The 2012 edition is the 17th for the annual event and was inaugurated by H.E. Abdul Rehman Saif Al Ghurair, chairman Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The event, which is organised by Germany-based Epoc Messe Frankfurt, sees a 10 per cent increase in exhibitor numbers and is 23 per cent larger in size than the previous edition, according to the organisers.
International scope
"Beautyworld Middle East has traditionally been the event of choice for leading international players within the beauty and wellness sector to showcase their products and services to the wider region. It acts as a strong platform for international product launches here," said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt.
"With current estimates indicating that the Middle East will continue to be a high-growth market for beauty and cosmetics-related products, interest among exhibitors looking to widen their imprint on the region remains strong," he added.
"Beautyworld Middle East, with its continued growth and strong profile amongst industry professionals, is developing its leadership in the world of cosmetics, hair, fragrances and wellbeing. We are seeing a considerable shift by major international companies who are increasingly focusing on this region to create further growth opportunities."
Market growth
According to the show’s partner Euromonitor, the Middle Eastern market for beauty and wellness continues to enjoy high growth rates.
Sales of skin care products in the Middle East and Africa grew at 12 per cent CAGR from 2005 to 2010 and are expected to expand further on the back of continuing retail expansion and innovation.
Fragrances are another high interest category at Beautyworld Middle East, with the region being a traditionally strong market over the years.
Recent figures indicate a vast increase in the number of fragrance launches annually worldwide, with 1,200 new fragrances unveiled in 2011, as compared to only 372 in 2001.
Beautyworld Middle East 2012 will also feature the Spa and Salon Management Summit running alongside the exhibition. The summit is a series of conferences and workshops specifically designed for Spa & Salon Owners and Beauty Therapists.