Dubai, UAE: Despite current conditions and strong headwinds, the GCC retail market is stated to have been on a growth path. As per a report, the GCC retail sector is expected to grow at CAGR 4% from USD 253.2 bn in 2018 to USD 308 bn in 2023. According to industry expert International Expo Consults, the innovative signage and digital signage solutions at the retail locations will play a huge part in the growth of the sector. International Expo Consults hosts SGI Dubai – the largest industry exhibition for the signage and graphic imaging industry in the MENA region.

“The UAE and Saudi are big markets for the GCC retail sector and in both the countries the growth is driven by the rise in population, spending capacity, rise in GDP per capita and a growing and evolving tourism sector. Yes, there has been added pressure from the success and the growth of e-commerce, but all is not gloom and doom for the brick and mortar retailers. Those who would are ready to adopt innovative solutions such as segmented reality and other new age signage solutions will fare much better than before”, said Sharif Rahman, CEO, International Expo Consults.

Levels of interactivity with digital signages have gone a notch higher and these include touch, multi-touch, augmented reality, gesture control to mobile and social media integration. These interactive retail digital signages are set to redefine the signage industry’s canvas in the GCC region. These systems can be found in varied environments such as retail stores, hotels, restaurants, healthcare institutions, amusement zones to corporate buildings, among many other locations.

Ecommerce sites such as Noon, Amazon (or Souq in some regions) or Namshi have all evolved in recent times including introducing heavy discount periods, improved product range, same-day or next-day deliveries. This has encouraged various other retailers such as hypermarket giant Carrefour to introduce same-day delivery of items including perishables. The traditional retail is hugely reliant on entertainment access such as multiplexes, FECs and F&B options in the same retail space to drive footfall. This trend will only gather steam due to the indoor preference of the residents of the GCC due to its extreme weather conditions.

The shopping festivals provide an essential growth factor to retail spending in the region. The growing number of tourists that visit the UAE each year as well as the opening of Saudi Arabia as a tourist option and the numerous new entertainment options in Oman and Bahrain will only go to increase the inbound tourism in the area. The increasing number of tourists will positively contribute towards the sector as well.

Digital signage avenues have witnessed a rapid growth surge in the region as the retail market has evolved drastically over the past few decades which has boosted the signage industry. With the onset of this new technology, the retail sector is poised to get a makeover with new interactive digital signages in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. According to sources, the digital signage market is worth USD 18.55 bn globally.

SGI Dubai is an ideal converging point where visitors and exhibitors can reach out with architects, sign makers, print and production manufacturers, media agencies, real-estate developers, brand and image consultants among others. The upcoming 23rd edition of the show is scheduled to take place from January 12th to 14th in Halls 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Nearly 300 exhibitors from around the world will participate and show the latest technology and innovative products to thousands of visitors from over 80 countries. Apart from signage, digital signage, wide format printing, digital printing, textile printing, screen printing, LED and retail the show will feature categories such as AI, software, metal cutting, labeling & branding, spare parts and paper technology.

-Ends-

About International Expo-Consults (IEC):

International Expo-Consults (IEC) is an internationally recognized trade show management company with an impressive track record of 23 years of operations in the Middle East and Asia Pacific region. The Exhibition arm of the Dubai-based conglomerate, the Falak Holding; IEC is the organiser of key exhibitions including Sign and Graphics Imaging (SGI Dubai) and the Dubai, Entertainment, Amusement and Leisure (DEAL). Dubai-based conglomerate, Falak Holding has been an industry pioneer for over three decades having diversified business interests including real estate development; retail - sports, fashion, home furnishings; exhibitions, medical diagnostics, trading and many more as part of its portfolio. Falak Holding is also a key stakeholder and investor in the prestigious Dubai Sports City project. Kindly log on to www.signmiddleeast.com for more information on the show.

For further information please contact:
Prem A. Ramachandran
Managing Director,
White Water Public Relations
GSM:0097150-4537253,
Box 18936, Dubai, UAE
Email: prem@whitewaterpr.com ,                                                                                                                        
www.whitewaterpr.com 

© Press Release 2019

Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.

The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.