The UAE is set to become one of Italy’s key international markets, as exports of Italian beauty and wellness products to the Middle Eastern country soared 34 percent over the last year – the largest growth rate witnessed by all of Italy’s international markets, according to a report published by Trade Arabia.

Overall, Italian beauty exports grew 11.3 percent in the first six months of 2015, according to the Italian National Institute for Statistics.

Saudi Arabia is also said to be a key market for Italian personal care and cosmetics companies, with some 82 exhibitors lining up to peddle their wares at Beautyworld Middle East in May.

“For a few years now, the Italian beauty industry has stressed the need to develop its international export markets, and to actively promote the high-quality beauty and cosmetic products for which Italy is famous for,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East. “It’s estimated that Italy makes approximately 65 per cent of the world’s make-up, and with the Middle East and Africa overtaking Latin America as the world’s fastest growing beauty and wellness market last year, now is the ideal time to target this high-growth region.”