Paperworld ME to Spotlight Hobby, Craft & Art Supplies

Sector to grow over $934 million by 2030 at 4.4% CAGR

Paperworld Middle East, the largest international trade show for stationery, paper, and office supplies, returns to Dubai World Trade Centre from 12-14 November, 2024.

The spotlight this year will be on the hobby, craft, and art supplies market. According to global market research firm 6Wresearch, the sector is expected to grow to over $934 million by 2030 at an impressive CAGR of 4.4%.

The significant growth is attributed to the substantial increase in the number of events celebrating art and culture in the region, such as the Dubai government’s Sikka Art & Design Festival, a flagship event of Dubai Art Season. This festival includes outdoor installations, art exhibitions, and workshops where the supplies are utilised.

The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, slated to launch in 2025; the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale in Saudi Arabia; as well as more contemporary offerings such Sole DXB, the region’s coolest lifestyle and street-culture festival; and Africa Celebrates, a five-day art, culture, heritage, tech, and business event welcoming participation from all African countries and the African diaspora, with exhibitors showcasing locally made products, are further creating demand for hobby, craft, and art supplies.

“The UAE, and the wider Middle East and Africa region, has seen a surge in the number of events celebrating the rich tradition and tapestry through art and cultural events,” says Paperworld Middle East and Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East show director Syed Ali Akbar. “This is having a major impact on the value of the hobby, craft, and art supplies market, and as such, we are seeing an increase in exhibitors showcasing the latest products, including pens used for artistic drawing, paints including watercolours, acrylics and oils, fabrics and materials for textile arts, as well as different paper for drawing and origami.”

According to Value Market Research, the arts and crafts market is expected to nearly double to reach $102 billion by 2032, from $53 billion recorded in 2023. Trends positively shaping the market include the increasing popularity of e-commerce platforms that facilitate direct artist-to-consumer sales, growing sustainability concerns driving the demand for eco-friendly materials, and the seamless integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities.

“As consumer preferences evolve towards personalised and culturally significant goods, the arts and crafts market is expected to expand, offering new opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs globally,” adds Akbar.

In line with the latest trends, Paperworld Middle East will launch the Battle of the Brushes, an international competition to recognise the next generation of leading artists. Held in partnership with Funun Arts Group, the competition will cover four categories: abstract, realism, pencil/charcoal, and watercolour. Eight finalists will be selected during a three-month judging process and will compete during a live painting challenge on the exhibition’s opening day before the winners are crowned.

Paperworld Middle East is the largest international trade show for stationery, paper, and office supplies. The theme ‘Crafting Global Connections’ will highlight the exhibition’s role as a global central hub for the industry. The show features over 480 exhibitors from 40 countries and is estimated to attract 12,000 visitors.

The event will showcase the full spectrum of paper products, including office supplies, school articles, stationery supplies, writing instruments, writing and printing paper, and arts and crafts products.

Paperworld Middle East is co-located with Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East.