Spas in the United Arab Emirates need to do more to cater for stressed-out males travelling across the world, according to industry experts speaking at the Hotelier Middle East Spa and Wellness Summit 2014.

The event saw an opening panel discussion on the Future of Spa and Wellness, whereby speakers highlighted that the development of the men’s grooming market could potentially play an important role in the growth of the region’s spa and wellness industries.

Speaking at the event, Steve Harvey, director of wellness at Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, pointed out that men made up 50 per cent of the spa business, with a noticeable trend towards personal appearance playing a key role in the market share.

“The need to combat stress and look good is even more demanding to men; they are looking to take care of themselves,” said Harvey.

“Gentlemen are looking to learn more from stress management. [Many have] high powered jobs…are burning the candle at both ends.”

With this in mind, one expert, Paul Hawco of the Jumeirah group, added that more needs to be done to ensure that every part of the spa experience was able to cater for men too.

“I still don’t think men are totally comfortable being in spas,” Hawco said at the event.

“A lot of the spas have gone way past consideration of male products, that’s a given, but more can be done to customise for the men, right down to the design of spa robes and changing facilities.”

The conference was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel Dubai from 10-11 February, with a number of experts speaking on issues ranging from the future of the Middle Eastern market to how to motivate staff members working in the wellness industry.