Gulf Print & Pack 2026 unites more than 8,000 professionals and 300 exhibitors in Dubai, showcasing the region’s accelerating shift toward digital, sustainable, and personalized printing and packaging solutions.
Dubai to Host the Region’s Most Influential Print Event
Dubai once again becomes the epicenter of print innovation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) when Gulf Print & Pack 2026 returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 31 March to 2 April 2026.
Now in its 15th edition, the biennial show is more than just a trade exhibition—it’s a strategic platform for innovation, investment, and transformation across commercial and packaging print sectors.
With over 8,000 expected visitors and 300+ exhibitors, Gulf Print & Pack 2026 will showcase the latest advances in digital and hybrid printing technologies, label and flexible packaging solutions, workflow automation, AI-driven production tools, and sustainable materials—all under one roof.
Attendees can expect live demonstrations, technical workshops, and product launches offering first-hand insights into how technology is reshaping the print landscape.
Why Dubai?
Dubai’s status as a global business hub makes it the ideal host city for the region’s leading print and packaging event. With world-class infrastructure, pro-business policies, and a strong focus on sustainability, the emirate continues to drive transformation across manufacturing, retail, and logistics—sectors that directly influence print and packaging demand.
The UAE’s national commitment to economic diversification and digital transformation aligns seamlessly with Gulf Print & Pack’s central themes, offering visitors a clear window into the future of smart, sustainable production.
Key Themes and Focus Areas
- Digital Transformation
The MENA region’s shift from analog to digital workflows is accelerating. Gulf Print & Pack 2026 will highlight innovations in inkjet and toner-based systems, digital embellishment, variable data printing for personalization, automated finishing, and cloud-based workflow management—empowering printers to achieve faster turnaround and greater profitability.
- Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. Exhibitors will present recyclable and biodegradable substrates, energy-efficient curing systems, water-based and low-VOC inks, and technologies aligned with circular economy principles—supporting printers’ efforts to reduce their environmental footprint.
- Personalization and Short-Run Production
Driven by the growth of e-commerce and niche marketing, customized print and packaging are becoming critical differentiators. Gulf Print & Pack 2026 will spotlight technologies enabling short-run, high-impact production across a wide range of applications—from transactional print and photobooks to labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, and corrugated e-commerce packaging.
- Smart Packaging and Interactive Print
Interactive and intelligent packaging are redefining how brands connect with consumers. Expect demonstrations of QR code and RFID integration, augmented reality (AR) applications, and track-and-trace systems that boost both consumer engagement and supply chain transparency.
Emerging Trends in MENA’s Print Landscape
Across MENA, the digital print market is expanding by up to 10% annually, driven by the rise of personalized marketing, online retail, and on-demand production.
Sustainability continues to shape investment decisions as regional governments tighten environmental regulations. Printers are responding with eco-friendly inks, waste reduction strategies, and renewable energy systems—and events like Gulf Print & Pack are helping them navigate this transformation.
Meanwhile, demand for FMCG and retail packaging—especially from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt—is fueling growth in flexible packaging, tamper-evident formats, and minimalist, health-conscious design aesthetics.
Smart packaging solutions incorporating NFC, RFID, AR, and blockchain-based authentication are also on the rise, enhancing both security and consumer interaction.
At the operational level, AI-powered design tools, automated finishing, and cloud analytics are helping converters combat rising costs and labor shortages by improving productivity and efficiency.
Looking Ahead
As Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program accelerates industrial diversification and major events such as Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034 drive new infrastructure and consumer demand, the regional print and packaging market is entering an era of unprecedented opportunity.
Gulf Print & Pack 2026 is not just an exhibition—it’s a strategic hub for growth, learning, and collaboration. For print service providers, packaging converters, and brand owners across MENA, attending this event means gaining a decisive competitive edge in an industry evolving faster than ever.
Be Part of the Revolution
From sustainability and smart packaging to digital workflows and regional expansion, the future of print will be on full display in Dubai.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of MENA’s print transformation.
Find out more: www.gulfprintpack.com
