Dubai reinforces status as beauty capital

The retail value of the UAE's beauty and personal care sector stood at $2 billion in 2017.

Dubai has reinforced its status as the preferred destination for beauty and personal care, with both global and regional players jumping at the opportunity to launch their products and expand their presence in the region, experts at Beautyworld Middle East 2019 said.
Running until April 17 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the 24th edition of the annual three-day event was opened by Dawood Abdulrahman Al Hajiri, director general of the Dubai Municipality. The event brings together various players from 66 countries across the hair, fragrances, beauty, and wellness sectors.
"Dubai, and by extension the UAE, is well on its way to becoming a global capital for the beauty industry - if it is not already," said Elaine O'Connell, show director for Beautyworld Middle East.
"The beauty industry has been showing a steady growth for the past eight years now; and this growth is consistent across all the sectors. Looking at the Beautyworld exhibitions, we can definitely say that the fragrances and cosmetics sectors have shown a steady and remarkable growth, but we are also seeing a steady growth in personal care, men's grooming, as well as skin and hair care."
According to analysts Euromonitor International (EMI), the retail value of the beauty and personal care market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is estimated to be worth $34.9 billion in 2019, an eight per cent increase over the previous year. That figure is projected to grow to be worth $43.4 billion in 2022 according to EMI, making the MEA region one of the fastest growing markets in the world for cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, hair care, men's grooming, personal care and hygiene.
The retail value of the UAE's beauty and personal care sector stood at $2 billion in 2017, and is expected to hit $2.2 billion in 2019 and to $2.4 billion in 2022.
O'Connell also spoke about how consumers in the UAE are driving the demand for internationally recognised beauty brands as well as niche products from various countries across the world.
"Korean cosmetics and skincare products have become extremely popular in the UAE and the Middle East region. We are seeing a lot of interest among consumers for such products, and retailers in the UAE are staying ahead of this trend by offering popular brands from Korea at their stores. Celebrities who are launching their exclusive brands are also driving the demand for beauty products. We expect the demand to continue to grow across all sectors over the next few years."
New highlights at Beautyworld Middle East 2019 include Ready to Beauty, a showcase of beauty brands catering specifically to the wants and needs of a multicultural audience; and the three-day Beauty Business Conference, which covers pertinent topics such sustainable packaging of beauty products.
Meanwhile, returning highlights include the always popular Quintessence, an exclusive showcase of 20-plus handpicked niche perfume brands from across the globe; and Battle of the Barbers, where the UAE's finest male grooming technicians are pitted against each other in a live competition in a boxing ring setting, with two coveted titles up for grabs - the UAE's Best Barber and UAE's Best Shave.
The UAE's most talented nail technicians are also competing for the top spot at the 11th Nail It! Competition, supported by US nail brands, Artistic Nail and OPI, while the Fragrance Station presents samples of the various scents presented by participating exhibitors.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com