International Expo Consults (IEC), part of Falak Holding, announced that live car wrapping demonstrations would be conducted during the current edition of the Middle East’s premier large format printing, signage and imaging exhibition – SGI Dubai 2018. The UAE car wrapping industry has grown significantly over the past few years due to the large presence of car enthusiasts and represents a rapidly expanding portion of the large format printing industry in the region.
Experts claim that the automobile industry in the GCC is very dynamic and is considered as one of the faster growing markets in the world due to a growing population of car enthusiasts and high disposable income of the residents.
According to a report published by Grand View Research, the automotive wrap films market would reach USD 10.8 billion by 2025. The MENA market was labelled as one of the fastest growing markets for automotive wrap films as per the report and is reportedly growing at a CAGR of 20% due to increasing utilization of the vehicle wraps for advertisements, especially in promoting places of interests. Among the leading players in this region are Signtrade International, Strings International, and System Middle East and they are aggressively promoting their new products across Middle East & Africa.
As part of the exhibition, several vehicles will be made available for the demonstrations. In previous editions, numerous brands from Al Futtaim Motors were utilised for the car wrapping demonstrations. Various organisations from the pool of exhibitors from around the globe would get ample time and opportunity to wrap these vehicles with their preferred material during the exhibition. Signtrade, Signmax, Strings International and Al Shabak partook in the demonstrations among the exhibitors of the last iteration of SGI Dubai. The 2018 edition is expected to have more exhibitors affiliated with the car wrap industry showcasing the best of their product portfolio.
“Year on year, there is a steady growth in the number of automobiles getting wrapped. The Emirati citizens are patriotic people who are proud of displaying their national colours and the love for their leaders on their vehicles. Car wrapping is also a favourite form of advertising since utilising vehicles as moving billboards is a cost-effective and popular marketing tool for the local businesses. While car wrapping is more popular in the western nations, the trend is really on an up-swing in the UAE,” stated Mr. Sharif Rahman, CEO, International Expo Consults – Organisers of the SGI Dubai show.
The residents of these Emirates have always shown an affinity toward car wrapping due to their larger-than-life attitude. Primarily owning fast cars isn’t enough, a sense of pride and individuality is reflected by personalising their vehicles in an attractive manner. Aficionados are looking to modify their personal vehicles with full vehicle wraps that represent their personality. Usually, car-owners turn to car wraps to ensure that their automobile is conspicuous in a sea of vehicles with unique colours, patterns and finishes. A major reason for increased use of car wraps is that manufacturers nowadays offer an inadequate number of choices in car colours.
“SGI Dubai 2018 would be a treat for automobile enthusiasts who will get to witness live wrapping sessions. It would also provide immense insight to those who are considering car wrapping as a form of outdoor advertising and can network with potential suppliers and experts. With the help of car wrapping, marketers can target their key messages in an area within the proximity of their brand’s target audience. The utilisation of these mobile billboards is an attractive and efficient addition to any brand’s integrated marketing communications,” added Mr. Rahman.
SGI Dubai 2018 in its 21st edition aims to welcome exhibitors from across North America, Europe, Asia and the MENA region and expects over thousands of trade visitors to visit UAE during the show and witness the industry’s latest products and trends. The show is being held from January 14-16, 2018 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Halls 3-8. It will bring together sign and graphic stakeholders from all over the globe.
