The United Arab Emerites are experiencing a surge in demand for personal care products. According to Euromonitor International, the UAE’s per-capita spend on personal care is predicted to reach an estimated 1,282.3 AED ($349.11) in 2017 – 13 percent more than the estimated figure of 1,131.7 AED ($308.11) in 2012.

The 18th edition of Beautyworld Middle East is scheduled to take place in Dubai on May 28-30, and is set to increase in size by 27 percent, with exhibitor numbers up 25 percent on last year.

Beauty and personal care sales are also expected to increase by 5.8 percent by 2017, driven by strong economic growth in Saudi Arabia and an increase in disposable income levels. The male grooming sector is singled out as a category to watch as the number of products and advertisements focusing on men’s lines is expected to soar.

Beautyworld Middle East offers trade visitors the convenience of meeting over 1,000 companies face-to-face over three days, for serious business. It is the largest international trade fair for beauty products, hair, fragrances and well-being in the Middle East, and one of the top five exhibitions worldwide.

Sana Toukan, research manager, Middle East, for Euromonitor International, said: “The Middle East continues to be one of the most influential regions internationally for the beauty and well-being industry. With impressive growth figures, we expect to see continued strong interest coming in from international brands.”

At last year's convention, the top 10 visiting countries were: UAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Kuwait, India, Egypt, Bahrain, China and Oman. More than 22,000 people came from 119 different countries for the exhibition.

Meanwhile, over in Qatar, the Muslim country has introduced new restrictions on the importation and sale of alcohol-based perfumes.

From this April, all importers will have to provide certification that there is no alcohol in these products. A warning will also have to be printed on perfumes, in English and Arabic, stating “for external use only.”

For information on attending or exhibiting at Beautyworld Middle East, visit www.beautyworldME.com or email beautyworld@uae.messefrankrut.com.