Beautyworld and Wellness and Spas exhibitions register 30 per cent increase

Exhibitor feedback also confirmed that large volumes of trade business were conducted for the local and international cosmetics and health markets; the regional spend of which are worth approximately AED 1.51 billion (US$414 million) and US$ 74 billion (AED 272 billion) respectively.

Speaking from his stand at Beautyworld, Salman Al-Saedan was extremely pleased with his company's turnover at the exhibition. "It has been an incredible start to the show," he said. "So far we have signed deals worth approximately $170,000 (AED 625,000) and we still have several more in the pipeline," he added. "We operate a ladies' fashion salon in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as well as distribute beauty products and accessories to the Gulf States and are very glad to have decided to exhibit at Beautyworld. By the end of the three days, we anticipate that we will have generated over $350,000 (AED 1,285,000) of new business," he added.

Representing the UK, one of the many European countries at the fair was Baylis and Harding, a specialist beauty accessory company. "This is our first visit in six years and we are extremely impressed with how the show has developed," said Chris Fallon, Sales Director. "It's too early to say the exact amount of business we have conducted so far, but we have had a fantastic amount of interest in our product range and will certainly be back next year," he added.

The competitions and fashion shows, that are a special feature at Beautyworld, bustled with journalists and market leaders throughout the programme of events, with everyone vying for a good look as the region's top stylists were put through their paces under strict time conditions. Senior judge at the Nail Competition, Sonette van Rensburg, was very impressed with the quality of the contestants this year. "The standard of the competitors this year has far exceeded my expectations," she said. "The last day's event was for the nail industry professionals and they had a tough job meeting the results of the less experienced artists who have been performing up until then," she added. "This is our second year at Beautyworld and the first that we've had our own dedicated arena - we will certainly be a permanent feature at future shows," she continued.

Next to Beautyworld, Wellness and Spas 2007 was also conducting a brisk trade in wellness related products and services. Ian Chan, Sales Manager for Swiss company Medical Care Consulting, was very pleased with the reaction to his newly launched product that he promises can visibly reduce body fat after just one hour's therapy. "We are very glad of the opportunity to demonstrate our new specialist equipment," he said. "People are initially sceptical, but we've been able to show that it really works," he added.

Launching their new magazine at the exhibition, Liz Smailes, editor of Spa Arabia was extremely happy to be able to meet the leading players in the wellness industry. "There has been a lot of interest in our new publication," she said. We are thrilled to have met so many of the top industry consumers and professionals for the spa industry, all gathered together under one roof and this show has confirmed the reason why Dubai is considered to be the leading destination for a spa break," she continued.

Beautyworld and Wellness and Spas Middle East 2007 concluded yesterday. Over 950 exhibitors attended and showcased 1,500 brands of cosmetics, beauty and wellness products from 55 countries.