Expo 2020 Dubai seeks merchandise manufacturers in apparel, homeware

Dubai Expo 2020 is currently looking for manufacturers in the GCC in two merchandising categories – apparel and homeware, it announced on Tuesday.

The Expo team is open to international brands and artisan producers to create official merchandise for the six-month long event.

The apparel category includes t-shirts, trainers, headwear, cufflinks, and ties, while homeware includes dinnerware, china, bedding and towels, chairs, and lighting.

More specifically, Expo is seeking vendors and retailers who can create “authentic, local items” such as abayas and kandouras, intricately crafted glassware, or items inspired by the Expo logo.

Najeeb Al-Ali, executive director, Bureau Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai offers a unique platform for producers to showcase their products in one of the most exciting markets in the world.

“One of the great things about hosting a World Expo is that it also attracts visitors who may never have been to the region before.

“This combination makes Expo 2020 Dubai an unmissable opportunity for manufacturers, both large and small, of apparel and homeware to reach new markets.”

Official merchandise will be sold at selected outlets across the UAE, including dedicated Expo retail stores, as well as at the ‘Superstore of the Future’ onsite.

Homeware and apparel are the latest of up to 40 licenced product categories being put out to tender by Expo 2020 Dubai following the launch of campaigns to find manufacturers of souvenirs, perfumes, and food products.

Read more: Expo 2020 Dubai opens tender for perfume producers

Through its licencing programme, Expo 2020 Dubai will accept tenders for more than 5,000 products in total.

The tender process for becoming an official licencee for Expo 2020 is online and open to businesses of any size from anywhere in the world. The initial stage – for companies to register their interest – is now open and closes on August 31, 2017.

“We believe SMEs, such as local artisan producers of apparel and homeware items in the UAE and GCC, are vital in helping us achieve this goal and we want to give them the chance to share a global platform with international brands, showcasing their unique products,” said Najeeb Al-Ali.

“The experience and exposure they will gain from being part of the Expo will play a key part in developing the SME sector in the region.”

Businesses interested in producing Expo-branded products should register on esource.expo2020dubai.ae for the latest commercial opportunities.

Running from October 2020 to April 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai expects to welcome 25 million visitors – including 70 per cent from outside the UAE.

The Expo – being held for the first time in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region – is being held under the theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.