The sign, graphics and imaging industry is growing at a rate of 10-12 per cent each year as a consequence of new technologies and projects being launched in the region, say organisers of Sign and Graphic Imaging (SGI) Dubai, the longest-running trade show of its kind in the region.
“Markets here have been buoyant for the past few years,” says Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of International Expo Consults (IEC), the exhibition arm of Dubai-based Falak Holding. “Exhibitors from SGI Dubai 2013 secured a larger floor space this year, which shows their confidence in the industry and its future potential. Every company wants to expand and diversify and everyone wants to benefit from doing business in the Middle East,” he tells GN Focus.
“The industry was in the consolidation phase and every organisation wanted to capitalise on the opportunities presented by their respective markets. Last year, we got a positive response and an upsurge from the industry, as our exhibitors signed several million-dollar deals during the show. This definitely kept all the exhibitors in continuous business throughout the year,” Falaknaz adds.
SGI Dubai 2014 is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from today until January 9 and is expected to welcome more than 400 global exhibitors from across 30 countries representing the signage, outdoor media, screen and digital printing industries. The show has reported growth of approximately 20 per cent over last year’s event.
Growing participation
In addition to the Middle East, several brands from Germany, Turkey, Italy, the Far East and the US have already confirmed their presence at the show. Global brands Seiko, AGFA, Canon, Fujifilm, Flex Europa and regional giants such as Signtrade International and Digi Matrix will also be present, says Falaknaz.
“All our exhibitors will have something new to bring to the show,” he says. More than 20,000 trade visitors from 75 countries are expected to attend the two-day event as they seek to get the most out of the double-digit market growth. The show brings sign-makers, print and production manufacturers, architects, media agencies, real estate developers, and brand and image consultants all under one roof. The industry has entered a new phase of growth.
“There are several new multibillion-dollar projects taking shape that will be delivered over the next four to five years. The signage and printing market will surely gain through this new wave of real estate and other infrastructure projects,” Falaknaz explains, citing the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia as examples of nations that have created huge demand through several high-end malls, new airports, industry exhibitions around the clock and the launch of numerous upscale developments.
“GCC countries are once again becoming a formidable force and they will be the ones to watch out for. The dynamics of this region have changed with the UAE winning its Expo 2020 bid and Qatar hosting the 2022 Fifa World Cup. The market confidence has definitely increased during the past few quarters in the Gulf,” he says. “The next few years will be on a faster growth trajectory than 2012 and 2013.”
Retail rises
This year’s show will introduce a new component, SGI Retail, offering solutions for the region’s growing retail industry. IEC research shows that this sector makes up around 14 per cent of the UAE’s GDP, with the industry expected to grow at an average of 7 per cent annually by 2015. Retail signage and point-of-sale solutions that are integral to the sector will be on display. In addition, the show will have state-of-the-art large-format printers from major players across the globe, as well as substrates, ink and the CNC/laser machines.
“Forbes magazine rated the UAE as the world’s sixth wealthiest nation by GDP per capita income in 2011, surpassing most developed economies from across the globe. This further endorses the fact that the country is on top in terms of purchasing power and plays a vital role in keeping the domestic retail sector as one of the world’s fastest-growing retail markets,” says Falaknaz. Retailers and exhibitors are particularly expected to seek electronic digital display solutions following recent technological improvements.
“The market sees digital signage as a more beneficial tool compared to static signage because content can frequently be updated digitally, saving the cost of printing,” says Falaknaz.
Augmented reality allows retail staff today to help window shoppers interact with in-store products in more creative ways via digital signage panels. Increasing adoption among a wider base of industrial sectors as an effective medium for interactive advertising and decreasing costs of purchasing, installation and maintenance also augurs well for the future of this market.
Digital signs are a form of electronic display that shows menus, information, advertising and dynamic messages. Products such as LCD, LED or projectors can be found in public and private environments, such as in commercial, hospitality, stand-alone and residential buildings. They help targeted, real-time communications, Falaknaz explains. Whether it’s advertising, news, cinemas or restaurants, it’s about delivering the right information at the right time and place to the right audience, he says.
