NEXT IN BEAUTY RETURNS TO BEAUTYWORLD SAUDI ARABIA WITH BIG IDEAS AND BOLD VOICES
Riyadh, KSA: The Next in Beauty Conference returns to Beautyworld Saudi Arabia 2025 this week with a three-day programme packed with industry insights, business intelligence and cultural relevance.
From AI-powered retail and personalised skincare to the rise of independent brands and Middle Eastern fragrances, the conference reflects the fast-evolving face of the beauty industry in the Kingdom and beyond.
Hosted as part of the show's fifth edition, Next in Beauty brings together senior voices from global brands, local entrepreneurs, and disruptive thinkers across retail, digital, fragrance, wellness and salon services.
'The response to Beautyworld Saudi Arabia 2025 and particularly the Next in Beauty conference which has become an integral centre point of the entire event, shows the appetite for forward-thinking conversations and meaningful exchange across the industry,' said Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences.
'The Saudi beauty market – valued at US$3.82 billion in 2021 – is on track to exceed US$5 billion, driven by a digital-savvy consumer base and rising demand for personalised and luxury products. The conversations happening at Next in Beauty reflect exactly where this momentum is headed. Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a testing ground for the future of beauty – not only in consumption, but in innovation, ambition and influence,' said Syed Ali Akbar, Show Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East.
Highlights of Next in Beauty 2025
Day One (21 April): Market Dynamics, Regional Identity and Scent InnovationDay One opened with a powerful analysis of the Asian beauty boom in the GCC, led by Chalhoub Group's Andrea Fetzer, followed by a Saudi-focused panel on market dynamics featuring Muzon Ashgar (MZN Bodycare) and Ryan Ha (RYAN BEAUTY Co. Ltd.).
Later in the day, leaders from Arabian Oud International, Robertet Group and Junaid Perfumes discussed how oud, amber, and regional scent stories are taking the global stage, with export demand and international consumer interest driving new product development.
Day Two (22 April): AI, Wellness and the Conscious Consumer
A standout panel titled 'Leaders' Opinion – Market Trends and Insights for the Beauty Business' featured executives from Powder Beauty, Puig, Fragrance Shop and media personality Alice Abdel Aziz, exploring AI, sustainability, and how Middle Eastern consumers are reshaping the global conversation around beauty and identity.
Later, a session on hotel spa innovation in Saudi Arabia explored the surge in demand for luxury wellness services and holistic self-care — a growing sector within the Kingdom's hospitality and lifestyle industries.
'Wellness is expanding into new and broader spaces—it's no longer just about relaxation, but about creating enriching experiences that address everything from sleep improvement to fitness enhancement,' said Charbel Watfa, Senior Spa Director MEA at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. 'We're seeing growing demand for longevity treatments and wellness areas dedicated exclusively to women. Sustainability is also a major focus. In our upcoming project in the Red Sea, Amala, we are embracing sustainable practices by planting our own ingredients and incorporating natural elements like sand into our treatments.'
Day Three (23 April): Digital Beauty and Indie Brand PowerThe final day of the conference is all about looking to the future of tech-driven beauty, with sessions on personalisation, AR, and AI retail innovation featuring Asteri Beauty and GSS Commerce.
In 'The Rise of Indie Brands in the Middle East', founders and consultants are set to share how agile, community-first beauty labels are carving out loyal customer bases – and reshaping what success looks like.
The Next in Beauty Conference runs alongside Beautyworld Saudi Arabia from 21–23 April 2025 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC), welcoming more than 15,000 visitors across five exhibition halls.
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