Middle East cosmetics market crosses $2.1bn in 2008

Further, the growth of the 'Halal cosmetics' market - currently worth an estimated $560m worldwide - has driven the sales of beauty and grooming products. With aims of providing a unique platform to further boost the growth of the industry, Orange Fairs & Events has announced the presence of leading halal cosmetics manufacturers at 'Halal Expo 2008', an event that will gather regional and international suppliers seeking to leverage booming demand for halal cosmetics during its three-day run from November 24 - 26, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai.

With the halal sector experiencing an exceptional growth in the region, leading economies such as the UAE poses much potential for leading players who are optimistic of the country's strong retail market and its impact on the halal cosmetics market. Particularly, market analysts have identified Dubai's keenness on capitalising on its position as regional hub for the distribution of halal commodities to leverage the burgeoning demand for halal cosmetics. As leading global manufacturers focus on their efforts to penetrate the region or strengthen their Middle East exports, many of them have identified the opportunities in participating in a high impact event such as 'Halal Expo 2008'.

"Consumers in this part of the world are becoming more selective in their choice of personal care items, as the common misconception that the concept of halal purely relates to foodstuffs continues to diminish,"

said Raees Ahmed, Director, Orange Fairs & Events.

"In addition to providing an excellent opportunity for halal cosmetics players to take advantage of the booming demand, we are also focused on educating customers on which cosmetic items to avoid as they contain certain 'haram' ingredients. Overall, our commitment is to the development of the regional halal industry, wherein the halal cosmetics sector plays a significant role."

On the average, an estimated Dhs550m worth of halal merchandise is being distributed through the Emirates each year, with personal care items constituting a large proportion of this figure. Today, more people are becoming aware of the nature of beauty products and are choosing to spend money on make-up and lotions that fit their religious and cultural beliefs. Dubai's position as regional commercial centre for halal products is having a strong impact on the sale of halal cosmetics, which makes it an ideal location for 'Halal Expo 2008'.

"Amidst the growing demand for halal cosmetics, which makes it a vital segment of the $2 trillion global halal market, we believe that a comprehensive platform where global manufacturers, distributors and customers can meet, discuss and network will be highly beneficial for the rapidly-growing regional industry. We are proud to be the part of this initiative, which we believe will further bolster the growth of the halal cosmetics industry, not only by facilitating the meeting of a wide spectrum of industry players, but also by educating the public with regard to the content of their halal-approved cosmetic products," concluded Ahmed.

At present, 51 global companies from 17 countries have already confirmed their participation at 'Halal Expo 2008'. The organisers have also revealed that they are expecting more than 80 international exhibitors from Australia, Argentina, Brazil, The Philippines, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, KSA, UK and the UAE, who will be showcasing a variety of halal based cosmetics during the event.

In addition, representatives from government bodies such as Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (Brunei Darussalam), as well as regional and international Halal certification authorities, chambers of commerce, and international Halal associations have also confirmed their presence.