Middle East beauty market still growing fast

Organised by Messe Frankfurt Dubai, the show features over 750 exhibitors from 45 countries displaying thousands of new products and services. Many of these are presented on the 20 national pavilions and trade associations. These include countries as diverse as Germany and Turkey, along with new and established international manufacturers from markets like Italy, Spain, Japan and France.

Beautyworld Dubai is part of an international circuit of trade fairs organised by Messe Frankfurt for the beauty trade, with other Beautyworld events taking place in Japan, Argentina and Germany. Diana Taylor, Group exhibition manager for Messe Frankfurt stated 'the Dubai show is now one of the largest out of the four shows and a major draw in terms of visitors.'

Beauty, grooming and other personal care products are seeing a surge in sales in the Middle East, with the overall category growing 12% annually to a value of US $2.1 Billion expected in 2006. The cosmetics and personal care market in the UAE alone is worth more than US$ 414 million in retail sales in 2005, an increase from US$ 382 million in 2002, according to a consumer survey recently conducted; both suppliers and buyers are keen to gain an increased share of this fast growing market.

Ms. Nelke Van Aspert, CEO, Power-Plate Middle East said, 'Beautyworld / Wellness and Spas Middle East is a crucial element of our annual marketing calendar for the region. The visitor profile of the exhibition has consistently matched our requirements. Our stand enjoyed exceptional attendance, and we have generated several quality leads. Not only have we renewed our existing relationships, we have made several new contacts.'

Tamer Wali, President of Imdad, a premier supplier of advanced skin and beauty treatment technologies for professionals, stated, 'This is our 8th time exhibiting at Beautyworld / Wellness & Spas Middle East, which we have seen grow year on year. This has reflected on the growth of the beauty, cosmetic and wellness industry in the region. For the first year we have seen the majority of our suppliers and manufacturers taking part in this year's show and so far it has been a success, we have been in contact with several Saudi Arabian visitors this year which is greatly important to us with it being our largest market.'

Apart from discovering the latest products and trends in the most fashion conscious of industries, visitors to Beautyworld are drawn by the many demonstrations and shows presented at the event.

Top billing this year is the Walk of Beauty presented by Kadus, which was opened yesterday by Miss Lebanon 2000, Sandra Rizk, the face and spokesperson for the event. Some of the best hair stylists, beauticians, make up artists and professional fashion designers, presented their very latest styles and techniques to live audiences throughout the day and for the next 2 days.

Additionally, the first ever-national nail competition took place at the show, directed by Sonette van Rensburg an expert in her field with 19 years experience. The region's most skilled and creative nail technicians showcased their talents in the Nail Art Competition which was judged by a panel of top international educators, institute and salon owners, creative directors, nail stylists and make up artists. Sonette van Rensburg stated, 'The participants of the first day of the nail competition exceeded our expectations, their performances were of remarkably high standard considering the nail industry is relatively new in the Middle East. Several top beauty salons and nail spas took part today including Enigma Salon, N Style, Nail Lounge, Spa Paradise, N Bar, Top Ten among others.' The winner of the Photograhic category was Mandy Jones from How to Wow Salon, the winner of the Freehand & Airbrush category was Katia from Mist Air Salon and the winner of the Fantasy Nail Art category was Alina Rogiz from Spa Paradise.