Leatherworld Middle East 2017

(30 APRIL – 2 MAY, 2017 – DUBAI)

Leatherworld Middle East is the latest exhibition being organised by world-renowned exhibition and trade fair organiser EPOC Messe Frankfurt aimed at the leather industry worldwide. The second edition of Leatherworld Middle East will bring together buyers, seller, manufacturers and traders from the leather industry under one roof. As the only specialised trade fair of its kind in the Middle East, Leatherworld Middle East will connect buyers and sellers in the international leather industry.

Leatherworld Middle East 2017 will take place from 30 April – 2 May at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and will feature more than 80 exhibitors from 16 countries, while 2,000-plus visitors from 62 countries are expected to attend. Exhibitors will showcase their latest wares, from hundreds of variations of animal hides, production machinery and chemicals, to leather handbags, footwear, accessories, and garments.

Italian and French luxury brand acquisitions of tanneries are not a new phenomenon. Along with soaring raw material prices and a finite number of quality hides and skins there has been an explosion in demand for high-value leather goods. Some of the world’s largest luxury brands have snapped up tanners to secure supply and maintain an artisan tradition.

At Leatherworld Middle East international visitors will mainly come from Europe and Middle East. This is your opportunity to meet them and introduce your products to them.

Additional markets with great potential in the region are: India, Iran, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, and the African continent (Kenya, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso among others). At Leatherworld Middle East, you will find direct channels to regional and international contacts – to decision makers, buyers and potential business partners for your company.

Production of leather
• Exotic leathers
• Tanneries
• Semi finished / finished leather
• Chemicals
• Machines and equipments
• Training and research

Finished leather goods
• Footwear
• Handcrafted leather goods
• Fashion accessories
• Bags
• Wallets
• Leather stationery items
• Leather furniture

High raw hide prices continue to challenge manufacturers, affecting their profitability in the market. One major trend is the rise in vertical integration of tanneries by luxury brand manufacturers to ensure steady supply of high quality leather.

Leather trade was valued at US$4.6 billion in 2015, including the import and export of raw hides, skins, furs, and leather articles such as saddlery and harnesses, travel goods, handbags, wallets, apparel, and accessories. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) holds a 67 per cent share of that figure, with US$3.1 billion worth of exports and imports last year, spearheaded by the UAE (US$1.2 billion of imports and exports), and Saudi Arabia (US$497 million).

Saudi is also a leather manufacturing hub, with a production turnover of tanning and dressed leather (clothes, footwear, and accessories) valued at US$346 million in 2015 according to EMI, and growing nearly eight per cent over the next four years to be worth US$373 million by 2019.

The UAE meanwhile is a haven of luxury spending; last year, the retail value for the UAE’s luxury leather goods market, including wallets, bags, purses, handbags and accessories, grew 14 per cent year-on-year, valuing US$413 million, with this expected to nearly double in size by 2020, when the market will be worth US$800 million.

Leatherworld Middle East 2017 also returns with an inspiring showcase of leather garments, handbags, footwear and accessories from year-two students at prestigious fashion institute ESMOD Dubai, combining a mix of traditional techniques, leather manipulation and cutting edge technology.

The African Leather Market

Africa Business Pages, as the Official Media Partner of Leatherworld Middle East, promotes the event amongst African exhibitors, visitors, buyers, importers and exporters. Register for the upcoming event by filling in the form below and be part of Leatherworld Middle East 2017.