UAE, second largest after Saudi Arabia in US$2 billion GCC market for signage and outdoor publicity

Expo spread over 17400 square metre to run from February 17-19 at Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai, February 7, 2008:  The 10th anniversary edition of the region's largest signage and outdoor publicity exhibition, Sign and Graphics 2008, has received tremendous response from the UAE, the second largest market in the US$2 billion GCC after Saudi Arabia, with 63 out of over 300 companies from the emirates showcasing their products and services.

The one-of-its kind show in the Middle East, Indian Sub continent and CIS has steadily grown over the years in tandem with the exponential increase in advertisement spending in the region. The exhibition, organized by International Expo Consults (IEC), a member of the national group, Falak Holding, will run from February 17-19, 2008 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Commenting on the enthusiastic response from the UAE, Mr.  Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, President, Falak Holding and International Expo Consults, said: "The major participation from UAE-based companies at Sign and Graphics 2008 is a salient reflection of the continuing growth and increasing potential for the industry players in this market, which is estimated to be growing at some 22 per cent a year.  For signage and outdoor publicity companies, this growth of the industry which comes in the context of the economic boom in the UAE and the region represents a major opportunity to grow their business. We are confident that Sign and Graphics 2008 will offer these companies a significant vantage point to pursue their growth goals."

The 2008 edition of the show has attracted over 300 participants and the exhibition has grown by 35 per cent compared to last year with the increasing growth in signage and outdoor publicity industry.

"The UAE's economic boom has spawned many growth sectors for the signage and outdoor media companies - significantly led by the realty segment. Both public as well as private sector have increased their spending on advertising and outdoor media to reach out to the growing market, a  trend that  will continue  to help signage and outdoor media companies reap dividends," Mr. Falaknaz said.

This year, 25 per cent of the participants of the show are new while 95 per cent of the earlier exhibitors have come back to tap the regional opportunity. It is estimated that over 8 per cent of the advertising spend in the region is focused on signage and outdoor media.

Exhibitors at Sign and Graphics 2008 span from across the world with over 30 countries taking part in the show, out of which over 300 participants are from the MENA, Levant, Pan-Arab, Europe, North American and South East Asian countries.  Companies taking part include Hewlett Packard Europe, Sony, Vutek,  Gandhi innovations, earlier known as Superwide Digital, Flex Europa Middle East, Canon,  Emirates Computers, Giffin Graphics, Fujifilm Sericol and  many other companies that have continued to participate at the show consistently in the earlier editions.

Sign and Graphics 2008 will  bring together the largest debut of innovative technologies in large format digital printing solutions, cutting /engraving and moulding equipment, sign components, multi faceted advertising display components , thermal and dye sublimation equipment, laser cutting and display equipment, sign equipment and supplies, Led Signs , lighting and accessories etc.

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
Jayakrishnan B / Suhail Shaikh
Adfactors PR FZ LLC, Dubai
Mobile: (+97150) 2459547 / 3629823 / 8320665
Phone: +9714 4624632
Email: jk@adfactorspr.com, suhail.shaikh@adfactorspr.com

© Press Release 2008