SGI Dubai 2014, Middle East’s largest sign and graphic imaging show, opened in Dubai today (January 7), showcasing state-of-the-art large format printers in addition to POP/POS, substrates, ink and CNC/laser machines.

The event was officially inaugurated by Mona Al Marri, director general, Government of Dubai Media Office. Mohammed Falaknaz; vice chairman of International Expo-Consults (IEC) and Sharif Rahman, CEO of International Expo-Consults were present among other senior industry officials.

The 17th edition of SGI Dubai is an official Dubai Shopping Festival, a shopping and entertainment extravaganza, for the third consecutive year. This show brings sign makers, print and production manufacturers, architects, media agencies, real-estate developers, brand and image consultants all on one platform.

SGI Dubai is one of the most anticipated events of the year in the region for exhibitors and visitors in the signage, outdoor media, screen and digital printing industries.

Abdul Rahman Falaknaz; chairman of IEC, said: “We are delighted to inaugurate yet another edition of SGI Dubai, which is larger than the previous ones. This is a great sign for the industry and we can see it growing. It is a great day for all of us at IEC as we have inaugurated the 17th edition of the show.

“I would like to thank all our exhibitors and partners who have supported and trusted us throughout this journey. We grew organically and today SGI Dubai has become one of the largest platforms in the Middle East for sign and graphic industry. The show serves the digital printing, signage and outdoor advertising industries in the last decade and a half.”

SGI Dubai 2014 welcomed over 400 global exhibitors from across 30 countries and expects over 10000 trade visitors from 75 countries to visit UAE during the show during these three days.

SGI Dubai will be open to trade visitors from 11am to 7 pm January 7 to 9.

“Year 2014 will chart new heights for the industry as there are several new projects taking shape and will be delivered in the next 4-5 years. The signage and printing market will surely gain by this new wave of real-estate and other infrastructure projects. The industry is growing by around 10-12 per cent year-on-year, and this is a very positive sign,” added Falaknaz.

"The participation that we are seeing from both the exhibitors and trade visitors signifies the growth potential of the industry. We are delighted to see a phenomenal first day at SGI Dubai 2014. The event showcased an impressive array of the latest product innovations from across the globe that is set to hit the market this year and we are confident that the following two days will see a huge volume of business deals," said Sharif Rahman, CEO, IEC.

In addition to the Middle East, several brands from Germany, Turkey, Italy and Far East and US, were present at the show. Global brands such as HP, Canon, EPSON, Seiko, AGFA, Canon, Fujifilm, Flex Europa and regional giants such as Signtrade International, DIGIMatrix unveiled their latest products at the show. – TradeArabia News Service