Handicraft Trade Fairs and Craft Bodies in the UK and UAE: Where Buyers Discover Indian Handicrafts (2026–27)
Updated: Oct 6
Handicraft trade fairs remain one of the best ways for retailers to touch and compare handmade products before ordering. This calendar lists the key 2026–27 shows for buyers in the UK and UAE, along with major European and Indian fairs, and introduces the craft organisations in both countries that champion handmade work. All dates are from the organisers’ official websites; always re-check before booking travel. Use this list to plan which handicraft trade fairs to visit.
UK handicraft trade fairs
Top Drawer S/S27 – 10–12 January 2027, Olympia London (trade only). topdrawer.co.uk
Spring Fair – 7–10 February 2027, NEC Birmingham. springfair.com
Autumn Fair – 5–8 September 2027, NEC Birmingham. autumnfair.com
UAE and international handicraft trade fairs
INDEX Dubai – 1–3 June 2027, Dubai World Trade Centre: the region’s interior design and furnishing show. indexexhibition.com
Ambiente – 29 January to 2 February 2027, Frankfurt. ambiente.messefrankfurt.com
IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn 2026 – 13–17 October 2026, India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). The Spring 2027 edition has been announced; dates to be confirmed. ihgfdelhifair.in
UK craft organisations
The Crafts Council is the UK’s national charity for craft, with a mission to make the UK the best place to make, see, collect and learn about contemporary craft. Heritage Crafts safeguards traditional craft skills and publishes the Red List of Endangered Crafts, first released in 2017, which ranks crafts by how likely they are to survive to the next generation. UK shoppers increasingly understand that handmade skills are fragile, which is exactly the story behind GI-tagged Indian crafts like Jaipur blue pottery and Sanganeri block printing.
UAE craft organisations
In Sharjah, Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council revives Emirati crafts such as talli, safeefah and sadu through contemporary design and supports women artisans. Dubai Culture & Arts Authority develops the emirate’s cultural and creative sectors. Both reflect a strong UAE appetite for authentic, story-led craft.
Can’t travel? Source directly
Fairs are valuable, but you don’t have to wait for one. Kraft Bharat, a handmade handicraft manufacturer and supplier in India, sends physical samples so you can check quality before you order. Book a sourcing consultation to start.
Related reading
Kraft Bharat is one of the handicraft exporters in India supplying handmade products to retailers in the UK, US, Australia and UAE. Browse our catalogue or contact our export team.
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