DUBAI: The signage and graphic industry’s top brands from the local, regional and international markets spanning 35 countries will head to Dubai in January 2018 for the SGI Dubai show. This is the largest exhibition catering to the large format printing industry in the Middle East and Africa region. Over 300 global and regional exhibitors have confirmed their presence and will be showcasing products and solutions worth Dhs250 million.

The global printing industry is forecast to reach $980 billion by 2018 according to Smithers Pira report. Industry revenues in the Mena region, is forecast to grow at 7.2 per cent per annum and this is expected to touch $26 billion by 2018.

The 21st edition of SGI Dubai expects to receive over thousands of visitors from nearly 75 countries and they are set to witness the industry’s latest products and trends. International Expo Consults (IEC) stated that one of the reasons for global exhibitors setting their sights on this region is due to the forecasted 9.0 per cent growth in market value of the printing industry in the Mena region.

Sunil Purushothaman, General Manager, Masolite, said, “SGI is the only platform which promotes the latest technology in digital signage to all parts of region. Our clients in the GCC and African countries look forward to this show every year to see the latest technology and products. With upcoming big-ticket events like EXPO 2020, a lot can be expected to enhance LED and signage market in the next two years”.

For the last two decades, SGI has played a pivotal role in bringing together the stakeholders, exhibitors and visitors in the signage and graphic industry under a common platform.

“Printing and signage industry has become an integral part of the society we live in. It touches your offices, homes, marketplaces and even roads in some or the other form. But sometimes, people don’t realise the fact that we are an integral part of the global ecosystem and are one of the longest surviving industries in the world. We move the world ahead on a daily basis. SGI Dubai 2018 is spread across a larger floor space and is much bigger than its previous editions. The exhibitors and visitors can expect to witness the best-kept secrets in the industry from across the globe,” says Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of IEC.

The exhibition serves as a converging point for print and production manufacturers, sign makers, media and marketing agencies, developers, architects, and brand and image consultants, among others.