New Dh3 million garment factory coming up in Ajman

A S Lal, Chief Executive of Kreol Trading, said: "We are investing Dh3 million in the first phase while another Dh3 million is planned to be invested in the second phase. The factory will have over 200 workers, mainly from Sri Lanka and India. There is a huge potential for this business."

21 Jan, 2026

SHARJAH

He said there are 60 registered garment manufacturing units in the UAE which collectively export products worth $250 million annually. The strong infrastructure, a disciplined and well-trained workforce and access to the latest hi-tech equipment make the Gulf countries attractive for international brands.

He said: "The 9/11 developments and the Iraq conflict created sluggish market conditions with all new orders on hold. We understand that the industry expected a possible 40 per cent drop in orders. It appears that this will not happen now thanks to the current turn of events."

Mr Lal added: "We also do not see the 2005 WTO regulations abolishing the quota system as a major threat. We believe that Europe and the US will continue to be key exports markets for the Arabian Gulf countries."

Garments manufactured in the UAE are exported to the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Some of the big buyers from factories in the UAE includes Sears, Walmart, K- Mart, J C Penny, Gap, Mothercare and BHS.

Kreol owns the franchise for John Gladstone British designer suits and blazers which are retailed in the AGCC region through the EMKE Group's Lulu and Al Falah Plaza signature stores.

The company represents German firm Wakol Chemie in marketing their sealing compounds to can manufacturers in the Middle East. Kreol, in a 50:50 joint venture with Alpha Retail of the UK, operates the duty free facility at the Cochin International Airport for an initial period of 10 years. The project involved $5 million investment.

The duty free facility at the arrival and departure lounges of the Cochin International Airport was opened in May last year and offers international brands of consumer products, electronic goods, foodstuff and beverages are available at the duty free outlets measuring 8,702 square feet. The first and only private duty free operator in India, Alpha-Kreol bagged the coveted 'Frontier Award for Best Partnership" at the 17th Frontier Awards in Cannes in October last year.