path forward lay in honoring the legacy they had built together. Continuing IATF and seeing it grow became a deeply personal mission, a testament to the resilience she had built over the years and her commitment to the vision they had once shared.
Beyond the business, Bhavna sees IATF as a platform for empowerment, especially for young entrepreneurs in the region. She is proud to see the fair offer visibility, connection, and mentorship to startups and aspiring industry professionals, who often walk away with new insights and opportunities. She hopes that IATF can continue to provide an accessible entry point into the industry for fresh talent and emerging brands, strengthening the region’s role in the global fashion landscape.
Looking to the future, Bhavna envisions continued growth for IATF, particularly with plans to expand into emerging markets and introduce more digital integration for a more connected experience. Her ambitions for IATF are grand yet grounded, always rooted in her commitment to make Dubai a thriving hub for fashion and textile trade in the MENA region. She believes that by creating a local, sustainable platform, IATF can contribute to a more resilient regional economy, making the Gulf a vital player in global fashion.
For Bhavna, success goes beyond numbers and milestones. Her philosophy revolves around creating meaningful impact while staying true to her values, a belief she has carried through each step of her journey. Her message to those aspiring to break into the industry, especially women, is one of resilience and self-belief: “Resilience, self-belief, and independence are vital. Life’s challenges may seem insurmountable, but every step toward your dreams strengthens you. Achieve your goals by staying committed, and always be prepared to adapt.”
Through hard work, dedication, and a steadfast belief in her vision, Bhavna has transformed IATF from an idea into a thriving platform that bridges markets, supports sustainability, and inspires the next generation. As she reflects on IATF’s journey, she remains driven by the desire to keep pushing boundaries, shaping the Gulf’s role in the fashion industry, and creating a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and growth.
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