A total 738 exhibitors from 44 countries participated at the recently concluded Beautyworld Middle East, marking an increase of 13 per cent in participation over that of last year.

One of the big attractions for the visitors was the Walk of Beauty fashion show which displayed the latest trends in hair styling and make up, a statement said.

The nail competition Nail It! By OPI was another big draw, showcasing creative skills among local and regional talents in nail spas and salons.

This year, Arabian Oud, which has recently been gaining popularity amongst high street retailers in the US and UK also attracted its share of attention from international trade visitors.

“We have registered an incredible 50 per cent increase in the number of participation from the US,” said Ahmed Pauwels, chief executive officer, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organiser of Beautyworld Middle East.

“In addition to this there was a substantial growth of 15 per cent in local participation as well as an increase in exhibitors from the UK, Brazil, Turkey and many others.”

“As international companies look further afield for new promising markets for their products, the Middle East increasingly offers them economic opportunities justifying the tremendous increase in numbers we see in our exhibitions,” Pauwels added.

Ludovic Loffreda, CEO, LPG, Dubai said: “We are delighted with the response we have had during this year’s editions of Beautyworld ME. The quality and volume of visitors has been very promising and we have made some great leads which we are sure to turn into strong business partnerships.”

“We received a very good response from trade visitors from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The visitors were high end business people and the show helped us generate a lot of trade leads which we will follow up later,” said Liliane Mokamer, division manager, Madi International.

“Madi International organised the Walk of Beauty with Kadus on behalf of Epoc Messe Frankfurt where 30 Models and stylists from the UK presented the latest hairstyles in one and a half hour shows held two times a day,’ she added.

She continued: “We also struck a major distribution deal with Vizo, a company dealing in astringent and disinfectants for salons. Madi International specialises in hair and salon supplies and equipment.”

“We received very good leads from visitors who travelled all the way from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Lebanon and India,” said Deborah Whitehead, managing director, Salon Educators, which gives practical education and are business consultants for salons and spas in Dubai.

“In the Walk of Beauty we worked together with Madi International in featuring hairstyles from top European stylists. Every month we hold seminars and workshops for salon and spa staff.”

“This is our first time at Beautyworld and the show is very good with high quality trade visitors mostly from KSA. We closed good deals and are looking forward to next year’s show,” said Faher Al Jandali, Al Thahab perfumes. – TradeArabia News Service