More than 125 exhibitors are expected to participate in the second edition of Leatherworld Middle East which will take place from April 26-28, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

According to a Messe Frankfurt press release, the GCC’s leather trade was valued at 4.09 billion US dollar in 2014, which includes import and export of semi-finished and finished leather, accessories, travel goods, handbags and footwear.

The GCC is also a leather manufacturing hub as 1.9 billion US dollar worth of dressed leather, luggage, handbags, saddlery, harnesses and footwear were produced in the Gulf region in 2014. “Saudi Arabia with 1.1 billion US dollar, UAE with 468 million US dollar and Qatar with 250 million US dollar were the region’s big three leather producers,” the organiser said.

Returning exhibitors include Dani, the Italian supplier of sustainable leathers, Indian companies Hidesign, and C&E; and UAE-based leather supplier Afriwest, while Conceria Superior is a first-time exhibitor. Among others, the 2016 show will feature the Trend Area, where an exclusive range of luxurious global leather innovations and animal hides will be seen for the first time in the region.

Other exclusive product zones include ‘The Shoe Box’, a section dedicated entirely for footwear; and ‘The Fashion Avenue’, where suppliers will showcase high-end leather clothes and accessories.