UAE advertising industry expands 22%

Dubai: The fast-expanding advertising industry, led by the UAE's economic boom, has experienced an average of 22 per cent growth for the past decade, officials say.

Outdoor advertising grew at the fastest pace, while print advertising came second and advertisements on television came third, according to Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, president of Falak Holding and international expo consultants.

The region's largest signage and outdoor publicity exhibition, Sign and Graphics 2008, which opened on Sunday, bringing together companies from North America, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region and South East Asia, and 63 UAE-based companies.

The exhibition provides the base for the largest number of debuts for innovative technologies in large format digital printing solutions, cutting/engraving and moulding equipment, sign components, multi-faceted advertising display components, thermal and dye sublimation equipment, laser cutting and display equipment, sign equipment and supplies, Led Signs, lighting and accessories.

Opportunity

"For signage and outdoor publicity companies, this growth in the industry represents a major opportunity to grow their business," said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz.

"Both public as well as private sectors have increased their spending on advertising and outdoor media to reach out to the growing market, a trend that will continue to help signage and outdoor media companies reap dividends," he added.

The exhibition closeson Tuesday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with over 300 participants from 28 countries, spread over 14,000 square metres.