Region’s premium leather trade show gets underway

Sunaina Rana / Emirates Business

International and local tanneries, designers, suppliers, and leather manufacturers are sharing centre-stage this week, as the Middle East’s only dedicated leather industry trade show opened in Dubai on Tuesday.
The three day event at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Leatherworld Middle East 2016 is featuring 70 exhibitors from 16 countries, all of which have their sights on a Middle East and North African leather market that remains in good shape.
While talking to Emirates
Business, Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Leatherworld Middle East, said, “This event provides a global platform to the leather industry worldwide, to showcase their work and an opportunity to form new globally. We are looking forward to present the niche and innovative design producers.”
According to analysts Euromonitor International (EMI), MENA 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.
Last year, the retail value for the UAE’s luxury leather goods market, including wallets, bags, purses, handbags and accessories, grew 14 percent 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.
That will be welcomed by global and local players alike at the 2nd edition of Leatherworld Middle East, as they look to make a mark with their latest wares, from exotic hides such as alligator, snake, and stingray skins, to finished leather goods including footwear, handbags, and belts.
Leading the UAE exhibitor charge at Leatherworld Middle East 2016 is Al Khaznah Tannery, the region’s only tannery that specialises in 100 per cent biodegradable and metal-free camel hide. The Abu Dhabi tannery is rubbing shoulders with European heavyweights such as Lederett from Germany; Italian stalwarts Dani, Italhide, Real Piel, and Tempesti; and Spanish artisans Albacete
Industrial, and Tenerias Omega.