Cosmetics and fragrance manufacturers target affluent Gulf states at Beautyworld

'According to a recent survey, consumption of cosmetics and fragrances in the Gulf States is among one of the highest per capita in the world with the average purchase estimated in the region of Dhs1,229 per head,' said, Mr. Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

'The last couple of years were an extremely healthy period of growth for the industry. In 2006, the cosmetics and personal care market in the UAE alone was worth more than Dhs1.5bn in retail sales - an increase of 8.4% from Dhs1.406bn,' added Mr. Pruy.

'Skincare accounts for 10 to 15% of the Middle East beauty sector market, where reports stated the total value of beauty product sales in the Middle East was Dhs7.7bn in 2007,' said Ms. Andrea Werner, Senior Show Manager of Beautyworld Middle East that takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. 'With a growing population, huge expansion in retail space and tax free incomes, it is hardly surprising that the purchase of beauty products in the Arabian Gulf has been rising at over 19% per year. The region has one of the world's fastest growing populations, rising at around 6% annually and with over 60% of the population being under 25, this is an exciting area for beauty products.'

This market achieved a 5% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 2001-2006 in fixed exchange rate terms and according to Euromonitor's latest analysis, demand for products that claim to be natural or organic is one of the key drivers behind this dynamism. Not only are these brands injecting innovation into the market, but they are also contributing to value growth, coming as they do at a 30-50% premium over standard products.

Highlights of this year's Beautyworld Middle East exhibition is a fashion show, and competitions that are much anticipated by regular visitors to the show.

The Beautyworld make-up competition in 2008 will be brought to you by Visign Cosmetics and will run in conjunction with Beautyworld Middle East. The competitions will take place under two categories - Fantasy Make-up and Glamour Make-up, and will be judged by an international judging panel.

Walk of Beauty by Kadus is the beauty and fashion event to showcase the very best that the region has to offer. This area of the exhibition received wide support last year. This event provided a platform for not only the leaders in their respective fields to show case their talents, but also of the emerging talent within the region.

Beautyworld Middle East Nail Competition is an opportunity for all qualified nail technicians in the Middle East to showcase their talents, creative flair and imaginative nail art in a professional competition. The Nail Competition has become an integral component of the Beautyworld Middle East exhibition after the inaugural competition in 1996 received tremendous response and support from the beauty and cosmetics industry, said Ms. Werner.

In the 2008 edition of the Beautyworld Nail Competition, regional nail technicians will compete in three different categories: Nail Art, Tip Overlay and Sculptured Nail Competition There is also a separate competition for professional nail technicians.

Ms. Werner added that shopping mall space has been growing by almost 50% annually and the amount of retail space dedicated to beauty products has grown by over 30% in the past three years. Current estimates put the number of hair salons in the United Arab Emirates as in excess of 3000 with the number in the Arabian Gulf states thought to exceed 30,000. These statistics and market growth areas are driving demand for beauty products in the Middle East.

'The exhibition has a variety of exhibitors representing all the current trends in beauty products, cosmetics and perfumery from across the globe.' Ms. Werner added that, 'There are companies displaying halal cosmetics - a rapidly growing segment in this part of the world - as well as male grooming products; the global sales of which are predicted to grow to Dhs71.56bn by this year.'

Beautyworld Middle East, which runs alongside Wellness and Spas, is the region's most popular cosmetic and personal care exhibition, now in its 13th year. It will host 970 exhibitors representing 1,650 brands from 50 countries. There will also be 31 country pavilions participating. It opens its doors this year from May 18-20, 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, with an expected visitor attendance of 15,000 from 100 countries.