More than 400 global exhibitors from across 34 countries showcased sign and graphic industry products at the SGI Dubai 2015, which grew nearly 20 per cent, according to International Expo Consults (IEC), a part of Falak Holding.

Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of IEC, said: “We are delighted to state that SGI Dubai 2015 show has grown by approximately 20 per cent this year.

“The industry in the Middle East is growing at a rapid pace and we have seen a lot of interest from the exhibitors from across these regions. Especially UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have created a huge demand within the sign, graphic and imaging industry with several high-end malls, new airports, industry exhibitions around the clock and launch of many other upscale clusters.”

“We are delighted to know that our exhibitors at the show have had a very good response from the trade visitors and were able to sign million dollar deals,” said Falaknaz.

“This indicates that there is a huge demand within the Middle East and African markets and especially after Dubai’s Expo 2020 win - the markets have become more positive. This is a great indicator of the sign of good times and also shows that the industry is growing at a faster pace as compared to previous years,” he said.

Hewlett Packard, Agfa, Epson, Fujifilm, Seiko, Stripe Signs, Colourjet India, DigiMatrix, Roland, Giffin Graphics, Flex-Europa Middle East, Signtrade and several other global and regional brands showcased their latest products at the event.

“Our exhibitors have pledged to be part of next year’s show which will be a much larger event than this year. We are proud to say that we are the largest show in this category across the Middle East and Africa region,” said Falaknaz.

“Positive feedback from our exhibitors also gives a lot of confidence to create another successful show for them in 2016 at an even larger scale,” he said.

Sharif Rahman, chief executive officer of IEC, said: “The SGI Dubai 2015 show surpassed last year’s trade visitor numbers. These visitors were serious customers and had attended the show with the intention of placing large orders for the innovative products on display.

“We had a strong turnout from across the GCC as well as East Africa, the Sub Continent, US, Europe, Asia among other demographics.”

“In addition to the printing and digital signage sector, car enthusiasts in the UAE witnessed live car wrapping demonstrations. Car wrapping was originally designed as a medium of creating mobile advertising. The car wrapping industry has witnessed rapid growth in the UAE in recent years and this market is very much in the growth phase and has a tremendous potential,” said Rahman.

“This medium definitely enables wide marketing outreach, and the effectiveness of the advertising as well as its aesthetic appeal has been the reason behind the recent surge in demand for car wraps,” he added.  - TradeArabia News Service