Global interest in the Middle East and Africa’s (MEA) leather industry is gaining momentum, as international tanneries, designers, suppliers, and manufacturers look to boost business prospects at the region’s dedicated leather trade show in Dubai.

Debut exhibitors from as far away as Australia, the Netherlands, and Thailand, will rub shoulders with a host of returning players at Leatherworld Middle East 2017, as they set sights on a regional market where demand for finished leather products, tanned animal hides, and manufacturing supplies remains strong.  

According to analysts Euromonitor International (EMI), the MEA’s production turnover of tanned and dressed leather (including footwear, clothes, and accessories) was worth $4.08 billion in 2016, and estimated to rise to $4.22 billion by 2020.  

The retail value of luxury leather goods across the region is also solid. EMI estimates that spending on luxury leather bags, travel goods, and men’s and women’s small leather items, was worth $1.46 billion in 2016, with this rising to $1.84 billion in 2020.

Much of the region’s leather industry revolves around the Gulf countries of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. According to EMI, tanned and dressed leather production in Saudi was worth $367 million in 2016, while UAE consumers spent $473.9 million in 2016 on luxury leather goods, with this set to rise to $586.7 million in 2020.

International and local exhibitors alike will eagerly capitalise on the market at Leatherworld Middle East 2017, which runs from April 30– May 2 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.  

Now in its third edition, the three-day event is the region’s only dedicated trade show spanning the leather industry’s entire value chain, from semi-finished and finished animal hides, chemicals, and machinery to finished leather goods, including footwear, clothing, bags, wallets, and accessories.

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Leatherworld Middle East is the embodiment of luxury and exclusivity, and this is evident the moment one walks through the entrance into an array of exotic animal hides, high-end consumer goods, or finely tuned machinery.

“Our vision is to be an incubator of new innovations and to present a knowledge-sharing platform that will be the focal point of the region’s leather industry.  To that end, we continue to work with all stakeholders and industry professionals to fine tune the show and provide a more fulfilling exhibitor and buyer experience.”

Leatherworld Middle East 2017 will feature more than 50 exhibitors from 18 countries, and includes national pavilions from France, South Africa, Indonesia, and for the first time, Egypt. – TradeArabia News Service