UKFT is exploring the possibility of forming a UK group to engage with a new tradeshow in Saudi Arabia taking place this October. If there is enough interest from our sector, this could be a valuable opportunity for businesses looking to enter or expand within the Gulf region.

The Saudi government is making bold moves to transform its economy and position Riyadh as a major hub for the Middle East market. As part of this vision, Honegger Group (Italy) has decided to launch its first Saudi Fashion and Lifestyle B2B Tradeshow during Saudi Lifestyle Week in Riyadh, from 6-8 October 2025, supported by a number of European trade associations in the fashion and textile sector. UKFT does not traditionally engage with start-up shows until they have had time to prove their worth for British exhibitors looking to sell to wholesale buyers. However, the interest from other European countries which are looking to invest in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market is interesting and there may be benefits for UK brands in getting involved at an early stage. With the sector growing rapidly and significant government investment in the fashion and textile ecosystem, the Saudi market is poised to become a major player on the global stage.

Note: The GCC is a regional, intergovernmental, political and economic union comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

UKFT recently held a webinar with Honegger Group to present the concept to UK companies and enable them to ask questions about the show and decide if it is right for them.

The Saudi Market: A lucrative opportunity

The luxury goods market in Saudi Arabia is already worth an impressive $9.6 billion, with strong growth potential. The government is investing heavily in creating an environment that fosters collaborations between Saudi and international brands, making this an ideal time for businesses to explore opportunities in the region.

Market segmentation in Saudi Arabia shows that leather goods (accessories and shoes) account for 50% of the market, followed by women’s apparel, textiles, men’s apparel, accessories and sportswear. There is also a promising demand for childrenswear, offering diverse opportunities for international brands.

Western-style garments are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among Saudi Arabia’s youthful population – 70% of the country is under 30 (Gen Z). Additionally, luxury home textiles are in high demand, driven by the booming hospitality and private housing sectors.

Why Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid changes, making it distinct from other markets in the region. Several key regional retailers and trading houses operate across the GCC, creating a dynamic and evolving retail landscape. The Middle East serves as a strategic hub connecting Europe, India and Southeast Asia, with increasing crossover between the emerging Indian market and the GCC. Saudi Arabia is determined to position itself at the centre of this trade network, though it will face competition from Dubai and the UAE.

Despite the region’s economic strength, UKFT believes there are currently no reliable fashion or textile trade shows within the GCC. While many larger buyers travel to Paris and Milan for sourcing, not all do – creating a significant gap in the market that a Saudi-based tradeshow could fill.

Saudi Arabia’s economic strength and international trade relations

Saudi Arabia’s economy experienced 8.5% growth in 2022, one of the highest in the G20, with a 5.2% increase in non-oil sectors. This diversification makes it an attractive market for UK fashion and textile businesses looking to expand. Additionally, the UK government is committed to entering into an ambitious trade agreement with the GCC, which includes Saudi Arabia – potentially opening new trade pathways for international businesses.

Is there interest from UK fashion and textile businesses?

Given the strategic importance of the Saudi market and the government’s commitment to developing the fashion and textile industry, UKFT is exploring the possibility of forming a group to engage with this new tradeshow. If there is enough interest from our sector, this could be a valuable opportunity for businesses looking to enter or expand within the Gulf region.

If this is of interest, please get in touch with paul.alger@ukft.org or the show organisers directly.

The show:

The event is coorganised by Honegger Group and Riyadh Exhibitions Company: please click the presentation and application form for more details.

Saudi Lifestyle Week presentation

Application form Saudi Lifestyle Week

It is organised in three key sections:

• SAUDI FASHION: clothing, footwear, accessories, lingerie, and beachwear.The trade show is intended to be a key platform to connect international fashion brands with Saudi Arabia’s fashion ecosystem and to the expanding multi-channel distribution system, projected to reach nearly $60 billion by 2025.
• SAUDI SPORTSWEAR: clothing, accessories, and sports equipment. The sportswear market size in Saudi is equalent to more than $ 1 million with estimated yearly grow rate of 7%.
• SAUDI DESIGN: furniture and interior design. This part of the trade show highlights the growth of the furniture and interiors market in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to reach  $8.17 billion in 2024, with further acceleration from 2025 to 2029.
• Apparel and interior textiles are also welcomed as part of the mix but the show is primarily focused on finished products.

Countries which have committed to take groups to the new show include: Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Turkey, Belgium, UAE, New Zealand and Belgium. The organisers would also like a presence from the UK. UKFT has said it will coordinate a group if there is a significant appetite from UK industry but notes that there are no UK government grants available for UK companies to show at international tradeshows.

Potential visitors from Saudi Arabia and the GCC will be targeted as follows:

• Wholesale buyers (department stores and independents)
• Distributors/Agents
• Investors

While many of the larger department stores will normally work on consignment (as in other parts of the world), the show organisers are committed to secure buy in from independent players who will work on a proforma basis with a 30% deposit and the balance before shipment.

Participation Costs:

• STANDARD SHELL SCHEME (minimum 12 sqm): Price/sqm 535,00 EUR (EARLY BIRD PRICES deadline 10.03.2025)
• STANDARD SHELL SCHEME (minimum 12 sqm): Price/sqm 572,00 EUR (REGULAR PRICES after expiry of the earlybird discount)

Prices above listed are subject to additional 15% Saudi Arabian VAT (which may not be recoverable)

If this is of interest, please get in touch with paul.alger@ukft.org or the UK show organiser contact Rob Sherwood sherwood@honeggergroup.com.