Lesedauer: 2 Minuten
Amna Abbas of Euromonitor International speaking with Conzoom Solutions at Beautyworld Middle East 2026.
Market size and product categories
Amna Abbas of Euromonitor International puts the global beauty and personal care market at USD 671 billion. She estimates the Middle East and Africa (MEA) market at USD 52 billion in 2026.
Fragrance is the leading product category, followed by skincare and colour cosmetics. For companies considering the region, market size is only part of the picture; understanding consumer expectations is also important.
Beauty as self-care in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
In the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Abbas observes that consumers are well informed and see beauty as a first step towards investing in themselves. Beauty products are associated not only with looking attractive and well-groomed, but also with health and wellbeing.
The GCC markets also have distinct commercial profiles: Saudi Arabia offers scale and market depth, while the UAE is more internationally connected and serves as a regional base for businesses.
Reaching different consumer groups
Abbas points to the substantial number of people who have moved to the region from abroad, noting that they may be easier to reach. At the same time, she stresses the importance of engaging with the local Arab population.
She identifies social media, companies’ own websites and local retailers as possible touchpoints. For international brands and manufacturers, this means carefully identifying their target audiences and choosing suitable channels, rather than treating the region as a single market.
For further context, see Consumer Behaviour: Impact on Retail. The article Retail Trends in the Middle East offers additional insights into the region.
