Saudi and UAE consumers spent $6.85 billion on beauty and personal care products in 2015, according to new research, with spending in the two Gulf countries set to rise eight percent in 2016 to reach $7.4 billion. Figures released by analysts Euromonitor International show the retail value of the beauty and personal care market in Saudi Arabia was $5.21 billion last year, while in the UAE, shoppers spent $1.64 billion on beauty products. In Saudi Arabia, the lion's share of sales in 2015 went to fragrances ($1.7 billion), followed by haircare ($697 million), skincare ($635 million), and color cosmetics ($503 million). That trend followed in the UAE, with shoppers spending $423 million on fragrances, $258 million on haircare, $168 million on color cosmetics, and $165 million on skincare. The two countries combined comprise a quarter of the entire Middle East and African beauty and personal care market, which had a retail value of $27.1 billion in 2015, growing 5.4 percent over 2014. That comes as the Middle East and Africa overtakes Latin America as the world's fastest growing beauty and personal care market, with its estimated 4.8 percent annual growth rate between 2014-2019 almost twice the global average of 2.6 percent. The vibrant regional market will be underlined by the large turnout of more than 1,450 exhibitors from 60 countries at Beautyworld Middle East 2016, the region's largest international trade fair for beauty products, hair, fragrances and wellbeing. Global players are already confirming their participation at the three-day event, as they get set to launch their latest products and network with thousands of retailers, distributors, wholesalers, beauty professionals, importers and exporters from throughout the wider region. Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organizer of Beautyworld Middle East, said: "Beautyworld Middle East's influence has spread not only across the Middle East and Africa plus the Indian subcontinent, but has gone well beyond, with nearly half of the 29,670 visitors in 2015 coming from outside of the UAE." "What makes the show stand out is its ability to anticipate industry trends combined with a commitment to innovation. This combination has reinforced Beautyworld Middle East's position in the market, and made its name synonymous with progress." The 21st edition of Beautyworld Middle East will take place on May 15-17, 2016 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, focusing on the five core product groups of Hair, Nails, and Salon Supplies; Cosmetics and Skincare; Machinery, Packaging and Raw Materials: Professional Equipment and Spa; and Fragrance. The strong international flavor of the annual showpiece will be reinforced by 26 country pavilions from Argentina, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Italy, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UK, USA, International exhibitors returning in 2016 and targeting thousands of regional trade buyers and beauty professionals include British company Van Tibolli, a professional haircare products manufacturer; Swiss compound fragrance producer Luzi; and Sollas Holland, a Dutch manufacturer of overwrapping machines for perfumes and cosmetics. Beautyworld Middle East 2016 will also return with several popular features led by Centre Stage by Nazih Group, a three-day live educational showcase highlighting the latest trends and regulations in the regional beauty industry. Nazih Group is the Middle East's leading manufacturer and distributor for professional beauty products and equipment, marketing its products and services to salons, beauty parlors, spas and fitness centers throughout the region. Nazih Hamad, Managing Director of Nazih Group, said Middle East consumers are becoming more in-tune with global beauty trends, which brings the need for more brands and offerings in the fast-growing market. "Middle East customers are demanding, connected to the trends and hence always seeking novelties and new innovations," said Hamad. "This is a main criteria of purchase for the Middle East customer hence there is always space for new brand entrants in the market. "Therefore Nazih Group is always focusing and analyzing the needs of the professional beauty market to be the forerunner in providing their clients with the newest and latest trends to stay competitive and hold its leadership." Other returning show highlights and features at Beautyworld Middle East 2016 include Hair Education by ghd; ‘Face It!' Makeup competition; Nail it by OPI & Nazi Group; and the two-day Spa and Salon Management Summit. Other brand new exclusive show features are in the pipeline. — SG
