JEDDAH — The International Saudi Wedding Expo 2014, which showcases the latest innovations and developments in the bridal world, concluded Wednesday here. The three-day exhibition held under the sponsorship of Princess Moudi bint Nasir bin Abdulaziz primarily attracts young brides-to-be, their families, women, and the affluent expatriate community to benefit from attending the largest bridal shopping event in the Kingdom to source their wedding requirements. The exhibition with the participation of more than 170 Saudis as well as other international companies was attended by around 3,000 women including designers, businesswomen and visitors from gulf countries. It was organized by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and XS Conventions and Exhibition Company and was at Jeddah Hilton. The event houses a variety of designers and activities required by the brides-to-be for organizing their memorable day, from fashion to jewelry, from photography, beauty and fitness to hair styles and cosmetics, perfumery and body care to beauty salons and wellness spa equipment, hygiene products and toiletries to beauty and crystal embellished accessories, floral and designed stages to wedding cakes and wedding halls, and from honeymoon destinations to tour operators and limousine services. In her speech, Princess Moudi said that she is very pleased to see the participation of Saudi productive families, as it shows the success of the exhibition. "Other families will be motivated to participate in such exhibitions and develop their capabilities while making a name for themselves in the market," she said. Saudi Arabia's wedding sector is a multi-billion dollar industry growing at 20 percent per annum. It is one of the most affluent markets in the world where traditional weddings are of great importance and where no expense is spared. Figures of the Saudi bridal market have recorded over 2 million marriages during 2012, of which Makkah region itself recorded around 450,000 marriage contracts. Iman Adil Al-Shakour, president of the Organizing Committee, said the Saudi International Wedding event has gained a great reputation on wedding economics, and the largest gathering in all trendy women, in order to fashion collection, elegance and latest developments in the bridal world under one roof. She said: "The event represents an exciting family experience for visitors who want to see and get a broader knowledge of the local and international products and their services under one roof." She added: "The show is unique in the sense that visitors from across the Kingdom and gulf countries can compare and learn about the products and services displayed, from wedding dresses to decorations, and other arrangements." Al-Shakour added that the exhibition reflects the evolution of the industry. It has also helped to develop locally produced beauty products after many new international companies entered the domestic market. "There is no doubt that the growing market for weddings in the region is directly affected by the development of other markets such as gold and jewelry where people spend an estimated $700 million annually." She noted that the exhibition aimed to define women with the latest developments in weddings market and featured the latest selection of international and local designers, including fashion experts beauty and decor engineers, wedding coordinators, chocolates, flowers, antiques, gifts, gold jewelry, and much more.
