Beautyworld Middle East 2013 opens with 32% more exhibitors

UAE residents per capita spend on personal care expected to hit AED 1,170 this year

Beautyworld Middle East 2013, the largest ever international trade and networking event for the beauty and wellbeing industry in the region, got underway at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday (Tuesday, May 28th).

The three-day exhibition and conference was inaugurated by Ms Raja Easa Al Gurg, President, Dubai Business Women Council and Mr. Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Fahim, CEO of Paris Gallery Group of Companies, government officials, beauty industry representatives, VIPs and organisers.

With 23 Official International Pavilions this year and a 32% increase in the number of exhibitors over the previous edition – 1,096 exhibitors from 52 countries participating this year as compared with 829 in 2012 – Beautyworld Middle East continued expansion underlines the vast potential of the regional market for beauty products.

Research by Beautyworld Middle East Knowledge Partner, Euromonitor International indicates that the per capita spend on personal care in the UAE is set to reach AED 1,170 this year and grow to AED 1282 by 2017. Keeping this growth potential of the region in mind, leading international brands are showcasing a series of product launches at the show which is taking place until Thursday.

“Being situated in one of the most dynamic international markets for beauty and wellbeing, Beautyworld Middle East has grown to its present international stature by being successful in bringing the best of the beauty world in touch with the widely varying markets across the region,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of organiser Epoc Messe Frankfurt. “As the market continues to grow and develop in the future, Beautyworld Middle East will continue to evolve to keep pace with industry requirements,” he added.

Attracting considerable attention on the first day was the exciting new area, the Beautyworld Middle East Boutique, with its display of high end, niche products. A particularly appealing highlight within the Boutique is the installation of Elements – a selection of exclusive exhibitors from the original New York showcase, launching their very own unique fragrances over the three day show. Trade visitors, particularly luxury retailers from across the region, are exploring the Beautyworld Middle East Boutique with interest as they search to uncover the next elite brand to be coveted.

CEO of Paris Gallery Group of Companies and VIP Guest at the opening ceremony, Mr. Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Fahim was very appreciative of the new initiative. Speaking during the inauguration he said: “Dubai is the epicenter of trade in a region that has a healthily growing fragrance and cosmetic sector. It has a highly sophisticated society, and beauty and fragrance products play a great role in their lifestyles, keeping the demand for newer, trendier, and improved products always at a high.”

He added: “With a multitude of brands already in the market, customers are very choosy about what they use. Niche brands are doing well, with the market growing to accommodate more of them and customers taking an increased liking to what’s different. So this initiative of Beautyworld Middle East couldn’t have happened at a better time. I believe it will help promote stronger collaboration between businesses and highlight the opportunities for greater investment.”

As the largest-ever single exhibitor in the 17-year history of the show, Be Connected, the only UAE-owned beauty product specialist is targeting a greater regional footprint through its 300 sq.m. stand. Be Connected’s range of high quality nail care products, KOKO Nails were already proving to be a popular draw early in the exhibition.

Speaking after the inauguration, Kawther Makahlah, Founder, Be Connected International and Koko Nail, said: “Nail care has become the latest fashion statement and has gained importance as a high-growth sector in the last few years. B-Connected known as ‘The Nail Product Specialist’ in the region is emphasising the importance of this sector at Beautyworld Middle East. We have introduced ‘KOKO Nail’ along with well over 50 products exclusively produced and distributed for Nail Care and there is still more to come. With innovative technology, the products highlight the professional standards in the region.”

Other new features at Beautyworld Middle East 2013 are the Organic Monitor Masterclasses which focus on the natural & organic cosmetics business, and Tone It! brought to Beautyworld Middle East by Pantone, the global authority on colour. Pantone is presenting the Spring/Summer 2014 colour trends as well as the Autumn/Winter 2014/2015 trends in conjunction with a series of seminars on colour trends in the cosmetics and fashion industries.

Beautyworld Middle East 2013 also incorporates a full range of exciting features including the Walk of Beauty by Madi International, Nail It! By OPI, Face It! By Enigma Beauty Group, Hair Education by the Salon Educators and the Spa Management & Salon Management Summits.