GCC spend on signage and outdoor publicity estimated to be over US$2 billion; Growth in advertising spend in the UAE estimated to be 22 per cent per annum

Expo in its 10th anniversary spread over 17400 square metre to run from February 17-19 at Dubai World Trade Centre with over 300 participants from across the globe

Dubai, January 9 2008: The 2008 edition of Sign and Graphics, in its 10th anniversary this year is set to open in February 2008 has attracted over 300 participants from across the world, 35 per cent more than last year's reflecting the increased opportunities in the regional signage and outdoor advertising industry in the wake of the economic boom.

The show, the only one of its kind  and the largest in the Middle East, Indian Sub Continent and the CIS region, organized by International Expo Consults, 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 to the 2008 edition of the show, Mr.  Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, President, Falak Holding and International Expo Consults, said: "The rise in participation is a significant indicator of the new opportunities the regional signage and outdoor advertising industry has opened up with large increase in publicity spends across the region. This year, 25 per cent of the show's participants are new while 95 per cent of the earlier exhibitors have come back to tap the regional opportunity."

He said that over the years the Sign and Graphics show has established itself as salient platform for companies in the signage and outdoor publicity industry across the world which is keen to enter and establish presence in the Middle East market.

"It is estimated that over 8 per cent of the advertising spend in the region is focused on signage and outdoor media. This is expected to grow further as innovative outdoor publicity formats of global standards are being explored in the region on a continuous basis," Mr. Falaknaz said.

According to available statistics, the estimated spend on  signage and outdoor publicity is over US$2 billion in GCC alone with Saudi Arabia, the Gulf's largest market leading closely followed by the UAE. "The UAE's share has continued rise with the economic boom arising from stupendous growth in sectors like the real estate and consumer durables."

He said the UAE tops the overall advertising spends in the region with over US$3.9 billion as of 2006. "The UAE's market is growing at a rate of 22 per cent per annum and this has in turn increased the relevance of a trade show like Sign and Graphics, which has been growing consistently every year by one hall.."

Exhibitors at Sign and Graphics 2008 span from across the world with over 30 countries taking part in the show, out of which 350 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