Unique handmade leather shoes made of 24 karat gold was the highlight of the opening day of Leatherworld Middle East, the Middle East’s only dedicated leather industry trade show, running from April 26 to 28 in Dubai, UAE.

Launched for the first time in the region by A&E Fashion Group, these custom-made shoes are produced uniquely for the user by Italian master craftsmen, who hold the world patent for the design.

These unique hand-crafted shoes are also available in platinum, palladium and silver finishes, as alternatives for those who prefer other metals to gold. The shoes are debuting in the region with a price tag of 18,000 euros for a gold pair, 20,000 for platinum and 3,000 for the silver-finished pair.

Earlier, the trade show opened at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre with Butti Saeed Al Kindi, second vice chairman of Dubai World Trade Centre, inaugurating the exhibition.

Leatherworld Middle East 2016 features 70 exhibitors from 16 countries, all of which have their sights on a Middle East and North African (MENA) leather market that remains in good shape.

According to analysts Euromonitor International (EMI), Mena leather trade was valued at $4.6 billion in 2015, including the import and export of raw hides, skins, furs, and leather articles such as saddlery and harnesses, travel goods, handbags, wallets, apparel, and accessories.

The GCC holds a 67 per cent share of that figure, with US$3.1 billion worth of exports and imports last year, spearheaded by the UAE (US$1.2 billion of imports and exports), and Saudi Arabia (US$497 million).

Saudi is also a leather manufacturing hub, with a production turnover of tanning and dressed leather (clothes, footwear, and accessories) valued at $346 million in 2015 according to EMI, and growing nearly eight per cent over the next four years to be worth $373 million by 2019.

The UAE meanwhile is a haven of luxury spending; last year, the retail value for the UAE’s luxury leather goods market, including wallets, bags, purses, handbags and accessories, grew 14 per cent year-on-year, valuing $413 million, with this expected to nearly double in size by 2020, when the market will be worth $800 million.

That will be welcomed by global and local players alike at the second edition of Leatherworld Middle East, as they look to make a mark with their latest wares, from exotic hides such as alligator, snake, and stingray skins, to finished leather goods including footwear, handbags, and belts.

“We’re delighted to bring the global leather industry together under one roof at Leatherworld Middle East 2016, with exhibitors coming from all over the world – from Italy, Spain and Germany, to Turkey, Thailand, Iran, South Africa, and even as far away as Trinidad and Tobago and Colombia,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Leatherworld Middle East.

“Many are new to the regional market and eager to test the waters, while some have been around for many years and are keen to grow their business interests, not only in the Middle East, but further afield.”

Leading the UAE exhibitor charge at Leatherworld Middle East 2016 is Al Khaznah Tannery, the region’s only tannery that specialises in 100 per cent biodegradable and metal-free camel hide. The Abu Dhabi tannery is rubbing shoulders with European heavyweights such as Lederett from Germany; Italian stalwarts Dani, Italhide, Real Piel, and Tempesti; and Spanish artisans Albacete Industrial, and Tenerias Omega.  – TradeArabia News Service