Middle East Set to Lead at Cosmoprof 2026 Beauty Fair

The Middle East is gearing up to make a major mark at Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2026, the world’s premier trade fair for the beauty industry, set to take place from 26–29 March 2026. With the 57th edition on the horizon, the region’s growing influence on global beauty trends is becoming increasingly evident.

According to EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL, Lebanon leads global beauty market growth with a 15.1% increase in sales in 2024–2025, and strong momentum is expected to continue with a projected annual growth of 12.2% through 2029. Saudi Arabia also features among the top 10 markets globally, posting 6.9% year-on-year growth and an anticipated 8.3% CAGR over the next five years.

The United Arab Emirates stands out as one of the largest importers of cosmetics worldwide, with imports valued at USD 5.2 billion in 2024. UAE households spend an average of USD 1,318 annually on beauty and personal care, ranking second globally. Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia join the UAE in the global top 10, underlining the Gulf’s strong appetite for premium beauty products.

The 2026 edition of Cosmoprof will continue to build on the success of 2025, which attracted 3,128 exhibitors from 65 countries and 255,251 professionals from 150 countries, with participation from the Middle East steadily increasing each year. The upcoming fair will focus on:

• Cosmopack (26–28 March 2026): Covering the entire cosmetics supply chain, including raw ingredients, fragrance, machinery, and packaging.

• Cosmo Perfumery & Cosmetics (26–28 March 2026): Highlighting fragrance, skincare, and clean beauty, with strong representation from GCC distributors and SMEs.

• Cosmo Hair, Nail & Beauty Salon (26–29 March 2026): Featuring innovations for professional haircare, nails, salons, and spas, reflecting the Gulf’s thriving salon and hospitality sector.

Globally, the cosmetics industry continues to expand, with EUROMONITOR forecasting revenues of USD 610.4 billion in 2025, a 2.9% increase from 2024. While the United States, China, and Brazil remain the largest markets, the MENA region’s rapid growth, high import volumes, and strong household spending underscore its position as a key frontier for global beauty investment.

With Cosmoprof approaching its 60th anniversary in 2027, the 2026 edition highlights the region’s pivotal role in shaping future beauty trends, providing a vital platform for GCC and Levant brands to reach new markets, and for international players to engage with one of the world’s most lucrative and fast-evolving regions.