A report published by Euromonitor International finds the UAE spa market is booming with revenues of US $411 million forecast for 2015.

At the same time, the Global Wellness Institute reports the UAE is leading spa tourism in the Middle East and North Africa with visitor numbers set to double by 2017.

Both reports have been published ahead of the Leisure Show Dubai 2015.

GWI identifies that the MENA region is the second fastest-growing market in the world for spas behind Sub-Saharan Africa with “growth powerhouse” UAE set to add just under one million trips from 2012-17.

Susie Ellis, chairman, GWI, said: “The Global Wellness Institute estimates that the top spa growth powerhouse, more than doubling wellness-focused trips from 2012-2017, will be the UAE, with 993,352 trips added and 17.9 per cent annual growth.”

Other growth markets include Morocco, set to add 825,703 visits and with 14.7 per cent annual growth, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria, also set to see double-digit annual wellness tourism growth to 2017.

GWI attribute the luxury day spa, hotel spa and spa resort “explosion” in GCC countries as a major factor behind the region’s spa market boom. Euromonitor forecast spa revenues in the UAE will reach US $495 million by 2019.

“GWI identify Dubai as the leading growth market in the GCC countries.

“The Dubai hospitality market is unique in that it is over-saturated with luxury five-star resorts and is home to the only seven-star hotel in the world,” said Christine Davidson, group event director of the dmg events hospitality portfolio including The Leisure Show.

“Within these properties a unique range of extravagant spa treatments have emerged including Dubai’s most luxurious offering, a 24-carat-gold facial, available at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray.

“Dubai’s world-class hotel spas and day spas target the growing number of international tourists, the fast-growing local luxury segment and its growing expat community, which is one of the largest in the world.”