Being one of the largest signage and graphic shows in Middle East, SGI Dubai 2014 recently staged a broad spectrum of impressive products, technologies and whole lots of allied items and activities from regional, international and Indian companies in an impressive and inspiring manner. SIGN & GRAPHICS captures a glimpse of this mega expo which persuasively impressed both exhibitors and visitors with new opportunities and advancements developed during the three-day fair.
Organised by International Expo Consults (IEC), the 17th edition of SGI Dubai was held from January 07- 09, 2014 at Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE. SGI Dubai is considered to be the most anticipated expo in the region to exhibitors and visitors who thronged the three days of mega showcase unpacking a wide spectrum of signage and graphic machines, materials, activities and other related items covering digital signage, retail signage solutions, outdoor media, screen and digital printing, among others.
The show was officially inaugurated by Mona Al Marri, director general, Government of Dubai Media Office in presence of Mohammed Falaknaz, vice chairman, International Expo-Consults; and Sharif Rahman, CEO, International Expo-Consults along with other senior industry officials and delegates. The event marked an official ‘Dubai Shopping Festival’ for the third consecutive year. Profiles of the visitors which the show attracted from Middle East as well as neighbouring regions and other parts of the globe included sign makers, print and production manufacturers, architects, media agencies, real-estate developers, brand and image consultants all on one platform.
Show stoppers
Mona Al Marri inaugurating SGI Dubai 2014
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More than 400 global exhibitors from across 30 countries and over 10,000 trade visitors from 75 countries rushed to the SGI Dubai 2014. In addition to the horde of players from Middle East like Signtrade International, DIGIMatrix and several other brands from Germany, Turkey, US and Far East such as Hewlett Packard (HP), Seiko, Flex Europa, 3M, Avery Dennison/Strings, Fujifilm, Canon, AGFA Graphics, Roland, Hexis, Dilli, Epson, Starflex, SII along with some eminent Indian exhibitors, namely Colorjet India, Idea Factory, Navratan Specialty Chemicals, Pioneer Polyleathers, Siddhi Plast, Max Flex & Imaging/Infinty Media FZE, Blue Rhine, etc excelled making the expo a perfect international platform.
To witness the innovative arrays of machines and technologies, visitors rushing to the expo included those from far and near corners of Middle East and across the GCC, India, Africa, Europe, CIS States, USA, among other geographies. Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman, IEC remarked, “We are delighted to inaugurate yet another edition of SGI Dubai, which is larger than the previous ones. This is a great sign for the industry and we can see it growing. It is a great day for all of us at IEC as we have inaugurated the 17th edition of the show. I would like to thank all our exhibitors and partners who have supported and trusted us throughout this journey.” He further added that IEC grew organically and today SGI Dubai has become one of the largest platforms in the Middle East for sign and graphic industry since the show has been serving the digital printing, signage and outdoor advertising industries in the last decade and a half.
New prospects
SGI Dubai 2014 is mulled over to be a page turner of the industry to trigger some new trends in the region’s signage market. “Of course, the year 2014 will chart new heights for the industry as there are several new projects taking shape and will be delivered in the next 4-5 years. The signage and printing market will surely gain by this new wave of real estate and other infrastructure projects. The industry is growing by around 10-12 percent year-on-year and this is a very positive sign,” asserted Abdul Rahman.
According to IEC, the participation which has been witnessing from both the exhibitors and trade visitors signifies the growth potential of the industry. They are delighted to see a phenomenal development at SGI Dubai 2014. The event showcased an impressive array of the latest product innovations from across the globe that was set to hit this year.
