Saudi Arabia’s capital city of Riyadh is all geared up for the inaugural edition of Gulf Print & Pack, the MENA region’s leading exhibition for the commercial and package printing industries. The event will be held at the strategically located Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) from 14-16 January, 2025.
More than Just a Trade Show
With organizers Labelexpo Global Series announcing the launch of Gulf Print & Pack 2025 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in January next year, the new show is expected to build on the success of the earlier and well established Dubai edition. The Riyadh event will primarily focus on the latest technologies in commercial and package printing.
Barry Killengrey, Event Director Gulf Print & Pack, says, “We are excited to extend the Gulf Print & Pack series to Riyadh, where a vibrant consumer market is driving adoption of new digital technologies and packaging formats across the FMCG market. We see a huge potential for growth for all sectors of the print and packaging business supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s development goals.”
With this, the brand Gulf Print & Pack will cement its position as an annual event for the Middle East region, alternating between Riyadh to service the burgeoning Saudi Arabian market and Dubai for the GCC market.
The announcement of the event in Riyadh coincides with an investment boom across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with the country’s Vision 2030 initiative that emphasizes on sustainable growth across a wide range of industry sectors. This is expected to create major business opportunities for commercial printers and packaging converters as well as drive demand for automated packaging systems and sustainable packaging materials.
Upswing in Saudi Packaging Market due to E-commerce Boom
The Saudi paper and cardboard packaging market, fuelled by the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, is currently estimated around $2.22 billion and is expected to reach $2.84 billion, at a 4.24% CAGR during the 2024-2029 forecast period. The upswing is attributed to the boom in e-commerce platforms and increased consumer awareness regarding sustainable packaging.
In comparison, the Saudi plastics packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% and reach $20.52 billion by 2030.
The Saudi food market is also experiencing a major transformation, with its volume expected to jump from $14.16 billion to a robust $30.47 billion by 2029.
Saudi Arabia’s Digital Printing Market Growth Potential
As the MENA region’s graphic arts and packaging industries gear up for the first Gulf Print & Pack exhibition in Saudi Arabia next year, a new report demonstrates the astonishing growth potential of the Saudi digital printing market.
Compiled by market research firm Astute Analytica, the report predicts that the Saudi digital print sector will generate revenues of $766.58 million by 2032, up from $351.33 million in 2023, at a CAGR of 9.24% during the forecast period 2024-2032.
This surge in demand for digital printing solutions in Saudi Arabia is largely driven by the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil with a commitment to sustainability at its core.
Industry Bigwigs Speak Out
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Middle East (Stand F13) has confirmed its participation in the Riyadh event. The digital printing solutions provider is excited to showcase its commitment to sustainability and innovation by presenting the latest solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
“It’s a combination of technologies and ideas. Our strength lies in strong technical products such as digital press to inkjet, packaging, labelling through embellished printing. In these combinations with our technologies, I believe we can provide our customers innovation,” says Osamu Miyauchi, CEO and Managing Director, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Middle East, who is looking forward to meeting his customers at Gulf Print & Pack Saudi Arabia.
Visitors to the Konica Minolta booth can expect diverse range of products. Eileen Azurin, Communications Manager/Marketing Head at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Middle East, says, “Visitors can expect cutting-edge digital presses, advanced inkjet technologies, and smart workflow solutions. Our innovations enhance print quality, efficiency, and sustainability, transforming the printing and packaging industry.”
“Following its great success in Dubai, Gulf Print & Pack is crucial for the regional printing and packaging industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event will drive innovation, highlight cutting-edge technologies, and create essential networking opportunities for industry leaders. This platform will significantly contribute to industry growth and enhanced market competitiveness,” adds Kazim Mankani, Area Business Manager at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Middle East.
Hinting at what Gulf Print & Pack 2025 means for the industry and the future of the Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Fayez, General Manager at Al-Kharafi Co. for Paper & Printing Equipment, says, “The packaging market currently is very promising, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on track to become an important regional hub in the coming years.”
Antoine El Kara, CEO at Dynagraph, a leading printing technology provider in the Middle East, says, “We embrace the opportunity to be part of this inaugural edition of Gulf Print & Pack in Riyadh dedicating its focus for the commercial printing and packaging sector.”
Joining the bandwagon is leading packaging and label equipment and services provider BOBST (Stand A3), the latest company to join the exhibitor line at Gulf Print & Pack 2025. The company’s main focus will be on digitalisation and how this will be the future in the print and packaging industry.
eVisa Opens Saudi’s Doors to the World
Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to the world through its new tourist visa. Through the fast and easy-to-use online portal (visa.visitsaudi.com), international visitors from 66 eligible countries can apply for eVisa and discover the warm hospitality of the Saudi people, their rich heritage and vibrant culture, and the Kingdom’s diverse breathtaking landscapes.
eVisa is a one-year, multiple entry visa allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the Kingdom. The tourist visa allows you to take part in tourism-related activities such as events, family visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj), but excludes other activities such as studying.
The list of eligible countries include (North America): Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Panama, St. Kitts & Nevis, USA; (Europe): Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK; (Asia): Azerbaijan, Brunei, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, South Korea, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan; (Africa): Mauritius, South Africa; (Oceania): Australia, New Zealand.
Visitors from countries not in the list are requested to contact their nearest Saudi Arabia embassy.
Visitor Information
Venue: Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC).
Location: RFECC is only a few minutes’ drive (23 km) from King Khalid International Airport. Taxi service is available from the airport. The venue enjoys seamless connectivity to key transportation hubs. This prime location is just minutes away from the city’s premier hotels and vibrant malls.
Opening Timings: 12 noon – 8 pm (all days).
For further details, log on to www.gulfprintpack.com
