UAE and especially Dubai has remained an attraction for the Indian apparel industry including manufacturers, brands, retailers and designers
Zudio, a value retailer, just established its first international store in Dubai. Being Human, a mid-to-premium brand, also opened its first store there, and before that, renowned designer Manish Malhotra debuted an exclusive collection for Dubai. Everyday fashion brand Beyoung has also expanded to the UAE with a partnership with leading e-commerce firm Noon.
A growing number of up-and-coming companies and clothing manufacturers are now focussing on this profitable industry, as over 20 Indian clothing manufacturers and brands have recently looked into entering this area. Some of them are optimistic about launching their businesses there despite the market’s obstacles.
One such brand is Redrose, a women’s intimate clothing company that has been around for four decades. “When we first investigated this area, our goal was straightforward: to reach an unexplored market. We met their African and local customers, and I noticed that they were quite price sensitive because the prices were compared to those in China,” the company’s Monal Vora explains.
Despite the price problem, Monal is optimistic about receiving some orders soon because of its strengths, which include product quality and designs. Instead of white branding for other companies and stores, Monla focusses on promoting his own brand.
High disposable income, a large number of the Indian diaspora, sourcing by African buyers through UAE and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE are some of the major factors that attract Indian companies to expand their business in this region.
