Over 42,000 industry visitors, regional traders, professionals and international manufacturers from 135 countries united at the Middle East’s largest beauty and wellness exhibition: Beautyworld Middle East 2017, which concluded earlier this week.
The three-day event saw an 11.5 percent increase in size year-on-year, which was duly matched by a 13 percent growth in visitors, with throngs of spa and salon professionals, hairstylists, makeup artists, importers and exporters out in force, sourcing inspiration and the latest products displayed by the biggest brands in the global beauty business. In total ten show highlights shared the spotlight with more than 100 product launches across six sections of Hair, Nails, & Salon Supplies; Cosmetics & Skincare; Machinery, Packaging, and Raw Materials; Professional Equipment, Spa & Wellness; Fragrance Compounds & Finished Fragrance; and Personal Care & Hygiene.
The 22nd edition of the annual showcase was a mix of glamour and serious business in equal doses; models graced catwalks presenting the latest makeup and hair trends from the likes of Hollywood hair artist Guy Tang at one end of the exhibition’s vast expanse, while across the other, European premium skincare manufacturers or makers of niche perfumes were striking deals with regional distributors and high-end retailers.
Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Although Beautyworld Middle East continues to grow in size and scope every year, it has maintained, and even advanced its relevance in the Middle East and African beauty and wellness market, which continues to deliver up a wealth of opportunity for global and local players alike.
“Whether you’re a professional hair stylist seeking inspirational colouring trends, an entrepreneur looking for private label cosmetic manufacturers, or a hotel operator searching for the cutting-edge spa equipment and treatments, there’s really something for everyone.
“The show’s impressive growth coincides with Dubai’s position at the forefront of interregional trade,” added Pauwels. “Figures from Dubai Customs show the emirate traded AED20.68 billion worth of perfumes and cosmetics in 2016, while in the first quarter of 2017, 202,000 tonnes worth AED5 billion were imported, exported, and re-exported.”
