Al Ghurair opens Beautyworld & Wellness and Spas

The twin exhibitions will run till May 20, 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

'There has been a healthy growth in the Middle East cosmetics and personal care sector estimated at 12% annually over the past three years, with a sales value of Dhs7.7bn ($2.1bn) in 2007,' said Eckhard Pruy, CEO Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH the exhibition organisers 'In fact, the consumption of cosmetics and perfumes in the region is said to rank among the highest per capita worldwide, with an average purchase per head of around $334 annually.'

Commenting on the show after the inauguration, Mr. Al Ghurair said: 'I am delighted to see so many male grooming products on display with skin care, hair care, shave and shower products for men and this is a good sign as men in the region too need good care after a stressful day at work.'

Mr. Al Ghurair noted that looking at the products on display it was evident that grooming is now a necessity for both men & women.

'The products and services being offered in the GCC countries are of the highest international standards and competition is keen,' said Ms Andrea Werner, Senior Show Manager of Beautyworld Middle East 'The GCC and the Middle East countries are becoming increasingly favoured tourist destinations.' She added that the Beautyworld Middle East exhibition will give a boost to new growth areas associated with health, beauty and fitness sector.'

The highlights of Beautyworld Middle East are the 'Walk of Beauty,' a themed contest using a number of the region's hairdressers who are at the forefront of hair design. Organized by MADI International - the leading hair and beauty equipment supplier to salons- this display will see top stylists from the Middle East in tough but friendly competition to carve the best hair makeover under strict time constraints.

To add to the excitement, the region's leading nail artists and fingertip stylists will be showcasing their specialist talents at this year's Beautyworld Middle East trade fair. An exclusive nail competition at the exhibition will challenge professional manicurists in a specially designed contest; determining who can create the most decorative nail styles using only small strips of acrylic as their canvas.

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.

'Beautyworld Middle East 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 male grooming products - a rapidly growing segment in this part of the world -the global sales of which are predicted to grow to more than Dhs71bn by this year.'

There would be two seminars on organic and natural cosmetics and Halal cosmetics, an increasingly growing sector worldwide. The seminars, held over two days will be conducted by an international expert on the subject of Halal and natural cosmetics Dr. Mah Hussain Gambles - Founder of Saaf Pure Skincare and specialist adviser to Halal certification bodies in the UK.

Over the next three days at the Wellness and Spas Middle East trade show, we will be showcasing the latest trends and popular treatments within burgeoning wellness industry; such as medical spas, fitness equipment and relaxation techniques,' said Ms. Elaine O'Connell, Senior Show Manager of Wellness & Spas Middle East.

She added,

'The healthcare and fitness sector has become a multimillion dollar market in the Middle East. The Wellness and Spas Middle East exhibition is set to be firmly established as the largest exhibition of its kind in the Middle East, fueled by the upsurge of 11.2 million medical tourists expected to arrive in the UAE, generating Dhs7bn for the UAE's flourishing tourism industry by 2010, according to market research.'

'The number of health and fitness clubs has increased triggering the demand for fitness equipment. Our event has been used as a platform to launch a series of revolutionary products that take cardiovascular, strength, skill and speed conditioning to the next level,' she said.

Ms. O'Connell added according to a recent market study the global market for fitness equipment is expected to surpass Dhs44bn by 2010, stimulated by demand from homes, hotels, schools, universities, organizations, and corporations' fitness clubs, health centres, golf courses and cruise ships among others.

She noted that Wellness & Spas Middle East attracts buyers, investors, purchasers, developers, owners and industry professionals from hotels/resorts, wellness centres, clinics, health & fitness clubs, leisure centre's, and hypermarkets among others.

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 850 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.