MENA region world’s second fastest growing spa market as spa and equipment manufacturers flock to Beautyworld Middle East 

UAE, Morocco account for half of US$1.7 billion in regional spa revenue from more than 2,250 spas – Global Wellness Institute 

Dubai, UAE April 29, 2015: The Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) growing prominence as a global spa and wellness hub will be underlined by a big influx of professional equipment and spa exhibitors at Beautyworld Middle East 2015, the region’s largest trade fair for beauty products, hair, fragrances, and wellbeing. 

According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the MENA region is the world’s second fastest growing market for spas, more than doubling in size between 2007 and 2013, while the UAE and Morocco spearhead regional demand for spa and wellness services.

A report by the GWI, called ‘Global Spa & Wellness Economy Monitor’, said the number of MENA spas has more than tripled from 2007 to 2013, with 3,889 spas generating US$1.7 billion revenue in 2013 compared to US$700 million in 2007. 

The UAE (566 spas and US$581 million revenue) and Morocco (1,699 spas, US$253 million revenue) account for nearly 50 per cent of the total MENA spa market, the report said, while the industry employs 57,308 people across the region.

The regional spa market’s massive growth is reflected in the 40 per cent surge of professional equipment and spa exhibitors over the last three years at Beautyworld Middle East, as more than 80 manufacturers prepare for the upcoming 20th edition of the three-day event.

“Strong economic growth and the rise of wellness tourism over the last few years has propelled the MENA region into a global spa and wellness destination of choice,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Beautyworld Middle East, which takes place from 26-28 May 2015 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Professional Equipment & Spa forms one of the main focus areas at Beautyworld Middle East, where exhibitor numbers have increased by 40 per cent over the last three years.  The show plays a crucial role in influencing the growth of the industry, while developing synergies and facilitating key partnerships and business deals.”

Prominent exhibitors specialising in professional spa equipment at Beautyworld Middle East include German manufacturer Greiner, which established a Middle East branch in Dubai in 2012 to serve the fast-growing spa market, and will showcase its range of designer chairs for the spa, beauty and salon sectors at the trade show. 

“Beautyworld Middle East has been a great success for Greiner in the past, enabling us to showcase our product range and meet potential clients from across the region,” said Michele El Badawi, Director of Strategic Business Development at Greiner Middle East. 

“We see great potential in the market which is why we are establishing a showroom presence in Dubai in cooperation with H2O Concepts, and we plan to expand this cooperation for other markets in the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia.”

Another company, J Premium International together with Japanese
manufacturer MTG Company will launch its ReFa Series Luxury Face Massager at Beautyworld Middle East, and will offer trade visitors live demonstrations of the high-end product, that has so far had three million units sold worldwide.

J Premium International Managing Director Masao Motoki, said: “Beautyworld Middle East presents us the ideal platform to launch the ReFa brand in the Middle East and Africa region. 
“Our product is categorised in the luxury segment, and we expect to target high-value buyers at Beautyworld Middle East.”

Other headline Professional Equipment & Spa exhibitors at Beautyworld Middle East 2015 include Sollas Holland from the Netherlands, Bastos Viegas from Portugal, Cindarella from France, Lemi Group from Italy, Gharieni from Germany.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Beautyworld Middle East 205 also focuses on the other core areas of Cosmetics & Skincare; Hair, Nails and Salon Supplies; Fragrances; and Machinery, Packaging & Raw Materials.

The regional beauty industry’s annual showpiece event will feature more than 1,360 exhibitors from 52 countries, and is introducing for the first time ‘Centre Stage: where beauty begins by Nazih Group’ – a live show featuring the latest in fashion and trends for hair, skin, nails and lashes.

Other popular returning features include the Beautyworld Middle East Boutique; Nail It! by OPI and Nazih Group; Fragrance Station; and the two-day Spa and Wellness Management Summit, taking place from 26-27 May.