More than 85 exhibitors from 10 countries are showcasing their latest animal hides, machinery, leather products and accessories at a Dubai event, even as the market establishes itself as a major force in the global leather industry.

The inaugural edition of the three-day Leatherworld Middle East will run till May 6 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Gulf region’s trade for semi-finished and finished leather, accessories, travel goods, handbags and footwear was worth $4.09 billion last year, according to Euromonitor International.

The GCC is also a leather manufacturing hub, with $1.9 billion worth of dressed leather, luggage, handbags, saddlery, harnesses and footwear having being produced in the Gulf region last year, with Saudi Arabia ($1.1 billion), the UAE ($468 million), and Qatar ($250 million) the region’s big three leather producers, it said.

UAE-based tanneries like the Al-Khaznah Tannery is sharing the limelight with several top-flight international tanneries at Leatherworld Middle East’s dedicated Leather Production Area. It includes 15 French and eight Italian tanneries making their first foray into the Middle East.  

Among these is exotic leather tanner Faggioli, presenting its new collection of hand-painted python skins.

Ahmed Pauwels, chief executive officer, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organiser of the event, said: “The Middle East is a prominent market for leather goods, accessories, furnishings, luggage and footwear, while it’s also a fast-growing manufacturing hub for all things leather-related.

“As the market gains in stature internationally, events like Leatherworld Middle East have a significant role to play in fuelling the industry's overall growth and development.”

The Trend Area at the centre of the exhibition floor is a show highlight, where the most innovative leather products are displayed, from 100 per cent biodegradable camel hide, to leather clutches with built-in power packs that re-charge smart phones.

Many exhibitors are making their first bow on the regional stage, including Indian bag manufacturer Hidesign at the show’s Fashion Avenue.  Hidesign is launching its eco-leather handbag range, made from vegetable tanned leather that uses seeds of Myrobalam trees and wattle tree bark.

Other big names in the Fashion Avenue are Smith and Canova from the UK, and Anna Bags from the US.

Meanwhile, the Designers’ Area at the event is being headlined by Swiss designer Martina Wyss and British brand Kausar, which is introducing a range of handbags inspired by Islamic art.

The Shoe Box wraps up the dedicated feature zones at Leatherworld Middle East, and includes big names such as British manufacturer of traditional welted footwear, Tricker; and Schuhsalon Marco from Germany, which is showcasing its ‘Marco Esclusive’ range of shoes that are developed exclusively for the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the event features three country pavilions from France, Italy, and Pakistan, with other exhibitors coming from China, Germany, India, Spain, UK, US, and the UAE. - TradeArabia News Service