The 11th annual Sign and Graphic Imaging Middle East (SGI 2009) opened today (February 15) at Dubai Airport Expo.

The show, which was inaugurated by Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum, director general of Dubai Information Department, will run till Tuesday (February 17).

“This week’s event will see numerous new technologies unveiled to the market. The Middle East is already leading the way with large-scale print technology options, from the immense billboards springing up across the emirate to the new transparency printing solutions that now adorn the many high-rise buildings on Sheikh Zayed Road. This is a very interesting market and SGI 2009 promises to provide a very interesting forum,” said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, president of IEC, organisers of SGI 2009.

“More and more marketing professionals are turning to alternative advertising avenues, such as e-marketing, direct marketing and digital signage, in a bid to bolster retail sales across the Middle East. These new-age technologies are being showcased at SGI 2009, and are expected to attract interest from buyers keen to find a flexible signage solution,” he added.

Supported by the advertising section of Dubai Municipality, the show has seen a number of new large-scale print technologies assembled at Dubai Airport Expo in readiness for this week’s industry gathering.

SGI 2009 is showcasing the latest products and emerging technologies from the industries of advertising, architectural hardware, banners and posters, digital imaging, electronic message centres, electronic signage, graphic imaging, graphic services, large format printing, and signage.

Industry giants such as Gandi Innovations, HP , Fujifilm Sericol, 3M, Obeikan Technical, EFI-Vutek, Victor Inks and Systems, Cube Graphics, Alcan Composites,Emirates Computers, Mactac , are taking part in the show.

This week’s show will also include a two-day seminar series, headed by acclaimed speaker Dr Nicholas Hellmuth, and sponsored by Gandi Innovations, taking place on days two and three of the show.

Dr Hellmuth has dedicated his career to the advancement of digital imaging in art history, archaeology and photography, said a statement. - TradeArabia News Service