Consumers in the GCC are appearance conscious and this is related to their state of wellbeing, according to a recent research conducted by Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organizers of Beautyworld Middle East. The research studies attitudes of GCC's consumers and reports that the GCC has as many as 30,000 salons of which 3,000 are in the emirate of Dubai. “The large number of salons in the GCC, particularly in the United Arab Emirates is driving demand for beauty products and services, a sector which is experiencing robust growth” said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. “The Middle East cosmetics and personal care sector has grown 12 percent annually over the past three years, with sales value of $2.1 billion in 2007,” he said. Available figures show Middle East society puts a premium on appearance, skin care, beauty and grooming, areas that areas that are increasingly important to both women and men. In fact, the consumption of cosmetics and perfumes in the region is said to rank among the highest per capita world wide, with an average purchase per head of around SR1,225 annually. “In UAE, there is a beauty salon to fit every budget and cater to every beauty need for all nationalities. The products and services being offered are of the highest international standards and competition is keen”, said Andrea Werner, senior show manager of Beautyworld Middle East. “The GCC and the Middle East countries are becoming increasingly favored tourist destinations.” Werner said “the Beautyworld Middle East exhibition will give a boost to new growth areas associated with health, beauty and fitness sector.” She added that companies will be required to develop new and innovative products in order to meet the variety of requirements from consumers. Beautyworld Middle East is going to be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center on May 18-20, 2008. “With the rapid growth of shopping mall space by almost 50 percent annually, and the amount of retail space dedicated to beauty products growing by over 30 percent in the past three years the beauty and cosmetics industry is set to thrive in the Middle East,” said Werner. “Our research also points out that of late, hair care players increasingly homed in on men who represent one specific consumer segment,” she added. A highlight of Beautyworld Middle East 2008 is the “Walk of Beauty” - a themed contest using a number of the region's hairdressers who are at the forefront of hair design. Organized by MADI International - the leading hair and beauty equipment supplier to salons - this display will see top stylists from the Middle East in tough but friendly competition to carve the best hair makeover under strict time constraints. __
