RIYADH: Hia Hub, Saudi Arabia’s fashion, beauty and lifestyle conference, is set to run until Nov. 3 and Thursday’s lineup of talks featured a session called “The Current Landscape of Beauty and the Evolution of Skin Care” that saw panelists discuss the desire to grow the skin care segment of the regional beauty industry.

Moderated by Lynn Al-Khatib, vice president of communications at luxury goods retailer and distributor Chalhoub Group, the session featured the likes of Patrick Chalhoub, group president of the Chalhoub Group; Franck Marilly, chairman of Shiseido EMEA; Hasmik Panossian, regional general manager of Sephora Middle East; Laurent Duffier, managing director of L’Oreal Middle East; and Henk van der Mark, vice president of retail, commercial and business development at Estee Lauder Companies EMEA.

Patrick Chalhoub spoke of the responsibility that comes with being a market leader, saying: “As a market leader in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and Saudi Arabia, we carry a significant responsibility to grow the beauty market.”

Notably, while fragrances dominate the market, skin care usage lags behind at only 10 percent, compared to 35 percent globally and 50 percent in Asia.

This, according to the panelists, indicates a substantial opportunity for growth.

Chalhoub highlighted the potential growth area, saying: “Many consumers, particularly men, are not fully engaged in skin care routines, often using just one or two products daily.”

Marilly added to the discussion, reflecting on the cultural differences in skin care practices.

He said: “In Asia, skin care accounts for 50 percent of a $35 billion market. While the Middle East represents a smaller segment, we have ambitious goals.”

Marilly also underscored the importance of education, saying that “utilizing advanced technologies like skin analysis and DNA testing can greatly enhance consumer knowledge.”

The importance of technology was mirrored in the contribution of Duffier, who said that L’Oreal “harnesses scientific formulas and cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional results,” while referencing tools that analyze skin to suggest appropriate treatments.

He added: “The rising interest in cosmetic procedures among younger demographics indicates a strong demand for effective solutions.”

The importance of education and raising awareness about the power of skin care came up again and again.

Van der Mark said: “In Europe and Asia skin care is deeply embedded in cultural practices. In contrast, the Middle East shows a gap in skin care education and usage.”

He pointed out that with 60 percent of the population under 30 in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, according to the International Monetary Fund, there was a significant potential to engage younger consumers who prioritized health and wellness.

Panossian spoke of the importance of understanding customer needs, adding: “With over 3,000 Sephora stores globally, we gather valuable feedback on products and ingredients … consumers are increasingly focused on ingredients, so we prioritize transparency and authenticity in our communications.”

The session underscored a collective commitment to enhancing skin care knowledge and practices in the Middle East, with industry leaders agreeing on the need for collaboration, education, and innovation to drive growth in the market.

As the beauty landscape continues to evolve, these efforts will be essential in shaping a more informed and engaged consumer base.

ABU DHABI : Four restaurants in Abu Dhabi on Thursday retained their previously awarded Michelin star in the guide’s third edition for the Emirati city.

The third edition of the ceremony celebrated the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by 99 Sushi Bar UAE (@99sushibaruae)

The ceremony, which was held at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, did not see any new stars awarded to the city’s restaurants.  

Instead, 99 Sushi Bar, Talea by Antonio Guida, Erth and Hakkasan all retained their Michelin stars.

 

 

 

 

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Michelin star award criteria ranks the quality of ingredients, harmony of flavor, consistency over time and across the menu as well as the chef's personality in cooking.

Meanwhile, the new restaurants added to the Michelin Abu Dhabi guide were Bord’O by Nicolas Isnard, Broadway, Em Sherif Sea Caf, Mika and Ryba. These eateries are highlighted by Michelin, but not awarded stars.

The Michelin Guide Service Award was given to Mika, a restaurant in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island that blends Middle Eastern influences with a Mediterranean touch.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hakkasan Abu Dhabi (@hakkasanabudhabi)

Bib Gourmand distinctions are awarded to restaurants that serve excellent food with moderate prices. The newly selected restaurants in this edition were Mika and Ryba.

Beirut Sur Mer, Almayass, Otoro, Tazal and Al-Mrzab retained their Bib Gourmand status.

 The Opening of The Year Award was given to Ryba, a seafood restaurant located in Mina, Abu Dhabi. Chef Faisal Mohamed Al-Harmoodi said his goal was to share Emirati food with the world as he accepted the accolade on stage.

The Michelin Young Chef Award was given to Yasmina Hayek from Em Sherif Sea Cafe, a fine dining Mediterranean and Lebanese restaurant in Al Maryah Island.

“Abu Dhabi offers a diverse dining scene that caters both to luxury travelers and food enthusiasts,” said Michelin’s Vice President of the Middle East and North Africa Harkesh Jaggi.