DUBAI — South African artisans of fine leather products will be under the spotlight at a Dubai exhibition this month, as they look to entice trade buyers and retailers with their latest offerings, from handbags, wallets, and travel accessories, to exotic belts, sandals, and even men’s ties.

The 4th edition of Leatherworld Middle East takes place on Feb. 27- March1, 2018 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, with more than 40 exhibitors from nine countries set to take part.

Exhibitors from Italy, Australia, Thailand, Pakistan, India, Lebanon, and the UAE will line-up alongside 15 South African companies at the Middle East’s premier showcase of end-user leather goods. Here, all eyes will focus on an expanding regional marketplace that has a strong preference for high-quality, bespoke leather products.

According to analysts Euromonitor International (EMI), the retail value of the Middle East’s luxury leather goods market, including bags, travel goods, and men’s and women’s small leather items, was worth $1.54 billion in 2017, compared to US$1.46 billion in 2016.

The UAE accounted for a third of the market in 2017 ($501 million) according to EMI, an increase of 5.6 percent over 2016 ($474 million). Consumer spending in the Gulf country is also estimated to rise to $586 million in 2020 by the time the Dubai Expo rolls around, while the Middle East market as a whole will be worth $1.84 billion. — SG