A nail-art competition, a hair workshop and a two-day spa and salon summit are just some of the events of the three-day Beautyworld Middle East exhibition in Dubai that runs from May 27 to 29.
Nearly 1,300 retailers from 52 countries will converge upon the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, showcasing products ranging from luxury skincare to make-up. Making their debut this year are companies from Singapore, Ireland, South Africa, Malaysia, Lithuania and Peru, all looking to tap into the Middle East and African consumer market.
Besides indulging in retail therapy, there’s plenty to sign up for or watch from the sidelines.
Nail artists will compete in the fifth consecutive Nail It! contest, organised by the nail-enamel brand OPI, for prizes that include trips to the company headquarters in the United States. There is also a fragrance station, a one-stop shop for perfumes – if you find a scent you want to purchase, look at the tag on the bottle for the exhibitor’s name and booth number.
Walk of Beauty by Madi International will include makeovers and tips on make-up, skincare and buying beauty products.
Also on the schedule are nine hair shows led by professionals and featuring special guests, a part of the Hair Education programme.
Beautyworld is geared towards international and resident consumers who, research shows, spend an average of Dh573 a month on cosmetics and skincare products.
According to Euromonitor International, the Middle East and Africa region is the second-fastest growing global market for beauty and personal-care products, second only to Latin America. Fragrances were on top of the shopping list, with total sales for last year reaching US$4.6 billion (Dh16.9bn). Regional sales for all cosmetics have grown by 8 per cent each year from 2008 to 2013, with total sales reaching $24.2bn last year.
• Beautyworld Middle East is from May 27 to 29 from 10am to 6pm at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. To register, visit www.beautyworldme.com
aahmed@thenational.ae