MORE than 3,500 square meters of lotions, potions, perfumes and treatments were on display at the Beauty Arabia 2007 extravaganza at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, writes -RdS-.

Haircuts, makeovers, demonstrations, massages and workshops were on offer at the four-day event that last week attracted more than 90 companies from around the world.
The second Middle East international beauty and spa exhibition was officially opened on Wednesday by Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro.
He said: “It’s a very original exhibition and an indication that Bahrain is a great place for visitors and exhibitors to come together.”
Publicity co-ordinator, Joanne Blundell said: “This is only our second show so we’re still very much in our infancy but we’re very hopeful about this event because there’s such a huge market here for beauty products for both men and women.”
Companies from the UK, Bahrain Italy, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt exhibited at the event.
A delegation of 15 exhibitors from Thailand, co-ordinated by the Thai Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Export and Promotion in association with the Thai Spa Association and the Thai Hairdresser and Beauty Association also exhibited at the event.
To celebrate the opening of the exhibition to the public, hairstylist and president of the Beauty Culture Association of Thailand, Suchart Kwanreuk, performed an unusual and glamorous haircut while a model sat astride a Harley Davidson.            
The hairdresser, who had flown in for the event from Bangkok, demonstrated his unique take on hair cutting, using knives to create fashionable new looks.
One of the event’s highlights was a ‘fire-cutting’ haircut performed by Thai stylist, Mr Sathaporn. The hairdresser delighted the crowds by cutting a model’s hair with a pair of flaming scissors.    
As well as a wide variety of health and beauty products, representatives from the cosmetic surgery industry were available to discuss cosmetic procedures.
Visiting senior consultant in plastic and cosmetic surgery at Noor Specialist Hospital, Dr Christian Preissener, explained: “The market here is really growing. People come from all over the Gulf region for tummy tucks and liposuction. I come to Bahrain every six weeks from Germany. I stay for two weeks and can perform up to 30 operations.
He added: “Everyone wants to look beautiful and we all know that we get older – it’s the same in Europe.”
This year’s Beauty Arabia was held in response to an increasing demand for beauty products in the region.  
Arabian Exhibition Management Project Manager, Abul Rassaq Kharraz said there was “considerable growth” in the spa, beauty and wellness sectors in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and the UAE.
“It is estimated that there are approximately 32 million people in these six countries, with 60 per cent of the population aged under 25 years. This is a demographic concerned with looking good. High levels of disposable income also make the region one of the highest per capita spends on beauty treatments in the world,” he said.