50,000 products at China HomeLife in Dubai

As the world’s second-largest economy, China is not just one of the biggest consumer markets, it’s also the factory of the planet. Chinese brands, however, have still to make inroads into the Middle East. In an attempt to reach this wider market, some of the country’s biggest manufacturers have been displaying their products at different shows and exhibitions in the UAE.

One such show is the China Homelife Exhibition, which is now in its sixth year. The three-day event returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre today with over 1100 participants from six core sectors which include textiles and garments, furniture, home electronics, building materials, lighting and household articles and gifts.

We asked Binu Pillai, Chief Operating Officer at show organisers MEOrient International Exhibition what visitors can expect.

What's so special about the show?
As the largest sourcing platform for Chinese products in the Middle East and North Africa, China HomeLife caters to the increasing demand for Chinese products in the region. 2014 saw 800 exhibitors where over 10,000 products were on display and a total turnover of $32.5 million (Dh119.37 million) over three days. This year, with the exhibitor participation increasing and over 50,000 products being showcased, the exhibition has emerged as one of the largest China sourcing events in the region over the last six years.
This year we have also hosted 1500 hosted buyers from the region. The buyers who have gone through a strict qualification process constitute one of the largest hosted buyers programme for any trade show and will arrive from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Lebanon. 

Is this the first time the show is being held? Why Dubai?
The exhibition has been running since 2010 has a strong support of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai. It has grown in strength and has gained the reputation of bringing together serious buyers and top quality exhibitors.
Strategically located, Dubai has emerged as a trade hub and is also the largest re-export centre in the Middle East. Moreover, the ongoing advancements in infrastructure, logistics and operational costs make the city even more attractive for trade. The close ties that Dubai has with China are further strengthened by the China Homelife Exhibition where we make it possible for Middle East and North African organizations to be able to interact with Chinese manufacturers. Our aim is to cover the main sectors for Chinese trade and our concerted efforts over the last year have been instrumental in a 25 per cent increase of exhibitors this year.

The Made in China tag is considered a signifier of cheap products. Can we expect cheap products at the event? What about quality?
As the exhibition organiser we have been extremely careful in working with government associations and organizations who are concerned about the export value and the impact that such exhibitions have on the trade with China. We follow a strict quality control and selection process to be able to guarantee well received standards of all the products that are exhibited at China Homelife Exhibition. These processes also help us achieve our goal in promoting good quality and exceptional representatives of Chinese products in all the countries we organize the exhibition.

Who should attend the show?
The China Homelife Exhibition is a business-to-business platform where we expect to see serious importers, traders and institutional buyers. For example the contingent of garment manufacturers, fabric and accessory exhibitors would require connecting with the appropriate fashion houses, traders, garment manufacturers and distributors. So, while we have a high level of exhibitors, we also assure them of the right visitors to the show. 

Plus there will be fashion shows?
Yes. Another highlight this year is the inclusion of a series of short fashion shows which will take place five times a day on the first day of the exhibition. This was specifically worked out to enable our 300 fabric, garment and accessories exhibitors to highlight their 2016 collections. I are certain will be well worth the effort for both, the exhibitors as well as the visitors and buyers.