Dubai's printing and publishing sector has elected a representative committee comprising of 12 members, through a general ballot from nominations submitted by the Printing and Publishing Business Group over the past few months.

"Our records show that the printing and publishing sector comprises more than 300 companies, covering various aspects of the industry, which totals Dh4-5 billion. The printing and publishing of local news papers alone is valued at Dh1.5 billion," said Ahmed Al Banna, DCCI assistant director general for studies and international affairs.

The group was formed after Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) launched its new business strategy, which included the formation of seven new business roups covering various business sectors in Dubai, he explained. "Phase two of the new business group programme will see each group electing its own representative committee," added Al Banna. Newly-formed committee member Ahmed Bin Hassan Al Shaikh of Modern Printing Press, said the committee will play a significant role in serving the interests of this economic sector.

Elected are: Ahmed bin Hassan Al Shaikh, managing director of Modern Printing Press; Abdulsalam Al Banna, managing director of International Printing Press; Mohammed Abdullah Al Shirawi, owner of Emirates Printing Press; Mohammed Ali Al Hashemi, managing director of Al Hashmi Trading Est.; Tareq Jawad Ali Al Jawhrji, managing director of Color Lines; Abdulla Zubair, managing director of Express Print; Thacharackal Zahir Hassan, general manager of Zabeel Printing Press; Ian Fairservice, managing partner of Motivate Publishing; Dr. English Joachim, general manager of Hiedelberg Middle East FZCO; Wayne Foster, CEO of Al Wadha Express; Jamal Kanaan of Dynagraph of Printing Industry and Amit Radia, managing director of Atlas Printing Press.

Seven new Dubai-based business groups were set up in October and November, representing foodstuffs, land transport, pharmaceuticals and health equipment, building materials and manufacturing, food and beverages manufacturing and exhibitions and conventions.

During phase two of the new business group programme, each group will reconvene at DCCI to elect a panel of between eight to 12 representatives.