Healthcare tourism new trend for UAE

A report issued recently by the information centre of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce (ADCCI) predicted that the country's medical tourism will grow by 15% annually, in line with the increase of tourists' demand on this segment of the tourism industry.

'The Wellness and Spas Middle East exhibition, organized in tandem with Beautyworld Middle East will capitalize on this new development and further expand in the coming years,' said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organizers of both these exhibitions. 'As the UAE becomes a leading destination for medical tourism in the Gulf, Wellness and Spas Middle East will be the ideal platform for manufacturers and suppliers of products, equipment and services wishing to tap into this growing sector of the tourism business'.

To be held from May 18 to 20 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wellness and Spas Middle East is an international trade fair for the professional spa and wellness industry, presenting exhibitors from over 25 countries showcasing the latest products, services, trends and solutions for the spa, fitness and wellness industries from all over the world.

Among the companies exhibiting this year are the leading names in the wellness and spa industry whose products are found in the most advanced spas worldwide.

Sybaritic, for example is a company where the traditions of the East meet the advanced technology of the West.

Sybaritic was founded on the spa capsule, and now has expanded to include several other spa, medical and skincare technologies.

The company's product portfolio feature equipment and skincare products that have been developed to include non-invasive systems and unique products that enable customers to offer their clients services to help them look, feel and live better.

Beauty Leaders LLC, known for their hydrotherapy machines such as hydromassage equipment, spa and hydro showers will be displaying an array of facial creams and skin care products; while Promoitalia Group will be promoting their wellness treatment machines as well as beauty aesthetics and anti-aging equipment; Amico will have its IPL for hair removal and LED therapy; Ros Estetica Sl. will feature their Thermo insulation and ultra sound products, and Spa and Imdad FZCO will be showing Lipomassage, Variable Pulsed Light, Meso Delivery without needles, Skin Test System, Massage, Treatment tables, and Pedi Spa.

Wellness and Spas Middle East is an annual meeting place for everything and everyone connected with the wellbeing, healthcare and fitness industry.

Ms. Elaine O'Connell, Senior Show Manager of Wellness & Spas said, 'To take advantage of the increased influx of medical tourists, the UAE is developing healthcare sectors, building new communities, hotels and resorts to mark itself as a preferred destination for medical tourism, by establishing medical institutions such as the Dubai Health Care City, The Khalifa Health Care City in Abu Dhabi, and developing many environmental resorts'.

'The UAE government is spending over Dhs7.34bn ($2bn) every year on medical treatments outside the country for UAE nationals,' she added.

'With significant development of healthcare infrastructure and facilities in the country, nationals don't have to seek treatment outside the country thus saving on time, money and travel costs, and also benefiting from the best treatment from specialists in various medical fields in hospitals and specialist clinics in the healthcare cluster'.

'According to the latest figures from the International Spa Association (ISPA), medical spas globally enjoyed an annual growth of 69% and were ranked among the fastest growing segment of the industry. The most popular treatments are photo-facials, laser hair removal, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and also anti-cellulite treatments along with natural weight loss measures such as body wraps,' Ms. O'Connell stressed.

She added that the medical industry in general and the plastic surgery sector in particular, are incorporating spa treatments such as naturotherapy and acupuncture into their service structure.

Another trend reported by ISPA is that spas are adding residential components and real estate developers are building spas in gated communities and condominiums.

Wellness and Spas Middle East, which runs alongside Beautyworld Middle East, is the region's biggest international trade fair for the professional spa and wellness industry.

Together they 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.