Over the years, the UAE has witnessed significant expansion in healthcare and wellness facilities, which has put emphasis on the appeal for healthy living. The total healthcare market in the UAE is estimated to touch Dhs44bn ($12bn) by 2015, reported the official news agency WAM. Approximately Dhs11bn ($3bn) of this accounts for wellness products and services sectors.
Leading regional and international companies specializing in Wellness and Spa products and services, will be exhibiting at the Wellness and Spa Middle East exhibition, from June 7-9, 2009 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
‘An ageing population of baby boomers, and the increasing stress of modern life has created a boom in wellness retreats and spas around the world,’said Ms. Elisabeth Brehl, Managing Director of Epoc Messe Frankfturt, the organizers of the exhibition.
‘Personal wellness is starting to become a lifestyle trend as people seek relaxation and a respite from the pressures of daily life, and activities that cultivate physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing are becoming important to many people in deciding how to spend their leisure time.’ She added, ‘Everyone’s lives have become so busy and overcrowded. A chance to breathe, relax and engage in a renewing activity and environment is becoming vital.’ With the worldwide prevalent trend of wellness retreats and spas all over the world, there are many opportunities for people to participate in wellness tourism from luxury spa weekends and yoga retreats, to Ayurvedic spas that include a spiritually renewing program.
According to research, Americans and Canadians have spent Dhs41.10bn and Dhs4bn on wellness and spas tourism respectively over the last two years. Wellness and anti ageing are a trillion dollar business globally.
Research has shown that the demography of this region is dominated by a young population. Combined with increased spending power, in this affluent society, the lifestyle aspirations of the majority now encompasses healthy body and mind.
In 2008, the twin exhibitions Beautyworld Middle East and Wellness and Spas Middle East, registered an increase of 38% in trade visitors over that of the previous year. The exhibitions attracted 850 exhibitors representing 1,650 brands from 50 countries. In addition 31 country pavilions exhibited, reaffirming Beautyworld’s and Wellness ‘&’ Spas’ roles as the biggest and most authoritative shows of their kind in the Middle East region.
Wellness and Spas Middle East gathers international spa and fitness club operators and professionals, hotel operators as well as architects and designers. It brings the world’s leading manufacturers together to introduce their latest products and equipment from day spa treatment cabins to body toners. It is the most successful showcase in the region for the latest in spa centres and resorts.
