International tanneries and manufacturers are counting down to the start of the Middle East’s only leather industry trade show in Dubai, but it’s a UAE tannery that will take centre stage when it showcases its 100 per cent biodegradable and metal-free camel hide.

Al Khaznah Tannery uses only natural ingredients to treat its superior range of camel leather, and is one of the few tanneries worldwide equipped to recycle up to 80 per cent of water required in production.

The Abu Dhabi-based facility, owned by the Abu Dhabi government, produces about 4.2 million sq ft of camel leather annually, and counts leading international fashion houses, designers, airlines, footwear and accessories manufacturers among its clientele.

Regular customers of Al Khaznah’s camel leather – which has ten times the fibre structure of cow hide – include designer shoe manufacturer Pierre Corthay, luxury watch maison Roger Dubuis, architect Philippe Starck, and super yacht designers Cyrille Bieri and Gulf Craft.

Al Khaznah Tannery is now looking to boost its local partnerships and grow its export markets when the first edition of Leatherworld Middle East takes place from 4-6 May 2015 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

On board as Founding Sponsor for the three-day event, Al Khaznah Tannery will demonstrate first-hand to key buyers and trade visitors why the more durable and versatile camel leather is so highly sort after by leather goods’ producers worldwide.

Al Khaznah camel hide is notable for being totally biodegradable within four months of production, and is completely chrome-free. Chrome is a highly toxic by-product used in the tanning process by almost 90 per cent of the world's tanneries.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Al Khaznah, a trailblazer and internationally-renowned UAE tannery, for the inaugural edition of Leatherworld Middle East,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Leatherworld Middle East.

“By bringing together leading global suppliers and key industry stakeholders with regional and international buyers, Leatherworld Middle East will generate fresh business opportunities, prospective new tie-ups, and showcase the latest trends and developments in the global leather industry.”

With more than 70 exhibitors already signing up for the inaugural edition of Leatherworld Middle East, indications are that the show is being well received by regional and international market players.

Making a strong impression are the show’s supporting associations; the French Hides Association (five tanneries); the French Federation of Tanners (10 tanneries); and the National Tanning Industry Union (eight tanneries) will showcase the latest in European tannery developments.

Other headline exhibitors include UAE-based Afriwest General Trading, Real Piel from Italy, British traditional welted footwear manufacturer Tricker’s, and German companies LEDERETT Siebenlehn and Schuhsalon Marco.



Leatherworld Middle East is the region’s first and only dedicated trade event covering the entire value chain of the global leather industry, from tanneries (semi-finished and finished leather), chemicals, and machinery to finished leather goods, including footwear, bags, wallets, accessories, furniture and everything derived from leather.

ESMOD Dubai, one of the world’s leading fashion design institutions, is also on board as the show’s Official Supporter.

Leatherworld Middle East will feature exclusive product zones, including ‘The Shoe Box’, a section dedicated entirely for footwear; ‘The Trend Zone’, for tanneries to display the latest international leather trends, from colours, leather types, innovation and eco leather; and ‘The Fashion Avenue’, where suppliers of high street fashion leather products showcase their high-end leather clothes and accessories.