In the GCC, the average spend on cosmetics and fragrances is around $334 per person, industry insights reveal. In Qatar alone, there are almost 1,000 sales points and Qatar’s strategic location in the GCC as a trade hub has enabled many to invest in cosmetic manufacturing.
These are some of the facts and figures at hand with the organisers of what promises to be a one-stop-beauty-shop extravaganza – the Doha Beauty Show. Dedicated to local and international trade and beauty professionals as well as local consumers, the first Doha beauty exhibition-show will be held from October 20 to 22 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
According to the organisers, Doha Beauty Show is the first B2B and B2C platform that brings trade professionals and beauty specialists expertly matched to discuss business agendas and potential partnership. “With the beauty industry continuously flourishing in the Middle East aligning with Qatar’s thriving economic growth, it is only apt to open the opportunity to both international brands to cater the Qatari market, and the local brands to introduce their products globally.”
In a span of three days, the show will focus on the four cornerstones of the beauty industry: cosmetics & fragrance, spa & aesthetics, natural products and hair care & nails. From top local and international beauty brands to industry experts, from international beauty associations to local retailers and developers, and from hotels and health and wellness institutions to local institutions and regulatory bodies, some of the finest in the business are all set to descend on Doha come October. 
Co-organised by Elan Events Management and Fira Barcelona, the show will be open to the public in the afternoon of October 20 and continue to 21 and 22, allowing consumers to learn about the latest trends and offerings in the global beauty industry. Earlier this month, in an official statement, Ahmed al-Mulla, COO of entertainment at Elan Group Qatar, had said, “We are pleased to announce the first edition of the Doha Beauty Show that is set to boost the growth of the local beauty industry. It is the ideal platform to connect local consumers, retailers and experts with international brands that are looking to depute their offerings in Qatar.”
Some of the other facts and figures about GCC and Doha, shared by the organisers, are: Middle East and Africa are predicted to be the world’s second fastest growing beauty market, and Euromonitor forecasts the value of MEA region’s beauty and personal care market will grow 4.25 per cent annually to reach more than $30bn in 2018. Earlier in May, Beautyworld Middle East 2016, the 21st edition of the region’s largest international beauty and wellness trade show, featured 1,530 exhibitors from 60 countries, and attracted 37,553 visitors from 131 countries, highlighting the vast potential of the Middle East and African market for beauty and personal care.
Health and Wellness market in Qatar is dominated by the Cosmetics & Fragrance and Spa & Salon Market come in as second players, industry insights reveal. The beauty and cosmetics sector in Qatar registered significant growth due to the strong purchasing power of the residents, and the availability of varied products that suit all budgets and taste.
The first day of the Doha Beauty Show will be dedicated to businesses and traders, presenting a networking opportunity for international brands to be introduced to Qatar’s beauty industry and connect with local retailers and regulatory authorities. The programme of the Doha Beauty Show “will include a mix of sessions with regulatory authorities, local beauty influencers and industry experts, which will shed light on beauty practice, and beauty and healthcare preferences in Qatar.”
Following the opening ceremony at 9.30am on October 20, there will be a B2B Match Meeting from 10am to 1pm, and opening for public at 3pm. The following two days, October 21 and 22, will see the event open for public from 3pm to 10pm.
As for the organisers, a prominent player in the Mena region’s MICE industry, Elan Events is an established events and venue management firm that specialises in delivering new-to-market exhibitions, conferences, and live festivals. 
Their flagship events, the Qatar Motor Show, Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, and City Scape Qatar, have become major successes. Fira de Barcelona is one of the most important trade fair institutions in Europe and the Spanish market leader, especially in trade and industrial shows. It has a portfolio of over 80 shows of different frequencies with 30,000 exhibitors, both direct and represented, and receives 2mn visitors from over 200 countries.