(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) 85 exhibitors from 10 countries at key event.
Dubai — The inaugural edition of Leatherworld Middle East opened on Monday at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre with 85 exhibitors from 10 countries seeking to make a strong presence in the booming regional leather market estimated at $4.09 billion in 2014.
Butti Saeed Al Ghandi Second Vice-Chairman of Dubai World Trade Centre inaugurated the show.
With the GCC emerging as a leathermanufacturing hub the show assumes more significance organisers said.
According to latest trade figures $1.9 billion worth of dressed leather luggage handbags saddlery harnesses and footwear were produced in the Gulf region last year. Saudi Arabia accounting for $1.1 billion the UAE ($468 million) and Qatar ($250 million) are the region’s big three leather producers. “As the market gains in stature internationally events like Leatherworld Middle East have a significant role to play in fuelling the industry’s overall growth and development” said Ahmed Pauwels CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East the organiser of Leatherworld Middle East.
Mohamad Sabri head of business development at Messe Frankfurt said Leatherworld Middle East is the region’s first and only dedicated trade event covering the entire value chain of the global leather industry.
“The Trend Area at the centre of the exhibition floor is a show highlight where the most innovative leather products are displayed from 100 per cent biodegradable camel hide to leather clutches with built-in power packs that re-charge smart phones” he said.
Leatherworld Middle East features three country pavilions from France Italy and Pakistan with other exhibitors coming from China Germany India Spain the UK USA and the UAE.
Dozens of top-flight international tanneries are also present at Leatherworld Middle East’s dedicated Leather Production Area where UAE-based Al Khaznah Tannery is present along with 15 French and eight Italian tanneries making their foray into the Middle East.
Many exhibitors are making their first bow on the regional stage including Indian bag manufacturer Hidesign at the show’s Fashion Avenue. Hidesign is launching its eco-leather handbag range made from vegetable tanned leather that uses seeds of Myrobalam trees and wattle tree bark.
—
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.