SGI Dubai, the largest international expo for the printing, signage, and graphic imaging industries in the MENA region, concluded its successful 26th edition, showcasing an array of cutting-edge printing and signage innovations worth over $200 million. The event was inaugurated by HE Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, and President of the Dubai Press Club.
Even as the curtains came down on this year’s expo, anticipation for the 27th edition in 2024 grew, promising an even larger and more impactful gathering of printing and signage professionals.
Over 200 regional manufacturers and distributors in printing, signage, and graphic imaging presented their cutting-edge equipment and innovations, in addition to major global players from China, India, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the UAE, and the USA who showcased their state-of-the-art products and avant-garde solutions. Reflecting on the event’s significance, Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Chairman of International Expo-Consults (IEC), the Dubai-based organiser, says “We’ve meticulously nurtured this event over decades, and SGI Dubai stands not just as a B2B exhibition but as a thriving innovation ecosystem that interlinks brilliant minds spanning diverse industries. The printing and signage sector’s demand is rebounding, pointing towards growth – a trend we’ve witnessed since inception.”
SGI Dubai’s role as a trading spectacle remains unrivaled, attracting sign-makers, print production powerhouses, gift and promotion leaders, media houses, mall owners, automotive and real-estate visionaries, and stakeholders from the hospitality and tourism sectors. Additionally, the event has drawn 3D printing industry leaders, architectural pioneers, brand leaders, and image architects, all contributing to the vibrant tapestry of printing, signage, and imaging domains.
“Famed as the leader of trade expos for the printing and signage sector, SGI Dubai has an illustrious history of drawing a global cadre of trade visitors. This platform seamlessly synergizes brands and revolutionary concepts, attracting both international and regional decision makers. Year-after-year, international and regional brands support the industry with machines that are valued at over $200 million, empowering businesses to ride the crest of the latest technological wave,” elaborates Falaknaz.
“In addition to the resounding success of SGI Dubai 2023, we are thrilled to highlight the tremendous international participation that enriched this year’s exhibition, notably exhibitors from China and South Korea who played a pivotal role in elevating the event to new heights. Their presence has certainly introduced a wealth of cutting-edge technologies and innovations that has left an indelible mark on the show. These global visionaries brought forth state-of-the-art products and innovative solutions, contributing significantly to the vibrant tapestry of printing, signage, and imaging domains showcased at SGI Dubai 2023,” adds Falaknaz.
Over the years, SGI Dubai’s enduring legacy has delivered unparalleled return on investment for both exhibitors and trade visitors alike, with a staggering percentage of trade visitors transacting direct orders amidst the show’s engaging platform.
Looking at the future of the printing industry in the MENA region, Falaknaz expresses his excitement, “Embarking on the cusp of immense potential, the MENA region emerges as the cradle of expansive growth for the large format printing industry. Manufacturers in this realm seized these burgeoning opportunities by making their mark in the 2023 edition. The African contingent, an embodiment of optimism, is poised to grace our event in remarkable numbers. As tradition dictates, our spectacle shall lay the bedrock for the industry’s future, steadfastly championing the aspirations of thousands of earnest trade visitors looking for the latest in large format printing, textile printing, retail evolution, LED marvels, digital signage, and the avant-garde universe of associated technologies.”
The industry’s gaze now shifts to the eagerly awaited 27th edition in September 2024, promising to be larger and more dynamic, embodying the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines the event.
SGI Dubai 2023 finished on a high. Global visionaries and industry leaders converged for three days of innovation and networking with the show wrapping up with millions of dollars worth of printing and signage innovations.
