Beauty World Dubai draws 62,000 visitors despite tough year for events

Beauty World Dubai has wrapped up its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, drawing more than 62,000 visitors from over 170 countries

The three-day trade show ran from October 6 to 8, going ahead as scheduled despite a difficult year for the events industry.

Speaking to Dubai Eye 103.8's Business Breakfast show on Thursday, event director Ravi Ramchandani said the organisers had faced doubts about the show and the city, but had proved people wrong.

Visitor numbers were down from 85,297 last year, and the number of exhibitors fell from around 2,500 to 1,300 from 56 countries.

Ramchandani said organisers had told exhibitors to expect a lower turnout, but that the number of senior decision-makers attending rose by more than 25 per cent.

According to a survey run during the show, around $1.2 billion worth of deals were agreed upon.

With fewer exhibitors, each one met more visitors, as the visitor-to-exhibitor ratio rose from 34 to 47.

The show also welcomed 239 new exhibitors and its first Philippines pavilion.

Ramchandani said exhibitors had cut back on stand sizes as supply chain problems and higher logistics costs bit, without compromising on quality.

The organisers invested heavily in content and experiences this year, with appearances from Bollywood star Salman Khan and celebrity make-up artist Patrick Ta.

Ramchandani said demand remained strong, and that exhibitors who missed this year’s edition were already asking to return.