Beauty & Style | Monday 15 October, 2018 2:03 am |

The inaugural edition of Beautyworld Saudi Arabia got underway yesterday (Oct. 14), with 147 exhibitors from 19 countries looking to boost their presence in the Middle East’s largest beauty and wellness market.

The official ceremony of Beautyworld Saudi Arabia 2018 was inaugurated Mazen Baterjee, Vice Chairman of Jeddah Chamber.

Running for three days at the Jeddah Centre for Forum and Events, Saudi’s dedicated trade fair for cosmetics, skincare, haircare, salon supplies, and fragrances targets the Kingdom’s flourishing market where, according to analysts Euromonitor International, the spend on beauty and personal care is projected to be worth $5.7 billion in 2018, comprising a 52 percent share of the Gulf region’s market.

That’s a steady five percent increase over an estimated $5.4 billion in retail value for 2017, while Saudi Arabia’s per capita spend on beauty and personal care will reach $154 in 2019, placing it second only to the UAE ($229) for the entire Middle East region.

The impressive opportunities are underlined by a full house of leading manufacturers and suppliers at Beautyworld Saudi Arabia 2018 in the Red Sea port city, with the show’s 14 official launch partners at the forefront global players eager to boost business opportunities. 

With 67 percent international participation, more than 370 brands, three country pavilions, and a busy programme of educational seminars, Beautyworld Saudi Arabia 2018 cater to growing demand for a professional platform in one of the world’s most promising markets.

The three-day event is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East and Saudi-based ACE Exhibitions, and is the 5th Beautyworld event globally, following annual shows in Dubai (Beautyworld Middle East) and Japan (Beautyworld Japan, Japan West, and Japan Fukuoka). It was opened by His Excellency Mazen Batterjee, the Vice President of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re continuing to build a portfolio of world-class exhibitions dedicated to the business landscape, industry trends and needs that are unique to Saudi Arabia,” said Nathan Lloyd, Chief Operating Officer at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, which also organises Beautyworld Middle East.

“Beautyworld Saudi Arabia is the 6th individual event that we’ve successfully launched in the Kingdom with our partner ACE Exhibitions, offering leading international brands and local players alike a pathway to further their relationships in Saudi’s vibrant beauty and wellness market.

“Over the next three days, thousands of Saudi traders, importers, retailers, distributors, and industry professionals can network and expand their knowledge-base, while exhibitors will present their latest wares, from Halal-certified Spanish fine fragrances, to Vegan hair masks with coffee extract from Brazil.”

“We’re excited to launch the first edition of the international Beautyworld brand in Saudi Arabia,” said Hadi Al-Harith, CEO of ACE Exhibitions. “This renowned brand encompasses the entire range of products and services for the beauty industry.

“According to Strategic Insights, the market for beauty and personal care in Saudi Arabia is slated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.55 percent during 2017-2025 on account of an increase in average spend by males and females for grooming.

“This is aided by an increase in per capita income caused by revival of the oil and gas industry, economic diversification, a rising population growth in the age bracket of 20-49, growing urbanisation, and greater participation of women in the workforce,” Hadi added.

A key feature of Beautyworld Saudi Arabia 2018 is the Beauty Academy, a three-day educational workshop and seminar programme aimed at advancing the skills of aspiring salon management professionals as well as hair and makeup specialists.