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Be part of the global beauty event of the year

From 27 – 29 October 2025, join thousands of beauty professionals from around the world at the Dubai World Trade Centre for three dynamic days of networking, trendspotting, and product discovery.

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Next in Beauty Conference

Next in Beauty brings together leading professionals from the beauty industry for an immersive conference dedicated to exploring the present and future of beauty.

With a lineup of international speakers, the event features industry experts from top global and regional brands who share fresh perspectives, groundbreaking insights, and advanced business strategies.

Each edition spotlights pivotal themes such as Market Trends, the evolving Business Landscape, and in-depth discussions on Marketing and Innovations shaping the beauty sector both locally and globally.

Keynote speakers inspire attendees with their journeys and expertise, while honoured guests deliver compelling messages on important topics like sustainability.

Next in Beauty serves as a hub of inspiration, collaboration, and forward-thinking, setting the tone for the future of the industry.

2025 Highlighted Speakers

Anita Baker

Anita Baker

Managing Director, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
Michael Curella

Michael Curella

Sr Director MENAT Commercial Strategy, Marketing, CMI, Coty
Pooja Rawat

Pooja Rawat

Director Category Management, Chalhoub Group
Anne Tulloch

Anne Tulloch

Divisional Marketing Director Beauty & Wellness, Alshaya Group
Layal Akouri

Layal Akouri

Partner & CEO, Nadine Njeim Beauty
Lavinia Popescu

Lavinia Popescu

Chief Science Officer, Olaplex

Introducing our 2025 Keynote Speaker, Sara Al Rashid

Beautyworld Middle East

Introducing  Sara Al Rashid, founder of Asteri Beauty, will deliver the keynote address at our upcoming Next in Beauty conference, offering her unique perspective on clean, vegan, and desert-proof beauty. 

In her session, she will share insights from Asteri’s rapid growth, 13 stores across the GCC in just two years and reveal the vision, values, and creativity behind building a brand celebrated for truth, inclusivity, sustainability, and sisterhood.

This session will be moderated by Andrea Nagel, Chief Content Officer, CEW. 

2025 Schedule

Day 1

27 October 2025

10:45 - 11:00 | The World Beauty Market and the Rise of Arab Beauty 

11:00 - 11:45 | What Retail Buyers & Distributors Expect in 2026

11:45 - 12:30 | The Future of Personal Care: Trends & Shifts to Watch

12:30 - 13:30 | Breaking Down Formulas: Ingredients that Drive Results

13:30 - 14:15 | Behind the Beauty Deals: Growth, Partnerships & M&A Trends

14:15 - 15:15 | Inside a Successful Product Launch – Strategy & Execution

15:15 - 15:45 | Packaging for Innovation: Functionality, Sustainability & Wow Factor

15:45 - 16:30 | Transforming Beauty: Insights from Asteri Beauty 

16:30 - 17:30 | Wellness for All: Creating Inclusive Spa & Beauty Experiences

Day 2

28 October 2025

10:30 - 11:00 | Driving Success Through Collaboration: Navigating Growth and the Role of Sustainable Investment 

11:00 - 11:45 | The Second Wave of K-Beauty: How Korea’s Beauty Innovation Is Reshaping the Global Market

11:45 - 12:30 | BeautyGPT Meets Retail: The Rise of Conversational Commerce as Your BA

12:30 - 13:30 | The CEO’s Guide to Leading a Beauty Brand in a Fast-Changing Industry

13:30 - 14:15 | The Future of Beauty Retail: Innovation, Experience, and Growth

14:15 - 15:15 | An Interactive Guide to Global Cosmetics Law

15:15 - 16:00 | Unlock the Future: Mintel’s 2026 Beauty & Personal Care Trends

16:00 - 17:00 | AI-Powered Beauty: The Future of Skincare, Haircare & Makeup

17:00 - 18:00 | Inside-Out Beauty: Cosmeceuticals, Supplements & Longevity Skincare

Day 3

29 October 2025

11:00 - 12:00 | The Business of Beauty: What Every Salon Leader Needs to Know in 2026

12:00 - 12:30 | Advancing Beauty with Biotechnology: From Lab to Consumer         

12:30 - 13:30 | Influencers, Experts & Evidence: Who Do Consumers Trust?

13:30 - 14:00 | Beauty & Wellbeing (B&W) Narrative

14:00 - 15:00 | Women in Beauty Leadership: Breaking Barriers & Driving Change

15:00 - 15:45 | The Future of Skincare AI: Building accurate, unbiased & personalised advice for consumers 

15:45 - 16:45 | Men’s Beauty: The Next Big Segment

16:45 - 17:45 | Building Beauty Communities That Last

2025 Agenda

10:45 – 11:00 | The World Beauty Market and the Rise of Arab Beauty 

The global beauty and personal care market continues to experience strong growth, driven by key regions such as the Middle East and Africa. Consumers are increasingly value-conscious, yet they seek products that effectively support long-term beauty and wellness — enabling them to age gracefully and healthily.

This key opening session will explore the latest trends shaping industry developments both globally and locally. It will examine market differences and similarities, highlight the evolution of Arab Beauty, and uncover future opportunities on the horizon.

Join to discover the latest beauty trends such as recession glam, healthspan plans, clinical confidence, loyalty immersion, and eco-evaluation. Learn how, despite macroeconomic challenges, businesses continue to innovate, renovate, and expand to unlock new growth opportunities.

Speaker:
Amna Abbas, Senior Consultant- Beauty & Health, Luxury & Fashion, Euromonitor International

11:00 – 11:45 | What Retail Buyers & Distributors Expect in 2026

Hear directly from top retail buyers and distributors about what they’re looking for in 2026. They’ll share what makes a brand stand out—from product trends and pricing to packaging, sustainability, and more. Get practical tips to help your brand get noticed, get stocked, and grow.

Speakers:
Lina Gallagher, Managing Director, Emerce Consulting
Lora Garrard, Head of Luxury, Beauty Solutions
Pooja Rawat, Director- Category Management, Faces
Salmeh Vakilian, Head of Endemic Business, Amazon Ads

Moderator:
Daniel Leese, Founder, &SOM Skin

11:45 – 12:30 | The Future of Personal Care: Trends & Shifts to Watch

Personal care is evolving fast. In this session, industry experts break down the key trends shaping the future—what’s fading out, what’s here to stay, and what brands need to focus on to stay relevant and connect with today’s beauty-conscious customer.

Speakers:
Amna Abbas, Senior Consultant- Beauty & Health, Luxury & Fashion, Euromonitor International 

12:30 – 13:30 | Breaking Down Formulas: Ingredients that Drive Results

Cosmetic chemists, brand founders, and ingredient experts pull back the curtain on the formulas behind your favorite products. From powerhouse actives to trending naturals, we’ll explore the ingredients that actually deliver results—and how to tell the difference between marketing buzz and real science.

Speakers:
Laurent Millet, General Manager, COSMOS-standard AISBL
Faiza Hussain, Founder and Head of Product Innovation, NEX Skincare
Toufic Braidi, Founder and CEO, Antati Skincare 

Moderator: 
Eva Lagarde, CEO & Founder,  re-sources.co

13:30 – 14:15 | Behind the Beauty Deals: Growth, Partnerships & M&A Trends

How do some beauty brands grow from small startups into industry leaders—while others stay in the shadows? This session looks at the real stories behind beauty business deals. You’ll hear from founders, investors, and big companies about what it takes to grow, partner, or get acquired. We'll explore what makes a brand stand out, why global players are focusing on the Middle East, and what’s shaping the future of beauty deals.

14:15 – 15:15 | Inside a Successful Product Launch – Strategy & Execution

Brand founders, marketers, and product teams share how they turned an idea into a successful launch. From early research and product planning to getting the word out and landing on shelves, this session gives a clear look at what really makes a product take off.

Speakers:
Florence Roghe, Founder and Director, Collateral Projects
Gaelle Dore, General manager Middle East & India, Centdegres
Jane Henderson, Head of Beauty, Mintel
Alexandra Jane Reynolds- Head of CPG, Amazon ads

15:15 – 15:45 | Packaging for Innovation: Functionality, Sustainability & Wow Factor

Great packaging does more than just look good—it needs to work well and respect the planet. In this session, experts share how smart design and sustainable materials come together to create packaging that catches the eye, keeps products safe, and meets today’s eco-friendly expectations.

Speaker: 
Shari Jafari, Partner, Mind The Beauty AG
Eva Lagarde, CEO & Founder,  re-sources.co
Elizaveta Fadeeva,  Skincare Brand Development Director and Project Lead,  Incenta

15:45 – 16:30 | Transforming Beauty: Insights from Asteri Beauty 

Join us for a fireside chat with Sara Al Rashid, the visionary founder of Asteri Beauty. Explore the journey of building a brand that’s redefining the beauty landscape—its philosophy, innovations, and commitment to empowering individuals. Sara shares the story behind the brand, the challenges overcome, and the principles that make Asteri Beauty more than just products, but a movement in modern beauty.

Speaker:
Sara Al Rashid, Founder, Asteri Beauty

Moderator:
Andrea Nagel, Chief Content Officer, CEW

16:30 – 17:30 | Wellness for All: Creating Inclusive Spa & Beauty Experiences

This session explores how spas and beauty brands can create welcoming experiences that celebrate diversity and meet the needs of all customers—regardless of age, skin type, background, or ability. Hear from industry leaders about the steps they’re taking to make wellness more inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for all.

Speakers:
Metta Murdaya, Founder, Juara
Soraya Jouzy, Founder, Pearl Tree
Sammy Gharieni, CEO and Founder, Gharieni Group
Sara Codner, Area Director, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Moderator:
Valerie Kaminov – Managing Director, IL Brands Consultancy

10:30 – 11:00 | Driving Success Through Collaboration: Navigating Growth and the Role of Sustainable Investment 

Next-generation beauty is seeing an evolution with investors, from prioritising ethical businesses to developing a more collaborative and transparent structure, brand founders have more choices on how to navigate their growth.

In this Fireside Conversation two pioneers in beauty and finance, will share their approach to building the future of beauty and how, through collaboration they are creating a new code in sustainable beauty investment.

Speakers:
Élodie Carpentier, General Manager and Co-Founder, Maison Le Rouge Français 
Harvey Knight, Founder & CEO Sustainable Wealth Group 

Moderator:
Valerie Kaminov, Founder & Managing Director International Luxury Brand Consultancy

11:00 – 11:45 | The Second Wave of K-Beauty: How Korea’s Beauty Innovation Is Reshaping the Global Market

K-Beauty is no longer just a trend—it’s a global category reshaping beauty standards, retail strategies, and consumer expectations across continents. In this session, Sarah Chung Park, CEO of Landing International, unpacks the forces driving the second wave of K-Beauty—from long-term brand building and inclusivity to regional shifts in demand and retail readiness. Learn how Korean brands are evolving to meet global needs—and what it takes to lead in the next era of beauty.

Speaker:
Sarah Chung Park, CEO, Landing International Inc. 

11:45 – 12:30 | BeautyGPT Meets Retail: The Rise of Conversational Commerce as Your BA

What if the most consistent, on-brand Beauty Advisor wasn’t human—but an AI trained in your brand’s voice, values, and product science?

Speaker:
Sadaf Shaikh, Head of Department : Retail Education, Artistry, Service Innovation, CX Excellence & Strategy, Tira

12:30 – 13:30 | The CEO’s Guide to Leading a Beauty Brand in a Fast-Changing Industry

Running a beauty brand today means staying one step ahead—while staying true to your roots. In this candid conversation, CEOs share real stories about adapting to change, connecting with consumers, making tough calls, and keeping their brands both grounded and forward-looking.

Speakers:
Anisha Oberoi, CEO & Founder, Secret Skin
Iryna Kremin, CEO & Founder, INNOCOS
Layal Akouri, Partner & CEO, Nadine Njeim Beauty
Claire Despagne, Founder, Day+
Mouna Abbassy, CEO & Founder, izil Beauty 

Moderator:
Daniel Leese, Founder, &SOM Skin

13:30 - 14:15 | The Future of Beauty Retail: Innovation, Experience, and Growth

This panel brings together retail leaders and industry innovators to explore how beauty retail is evolving in a rapidly changing landscape. From digital transformation and omnichannel strategies to consumer experience and global expansion, the discussion will uncover the trends reshaping the way beauty brands connect with shoppers today and tomorrow.

14:15 – 15:15 | An Interactive Guide to Global Cosmetics Law

Thinking of taking your beauty brand global? This hands-on session makes the complex world of cosmetics law easier to understand. With a focus on the USA, Europe, and the Middle East, we’ll walk through the essentials—like product claims, labeling, and safety requirements—so you can expand confidently and avoid costly mistakes. Expect real examples, expert tips, and plenty of time for questions.

Speakers:
Kamal Kaur, Managing Director & Principal Regulatory Consultant, The Cosmetic Regulator
Simone Swafford, CEO & Founder,  Vogue Regulatory
Eliza Gilmour, Regulatory Director, Huda Beauty

Moderator:
Caroline Bassoni, Director Of Regulatory Affairs, Association COSMED

15:15 – 16:00 | Unlock the Future: Mintel’s 2026 Beauty & Personal Care Trends

Mintel will unveil its eagerly awaited 2026 beauty & personal care trends. These trends will shine a light on the emerging beauty behaviours and innovation opportunities that are set to shape the industry in the next 3-5 years.

Speaker:
Shiyan Zering, Senior Research Analyst, Mintel

16:00 – 17:00 | AI-Powered Beauty: The Future of Skincare, Haircare & Makeup

What if your skincare knew exactly what your skin needed—or your phone picked the perfect foundation shade in seconds? In this session, we explore how AI is changing the way we discover, use, and shop for beauty. From personalized routines to smarter shopping experiences, we’ll look at how technology is making beauty more intuitive, inclusive, and fun. 

Speakers:
Marina Fallahi, Founder, Bhive London
Myriam Rezgui, CEO & Founder, cAIre Solution
Nadia Kapleva, Medical Director, Lovi
Stacy Vason, Founder, Beauty Operations & AI Consultant, Vason Global Strategies
Elizabeth Schmidt, Creative Director and Beauty Futurist , Former L’Oreal Creative and Founder of LluMina Studios

Moderator:
Angela Thomas, CEO & Founder, Angel Success Consulting

17:00 – 18:00 | Inside-Out Beauty: Cosmeceuticals, Supplements & Longevity Skincare

Beauty isn’t just skin deep—it starts from within. This session explores the growing world of cosmeceuticals, beauty supplements, and science-backed skincare designed to support skin health and longevity. From collagen powders to active ingredients and anti-aging innovations, we’ll dive into what’s real, what works, and what’s next in the future of inside-out beauty.

Speakers:

Lana A Kerr, Founder & CEO, Lumisque, Inc./ CO2Lift®
Said Al-Jundi, Chief Physician Vascular Surgery
Ewelina Aiossa, Founder & General manger, Topical Skin
Jessica Hamati, Head of Strategy, Rite
Robin Smith, President, Cura Foundation

11:00 – 12:00 | The Business of Beauty: What Every Salon Leader Needs to Know in 2026

Running a successful salon today takes more than great service—it takes smart strategy. In this session, we’ll dive into what’s shaping the salon world in 2025, from rising customer expectations and tech tools to staffing, retail, and client loyalty. Whether you’re a salon owner or a manager, get the insights you need to grow your business, stay ahead of trends, and lead with confidence.

Speakers:

Eve El Gemayel, Head Department, House of Beauty
Layla Al Hajjaj, Founder & Managing Director, Boho Salon
Charbel Khoury, Regional Education & Development Director, Schwarzkopf Professional
Maria Dowling, Founder, Managing Director, Creative Director, mariadowling

Moderator:
Daniel Leese, Founder, &SOM Skin

12:00 - 12:30 | Advancing Beauty with Biotechnology: From Lab to Consumer        

With deep expertise in pioneering haircare technologies, Lavinia Popescu leads research and innovation at Olaplex, where she advances biotech-driven formulations that bridge science and consumer needs. Her insights will shed light on how biotechnology is shaping the next generation of beauty innovation.

Speakers:
Lavinia Popescu, Chief Scientist Officer, Olaplex
Katie Godfrey, Business Strategist & Coach

12:30 – 13:30 | Influencers, Experts & Evidence: Who Do Consumers Trust?

In a crowded beauty market, trust is everything. This session explores how consumers navigate advice from influencers, experts, and scientific claims. Who truly shapes decisions—and how can brands build lasting credibility?

Speakers:
Michael Curella, Sr Director MENAT Commercial Strategy, Marketing, CMI, Coty
Anne Tulloch, Divisional Marketing Director Beauty & Wellness, Alshaya Group
Aleena Khan, Co-Founder, CTZN Cosmetics

Moderator:
Ahaana Khosla, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor

13:30 – 14:00 | Beauty & Wellbeing (B&W) Narrative

We as the Unilever Beauty & Wellbeing Category are taking the lead by converging beauty and wellbeing to meet consumers’ evolving needs. We’re transforming our organization to bring beauty and wellbeing together. We’re advancing new thinking through market-leading science which harnesses this convergence. And we’re delivering for consumers by providing them with products that address the desire for beauty while delivering the demand for wellbeing benefits. 

Speaker:
Asima Haq, Marketing Director, Unilever

Moderator:
Katie Godfrey, Business Strategist & Coach

14:00 – 15:00 | Women in Beauty Leadership: Breaking Barriers & Driving Change

Behind many of today’s most impactful beauty brands are women rewriting the rules. This session celebrates the journeys of female leaders who’ve broken through barriers, built powerful brands, and are shaping the future of the industry. Join us for an honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to lead with purpose in a fast-changing beauty world.

Speakers:
Maryam Zamani, Founder, MZ SKIN
Jana Arden, CEO and  Founder, Arden Bay Advisory

Moderator:
Faiza Hussain, Founder and Head of Product Innovation, NEX Skincare

15:00 – 15:45 | The Future of Skincare AI: Building accurate, unbiased & personalised advice for consumers 

As AI moves beyond foundational models, the next challenge is building intelligence that truly understands individual needs. In skincare, this means creating technology that can offer accurate, personalised recommendations while avoiding the industry’s current pitfalls of bias and exclusion. This talk will explore how to expand the market by making AI-powered skincare accessible to more consumers, and why transparent, aligned methodologies are essential for trust, inclusivity, and lasting impact.

Speaker:
Namita Khosla- Partner, GrowthWorks

15:45 – 16:45 | Men’s Beauty: The Next Big Segment

The men’s beauty market is evolving rapidly—from skincare and cosmetics to wellness and self-expression. No longer limited to basic grooming, today’s male consumers are embracing a wider range of products and redefining beauty standards. This session explores what’s driving this shift, how brands are innovating to meet demand, and why men’s beauty is emerging as one of the industry’s most promising growth opportunities.

Speakers:
Daniel Leese, Founder, &SOM Skin
Kenneth Hoellmann, Founder & Co- Formulator, MANN Skincare
Aankith Aroraa, Founder & CEO, Streamline Beauty India Private Limited and Saniolla Naturals 

16:45 – 17:45 | Building Beauty Communities That Last

Today’s beauty fans want more than products — they want to feel part of something. This session explores how brands are creating real, lasting communities by leading with authenticity, shared values, and genuine connection. From co-creation to inclusive storytelling, learn how to turn your audience into loyal advocates who grow with your brand, not just buy from it.

Speakers:
Ines Diogo, Founder & CEO, NES Skin
Anita Baker, Managing Director, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
Laurene Joie, CEO & Founder, Gaudia Beauty
Elisavet Gogou, CEO & Founder, Glow Bar
Ashwajeet Garg, Founder & CEO, Kheoni

2025 Speakers

All sessions are CPD certified

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2024 Highlights: In case you missed it

Join as a Sponsor

Contact us today to learn more about our tailor-made sponsorship opportunities to enhance your brand's visibility at the Next in Beauty Conference.

Darshvir Kaur

Portfolio Sponsorship Manager

Messe Frankfurt Middle East - Darshvir Kaur

Are you a speaker that wants to get involved in our 2025 edition? Get in touch today!

Zhanna Tukhvatullina

Event Producer

Messe Frankfurt Middle East - Zhanna Tukhvatullina