600 exhibitors from 39 countries participated, attracting a global audience; regional experts and renowned industry names led insightful sessions at The Hub Forum, addressing innovation, sustainability, and best practices
Paperworld Middle East and Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East have wrapped up another successful edition. This year marks the largest edition of the dual trade show, which showcased 615 exhibitors from 39 countries at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Based on the theme “Crafting global connections’, the event featured products from over 120 countries and included pavilions from China, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Jordan, South Africa, and Turkiye.
With a predicted attendance of 12,000 visitors, the top ten registered countries for the dual events were the UAE, India, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, China, and Egypt.
“Paperworld Middle East and Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East have closed on a high note, marking our largest and most diverse edition yet. This year, we have brought together a truly international showcase of products and innovations across six halls at the Dubai World Trade Centre, along with dedicated pavilions from key markets. This event exemplifies the thriving connections and business opportunities driving our industry forward,” Syed Ali Akbar, Show Director, Paperworld Middle East and Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, comments.
A global sourcing platform, Paperworld Middle East showcases 12 product categories including paper & paper products; office supplies; teaching materials; school articles; hobby, art & craft supplies; and kraft & packaging. Part of the Ambiente series of events, Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East offers the latest products in home & accents, giving & lifestyle, and baby & kids categories.
Speaking on behalf of the South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (SAFLEC), a country pavilion partner at Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, Prenisha Dukhipersad, Finance Administrator, SAFLEC, says, “We have supported Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East for many years now and find that the event provides a valuable opportunity to engage with people from various countries. As an export council, we encourage our South African manufacturers to showcase products that tell the story of Africa, and we look forward to exhibiting here again in the near future.”
An impressive lineup of 40 industry experts from around the region have hosted 17 engaging sessions at The Hub Forum, the event’s discussion platform. Debating the way forward for the paper, stationery, office supply, and gift industries, speakers have addressed a variety of topics, from artificial intelligence and innovation to sustainability and corporate gifting.
The second edition of the Paperworld Middle East Awards was held on 13 November on The Hub Forum stage, honouring excellence and innovation in the stationery, office supplies, and paper product industries. This year’s winners include ‘Paperline Signature’ from Asia Pulp & Paper in the ‘Paper Excellence’ category and ‘Year of the Dragon Notebook by Zeng Fanzhi’ from Moleskin in the ‘Notebook/Diary of the Year’ category.
The prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ was presented to Omar Saqqaf, Group Brand Manager at Hoshan Pan Gulf, who has made a significant contribution to the region’s stationery industry.
The winners of the months-long ‘Battle of the Brushes’ competition, held in collaboration with Dubai-based creative partner Funun Arts, were also announced, marking the end of a vibrant community art event. Jivan Hovhannisiyan took home the award in the ‘Abstract’ category, while Acha Orock Ayongi won in the ‘Pencil/Charcoal’ category. Munner Alikkal and Maryna Futymska bagged awards in the ‘Realism’ and ‘Watercolor’ categories respectively.
Adding to the celebration of art and creativity across the show floor, the collaborative art piece ‘Signature Canvas was held in partnership with Funun Arts. Shiba Khan, Jivan Hovhannisyan, Saida Banu, Stefania Pomillo, and Rafah Abdul Razak were the contributing artists for Signature Canvas 2024.
The final piece illustrated the interconnectedness of the world, highlighting the UAE’s pivotal role as a welcoming and unifying centre. Following the event, the piece will be donated to the Umm Al Moumineen Women’s Association, Ajman.
‘Project Sustainability’ once again brought together a wide selection of sustainable items, underscoring the importance of adopting eco-conscious practices. From recycled stationery to energy-efficient office supplies, attendees were able to explore an array of offerings that align with their values and sustainability goals.
Reaffirming the event’s commitment to sustainability, a new Kraft & Packaging section was introduced this year, providing a comprehensive platform for industry players to showcase and explore the latest products and advancements.
Paperworld Middle East and Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East will return to Dubai World Trade Centre on 11-13 November, 2025.
