Dubai, UAE: A raft of new features are set to make their debut at the Middle East’s leading beauty and wellness trade show in Dubai next month, including an exclusive showcase of niche fragrances.
Quintessence – the Art of Perfume, will shine the spotlight on premier and niche perfume brands, offering thousands of trade buyers to Beautyworld Middle East 2016 an insight into the creative process behind the most unique scents available in the market today.
Among the ten hand-picked perfumers for the dedicated area include UK-based Illuminum, which will present its stimulating compositions from Arabian Amber or Wild Berry Blossoms, to multi-dimensional haute scents of Tomato Leaf and White Saffron.
Others, such as Maison Francis Kurkdijan, Ormonde Jayne, Ulrich Lang, and Herve Gambs, will also be on show, while French-based Thomas Kosmala, whose collection is exclusive to London’s luxury retail store Harrods, will deliver seminars about the alchemy of scent, refining the nuances of creating the signature collection.
“Quintessence is perfect for Middle East buyers that view perfume as an ongoing journey of self-expression and individuality,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Beautyworld Middle East.
“It’s exclusive to perfumers that develop their own specific knowledge in fragrance creation, combining rich traditions with innovative concepts, and will be widely welcomed by buyers in a region that has a long association with fine perfumes and fragrances.”
Quintessence is one of a series debut features this year at Beautyworld Middle East 2016, the region’s largest international trade fair for beauty products, hair, fragrances and wellbeing, which takes place from 15-17 May at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The annual three-day event will also welcome for the first time celebrity hair colourist Tracey Cunningham, who will deliver live tutorials on how to create the ‘celebrity look’ at Centre Stage by Nazih Group – an educational showcase highlighting the latest trends and developments in the regional beauty industry.
A global ambassador for hair strengthening and bond building treatment, Olaplex, Cunningham will demonstrate how Olaplex keeps hair manageable and assists with keeping manes long and strong during and after the colouring process, emphasising its strength in typically hot and humid Middle East environments.
In another new development, the UAE’s superstar barbers and male grooming technicians will have a unique platform to showcase their craft to a global audience at the inaugural Battle of the Barbers competition.
Held in association with the British Barbers’ Association, Battle of the Barbers will take place in a boxing ring setting, where finalists will go toe-to-toe in an effort to be crowned the undisputed champion. Up for grabs are two coveted titles - UAE’s Best Barber and UAE’s Best Shave, with one elite barber going on to compete against the best from the UK and USA in a global showpiece event in London.
Elsewhere, the Beautyworld Middle East Trend Forum will offer trade professionals crucial insights into consumer tastes and preferences in the world’s fastest-growing beauty and wellness market.
Featuring leading global trend agencies including Beautystreams, Centdegres, Peclers Paris and Carlin Groupe, the three-day forum will highlight topical issues impacting consumer decision-making, from the effect of digitisation on product life-cycles, to organic’s growing influence on cosmetics and skincare.
Meanwhile, the Wall of Beauty will present a collage display of stunning works from Middle East makeup, hair, and nail professionals, enabling them to showcase their signature style. Apart from having their work displayed, selected technicians will also have an opportunity to attend a styling session with Tracey Cunningham following Beautyworld Middle East 2016.
Finally, international experts, thought leaders, and innovators will share their perspectives on how regional operators can grow their businesses at the revamped Beauty in Business Summit. The two-day conference will follow a one-day workshop on permanent and semi-permanent make-up.
Besides the extensive range of new features, Beautyworld Middle East 2016 will welcome back returning popular events including Centre Stage by Nazih Group; Hair Education by ghd; Nail It! by OPI; and the Fragrance Station.
“This is without doubt, the most value-added edition of Beautyworld Middle East in its 21-year history,” added Pauwels. “The new educational features along with returning events underline our ongoing commitment of bringing to light the latest trends that are driving the regional beauty and wellness industries forward, while presenting a crucial annual network platform that delivers real business opportunities.”
Beautyworld Middle East 2016 will feature more than 1,500 exhibitors from 60 countries, and focuses on the five product groups of Hair, Nails, and Salon Supplies; Fragrance; Cosmetics and Skincare; Machinery, Packaging and Raw Materials; and Professional Equipment and Spa.
The international flavour will be underlined by 26 country pavilions from Argentina, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, India, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UK and USA.