Focus on wellness & spas sector

The show has doubled in size in less than a year and provides a focal point to one of the most dynamic new business trends in the region. Scheduled to be held from 22nd - 24th May at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, over 120 exhibitors representing 200 brands will take part, presenting the latest treatments, products and equipment.

Diana Taylor, exhibition manager, stated

"International statistics indicate that the wellness market is growing by at least 17%. However, it is obvious that the Gulf region is growing faster by simply looking around, every hotel, health club, and major shopping mall feature exclusive spas, specialist retailers and clinics."

In Dubai alone there are at least 120 different outlets offering wellness and spa services. By 2015 it is predicted that the UAE will be amongst the top spa destinations in the world with an estimated 200 hotels offering first class facilities.

Additionally, regional spend on healthcare in Dubai is currently a staggering $74 billion, according to show's organisers. This has inspired the creation of Dubai Healthcare City, which comprises of a vast area of medical facilities including a significant wellness cluster. Andrew Gibson, CEO of Raison d'Etre Spas stated: "Medical spas, medical tourism and rehabilitation at desirable destinations will play a big part in a new movement of spas. Dubai is ideally placed with the Healthcare City and I think is an excellent opportunity to make this a premier destination in the world." Mr. Gibson continued to say: "One major trend in the spa industry over the next five years is integrated resorts and gated communities that offer a particular lifestyle combining location, activity and healthy living. These are rapidly developing in the USA and catching on in Asia. The Middle East has a wide catchment area to entice people into such communities."

Richard Dusseau, founder and principal of Spa Strategy stated: "The Middle East is currently developing some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the world. As this continues, similar role-models for the spa industry are being developed. Many of the region's cultural considerations provide an opportunity to set new standards for specialised facilities such as men - or women - only spas. Such products will only expand the existing consumer base."

Major international brands and multinational suppliers remain a major part of Wellness & Spas Middle East including Biomare, LPG, Babor, Mattioli, Energist VPL, Hydroco, DMK, Omnilux, CACI, La Phyto, Balnea, Massor, Silhouet-Tone, Phytomer, DDD, Sassl Arredamenti, Charme d'Orient, California Tan, Promats, Oligodermi, Le Prus & Cellutrasson, E-Life, Shapemaster, Powerplate, Reviderm, Cellucur, SpaJet, Vitaman, Essie, BBS Luxury, Fire & Ice and Unbescheiden.

This year's edition of Wellness & Spas Middle East promises to be the biggest and most exciting to date featuring a wide range of innovative products. The Molding Clinic will be presenting the Molding Mask, one of the most advanced medical and cosmetic face rejuvenation treatments that makes you look up to 20 years younger in only 10 days, without surgery or injections. Power-Plate will be introducing their revolutionary fitness machine used by celebrities and professional athletes at a global scale, and the winner of 5 International Awards including the best "Anti-Aging Machine."

Sibo Industrial & Development will be presenting their e-plus ion cleanse foot Spa, a machine that uses ionic exchange to draw toxins out of the body through the feet. Because of poor diet and high stress, we tend to accumulate and store excessive quantities of waste products such as diacetic, lactic, pyruvic, uric, carbonic, acetic, butyric and heptic acids. All you have to do is place your feet in the water, turn on the machine and within seconds, millions of ions enter your body and begin to neutralize these tissue acid wastes.