Finding New Value in Print
Print is finding new value in a world increasingly shaped by digital technology. Across this issue, one message emerges: progress depends on understanding where print creates value, and investing with that purpose in mind.
Inside the latest ME Printer:
Coverage of Beauty world Dubai, Gulfood Manufacturing Dubai, EMPACK Algeria, FESPA Africa, the Abu Dhabi Book Fair, Print2Pack Egypt, LEAP Saudi Arabia 2026 and WEPSEA 2026 in Jakarta
Updates on ProPaper Dubai this October, FESPA Leadership Exchange in November and Paperworld Middle East’s postponement to September 2027
Plus features on old books becoming AI data, the cost crisis facing Egypt’s publishers, Canon’s next growth move for print and how businesses are preparing for the PPWR deadline.
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ME Printer- Sept-Oct 2026
Regional News:
Rebranded Beautyworld Set to Redefine Luxury Packaging
The global beauty elite is preparing to gather for the landmark 30th edition of Beautyworld Dubai, which will take place from 6–8 October 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The show enters a new chapter as Beautyworld Dubai—after rebranding from Beautyworld Middle East—anchoring its position in the city that has become a global meeting point for the industry. Organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the new identity reflects where the international beauty community now does business, while carrying forward three decades of industry heritage.
Gulfood Manufacturing 2026: Focus on Packaging Efficiency
The global food and beverage manufacturing ecosystem is preparing to gather at Dubai World Trade Centre for the upcoming edition of Gulfood Manufacturing 2026, taking place from 3–5 November 2026. Positioned as the region’s definitive platform for advancing food security through industrial strength, this year’s event centres on the core theme of recalibrating the future production lines. The exhibition comes at a pivotal moment as the UAE aggressively accelerates its economic localisation strategies, expands domestic food production capabilities, and intensifies national investments in future-ready industrial technologies.
EMPACK Algeria 2026 to Focus on Value Chain Innovation
The international packaging community is anchoring its gaze on North Africa as EMPACK Algeria 2026 prepares to open its doors from 13–15 October 2026 at Palais des Expositions (Palestine Pavilion), located at Pins Maritimes, Algiers.
إمباك الجزائر 2026 يسلّط الضوء على الابتكار في سلسلة القيمة
يتجه اهتمام مجتمع التغليف الدولي نحو شمال أفريقيا مع استعداد معرض إمباك الجزائر 2026 (EMPACK Algeria 2026) لفتح أبوابه خلال الفترة من 13 إلى 15 أكتوبر 2026 في قصر المعارض، جناح فلسطين، بمنطقة الصنوبر البحري في الجزائر العاصمة.
FESPA Africa 2026 Wraps Up, Future-Proofs Print & Signage
The African print, signage, and visual communications industries experienced a massive wave of innovation as FESPA Africa 2026 wrapped up its successful three-day run at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. The premier trade show, which ran from 8–10 September 2026, brought together more than 150 regional exhibitors representing over 500 local and global brands.
ختام ناجح لـ”فيسبا أفريقيا 2026″
شهدت قطاعات الطباعة واللافتات والاتصالات البصرية في أفريقيا موجة كبيرة من الابتكارات، مع اختتام معرض «فيسبا أفريقيا 2026» فعالياته التي استمرت ثلاثة أيام في مركز غالاغر للمؤتمرات بمدينة جوهانسبرغ، جنوب أفريقيا. واستقطب المعرض، الذي أُقيم من 8 إلى 10 سبتمبر 2026، أكثر من 150 عارضاً إقليمياً يمثلون ما يزيد على 500 علامة تجارية محلية وعالمية.
Saudi Media House Al Yamamah Press Goes Fully Digital
Al Yamamah Press, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading media organisations, will permanently cease the print editions of Al Riyadh, its daily Arabic newspaper, and Al Yamamah, the weekly cultural and political magazine, on 24 August 2026, marking a complete transition to digital-only publishing.
دار اليمامة الصحفية السعودية تتحول بالكامل إلى النشر الرقمي
تعتزم شركة اليمامة الصحفية، إحدى أبرز المؤسسات الإعلامية في المملكة العربية السعودية، إيقاف الإصدارات المطبوعة نهائيًا لكل من صحيفة الرياض اليومية الناطقة بالعربية، ومجلة اليمامة الأسبوعية الثقافية والسياسية، اعتبارًا من 24 أغسطس 2026، في خطوة تمثل انتقالًا كاملًا إلى النشر الرقمي.
Pavati Plastics Scales Up Production with R50m Grant
When South Africa’s Pavati Plastics set out to build a black women-led manufacturing business, the ambition was to develop a sustainable enterprise capable of responding to market needs, developing new products, and replacing products previously imported into South Africa.
بافاتي بلاستيكس توسّع إنتاجها بمنحة قدرها 50 مليون راند
عندما شرعت شركة Pavati Plastics في جنوب أفريقيا في تأسيس مشروع صناعي تقوده نساء سوداوات، تمثّل طموحها في بناء مؤسسة مستدامة قادرة على الاستجابة لاحتياجات السوق، وتطوير منتجات جديدة، وإحلال البدائل المحلية محل المنتجات التي كانت تُستورد سابقاً إلى جنوب أفريقيا.
FESPA Leadership Exchange Returns to Dubai in November
The FESPA Leadership Exchange (FLEX) is making its highly anticipated return to Dubai on 26 November 2026. This exclusive, invitation-only event aims to connect c-suite delegates from across the region to foster an environment of high-level knowledge exchange.
Paperworld Middle East Postponed to September 2027
Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organiser of Paperworld Middle East, the region’s leading international trade platform for paper and stationery products, has announced the postponement of the upcoming edition. Originally scheduled for 13–15 October 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will now take place from 28–30 September 2027.
Print.sa Boosts Saudi Arabia’s On-Demand Printing Services
Print.sa, a pioneering platform of Riyadh-based culture technology company Iconat, announced a major expansion of its on-demand printing services for individual, corporate, and government sectors during the back-to-school 2026 season.
SFDA Launches Smart Product Verification Tool at LEAP 2026
Hisham Aljadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) launched ProVerifier, a smart product verification tool, at the recently concluded LEAP 2026, held in Riyadh from 31 August to 3 September 2026, under the theme ‘Into New Worlds’. The unveiling took place in the presence of Ahmed Mohammed Alsuwaiyan, Governor of the Digital Government Authority (DGA). The 5th edition of the event brought together technology leaders, companies, and innovators from Saudi Arabia and across the globe.
إطلاق أداة ذكية للتحقق من المنتجات من هيئة الغذاء والدواء السعودية خلال LEAP 2026
أطلق هشام الجضعي، الرئيس التنفيذي للهيئة العامة للغذاء والدواء السعودية (SFDA)، أداة ProVerifier الذكية للتحقق من المنتجات، وذلك خلال فعاليات معرض LEAP 2026 الذي اختتم مؤخراً في الرياض، وأقيم خلال الفترة من 31 أغسطس إلى 3 سبتمبر 2026 تحت شعار “إلى عوالم جديدة”.
UNIDO and Japan Strengthen Egypt’s Plastic-Testing Labs
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), backed by funding from the government of Japan and Egypt’s Ministry of Local Development and Environment, has successfully upgraded Egypt’s specialised laboratory infrastructure to accelerate the development of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
اليونيدو واليابان تعززان قدرات مختبرات اختبار البلاستيك في مصر
نجحت منظمة الأمم المتحدة للتنمية الصناعية (UNIDO)، بدعم مالي من حكومة اليابان ووزارة التنمية المحلية والبيئة في مصر، في تطوير البنية التحتية للمختبرات المتخصصة في البلاد، بهدف تسريع تطوير بدائل مستدامة للمنتجات البلاستيكية أحادية الاستخدام.
Syria Ramps Up Efforts to Deliver School Textbooks on Time
Textbook printing presses and warehouses across Syria are working around the clock to ensure educational materials are delivered to schools before the start of the new academic year. According to officials managing these operations, production lines are running continuously to complete the quantities allocated to various regional schools. The entire workflow follows strict protocols to maintain high-quality outputs while meeting tight distribution deadlines.
سوريا تكثّف جهودها لضمان تسليم الكتب المدرسية في الوقت المحدد
تعمل مطابع الكتب المدرسية والمستودعات في مختلف أنحاء سوريا على مدار الساعة لضمان إيصال المواد التعليمية إلى المدارس قبل انطلاق العام الدراسي الجديد. ووفقاً للمسؤولين المشرفين على هذه العمليات، تعمل خطوط الإنتاج بشكل متواصل لاستكمال الكميات المخصصة للمدارس في مختلف المناطق. وتخضع جميع مراحل العمل لإجراءات ومعايير دقيقة لضمان جودة المطبوعات، مع الالتزام بالجداول الزمنية الضيقة لعمليات التوزيع.
Taghleef Industries Launches PVC-Free Graphics Film Range
Packaging film manufacturer and supplier Taghleef Industries has introduced a new range of graphic films for visual communication, signage, and outdoor advertising, built on a PVC-free, chlorine-free polypropylene (PP) platform. The launch extends the company’s film expertise from packaging and labels into the graphics and display market, giving converters and brand owners a substrate designed to match the performance of PVC without its plasticiser and chlorine chemistry.
Abu Dhabi Book Fair Wraps Up Historic 35th Edition
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2026) concluded its historic 35th edition at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, wrapping up a monumental six-day run from 13–18 September 2026. Operating under the theme ‘Turn the Page, Read the World’, the fair solidified its reputation as the premier cultural and publishing hub of the Middle East, drawing an expansive global audience and bridging diverse world traditions through the power of literature.
CPA, GPCA Sign MoU to Advance GCC Packaging Circularity
The Circular Packaging Association (CPA) and the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration on advancing packaging circularity, supporting evidence-based policy development, and greater alignment across the packaging value chain in the UAE and the wider GCC region. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to practical, scalable, and economically sustainable approaches to circularity, built on industry engagement, knowledge sharing, and constructive public-private dialogue.
Tunisia Hits 96% School Textbook Supply for 2026-27 Term
The Tunisian Ministry of Education has announced the completion of printing operations for school textbooks for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year. According to official data released by the ministry, the distribution to regional branches has reached a 96% completion rate, while sales figures have successfully touched 94%.
Print2Pack 2026 Drives MENA Print & Packaging Growth
The 18th edition of Print2Pack successfully concluded its run, cementing its legacy as a landmark event for the region’s printing and packaging sectors. Held in conjunction with Paper Middle East and Tissue-ME, the event featured over 360 exhibitors showcasing the latest machinery, raw materials, and technological solutions used in the paper, cardboard, tissue paper, packaging, printing, and plastics industries.
ProPaper Dubai 2026 Expands with 3 New Verticals
VERIFAIR and DuPAT, co-organisers of ProPaper Dubai 2026, the premier B2B trade show for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) paper industry, have announced an expanded platform for their upcoming edition. Scheduled for 20–22 October 2026, at the iconic Festival Arena, Dubai Festival City in Dubai, the event will introduce three co-located specialised verticals: Pro Corrugated Dubai, Pro Tissue Dubai, and Arab Sacs.
Sparklo Enters Partnership to Expand UAE Smart Recycling
Sparklo, the Dubai-based cleantech company that uses AI-powered reverse vending machines (RVMs), has entered into a strategic partnership with Nestlé UAE and Majid Al Futtaim to expand access to smart recycling across Carrefour locations in the UAE.
Egypt’s El Ahram Handsover HQ, Factory
Egypt’s El Ahram Company for Printing & Packaging has announced the successful handover of its headquarters and factory, marking the cessation of all procedures regarding the sale of its seized machinery.
International News:
Royal De Vries Closes After 152 Years; Assets Up for Sale
The folding-carton plant of Dutch packaging printer Royal De Vries has ceased production after 152 years of operation. Following the failure to secure a buyer for the business as a whole, German plant remarketing specialist Allaoui has acquired all corporate assets. The machinery is now being offered for sale, including a KBA offset press alongside BOBST and MK Masterwork converting equipment.
رويال دي فريس تغلق أبوابها بعد 152 عاماً وتعرض أصولها للبيع
Canon Partners RSBC in Tactile Photography Exhibition
Canon UK & Ireland has partnered with the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) to create a tactile photography exhibition that enables visually impaired students to experience images through touch as well as storytelling.
كانون تتعاون مع RSBC في معرض للتصوير الفوتوغرافي اللمسي
تعاونت Canon UK & Ireland مع الجمعية الملكية للأطفال المكفوفين (RSBC) لإطلاق معرض للتصوير الفوتوغرافي اللمسي، يتيح للطلاب من ذوي الإعاقة البصرية التفاعل مع الصور من خلال اللمس، إلى جانب الاستماع إلى القصص المرتبطة بها.
HP to Debut Compact Latex R530 Printer via Webinar
HP is set to host an exclusive webinar, scheduled for 8 October 2026 (11.00h CET), showcasing the capabilities of its new HP Latex R530 printer, a compact solution designed for both rigid and flexible printing applications.
HP تكشف عن طابعة Latex R530 المدمجة خلال ندوة عبر الإنترنت.
تستعد HP لاستضافة ندوة حصرية عبر الإنترنت يوم 8 أكتوبر 2026، الساعة 11:00 صباحاً بتوقيت وسط أوروبا (CET)، لاستعراض إمكانات طابعتها الجديدة HP Latex R530، وهي حل مدمج مصمم لتطبيقات الطباعة على الخامات الصلبة والمرنة.
HEIDELBERG Starts FY 2026-27 on Strong Footing
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) opened the financial year 2026-27 with steady progress on its transition into a diversified technology firm. To drive future growth, the company is expanding its core business by integrating manroland sheetfed lifecycle business and POLAR production operations. Additionally, HEIDELBERG is capturing new market opportunities within the European defence sector and energy storage systems.
Cimpress and Canva Forge Landmark Global Alliance
Cimpress, the Ireland-based global leader in web-to-print mass customisation, and Canva, the Australian design software company, have announced a major, multi-year strategic partnership, integrating Canva’s design platform directly with the global print manufacturing network of Cimpress. The agreement names Cimpress and VistaPrint, a Cimpress company, as the preferred print partners for Canva’s millions of users across more than 25 countries.
Articles:
When Old Books Become AI Data
A New Opportunity for the Print Industry, or not?
Mysterious bulk purchases of secondhand books are raising an intriguing question: are AI companies turning printed books into training data? For printers, publishers and the wider graphic arts industry, the story highlights an unexpected new value for the printed page.
For years, the publishing industry has debated whether digital media would eventually make printed books less relevant. Now, artificial intelligence may be giving old books an entirely new kind of value.
عندما تتحول الكتب القديمة إلى مصدر لبيانات الذكاء الاصطناعي
Cost Squeeze Deepens Crisis for Egypt’s Publishers
Egypt’s publishing sector is undergoing a major structural shift as skyrocketing paper and printing costs, currency fluctuations, and high energy prices transform the industry’s traditional economics. Industry experts report that the current crisis extends far beyond rising book prices, fundamentally reshaping the entire supply chain from printing presses and publishing houses to distributors, libraries, and end consumers.
ضغوط التكاليف تفاقم أزمة الناشرين في مصر
يشهد قطاع النشر في مصر تحولاً هيكلياً كبيراً، في ظل الارتفاع الحاد في تكاليف الورق والطباعة، وتقلبات أسعار الصرف، وارتفاع أسعار الطاقة، وهي عوامل تعيد رسم المعادلات الاقتصادية التقليدية للقطاع. ويؤكد خبراء الصناعة أن الأزمة الحالية تتجاوز بكثير مجرد ارتفاع أسعار الكتب، إذ تعيد تشكيل سلسلة القيمة بأكملها، بدءاً من المطابع ودور النشر، مروراً بالموزعين والمكتبات، وصولاً إلى المستهلك النهائي.
Print’s Next Growth Move
Why flexibility, smarter capacity and sustainable production will define the Middle East’s next print growth cycle.
POWER TO MOVE | FEATURE SERIES — ARTICLE 1 OF 4
By Shadi Bakhour – B2B Business Unit Director, Canon Middle East
The investment question has changed
For many years, investment decisions in professional print were framed principally around capacity: how many sheets, pages or square metres could be produced in a shift. Capacity still matters, but it is no longer a sufficient measure of competitiveness. The more strategic question today is: what range of profitable work will this production environment allow the business to accept tomorrow?
PPWR: Businesses Rapidly Adjust as Deadline Approaches
With the countdown on the 12 August 2026 implementation date underway, businesses are rapidly adjusting to the European Union’s strict new packaging laws. The foundational shift began when the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation 2025/40 (PPWR) entered into force on 11 February 2025. These comprehensive mandates have been introduced to curb rising waste levels and accelerate a low-carbon, circular economy.
لائحة التغليف ونفايات التغليف: الشركات تسرّع استعداداتها مع اقتراب الموعد النهائي
مع بدء العدّ التنازلي لموعد تطبيق اللائحة في 12 أغسطس 2026، تسارع الشركات إلى تكييف عملياتها مع القوانين الأوروبية الجديدة والصارمة المتعلقة بالتغليف. وقد بدأت هذه التحولات الجوهرية عندما دخلت لائحة الاتحاد الأوروبي للتغليف ونفايات التغليف رقم 2025/40 (PPWR) حيّز التنفيذ في 11 فبراير 2025. وجاءت هذه المتطلبات الشاملة للحد من الارتفاع المتواصل في مستويات النفايات، وتسريع الانتقال نحو اقتصاد دائري منخفض الكربون.
Download a copy : ME Printer Issue 209 (September-October 2026) : Click the Image↓
