SGI
The Sign and Graphic Imaging Middle East (SGI) exhibition, which opened at Dubai Airport Expo on Jan. 24, showcases the very latest product innovations in the signage, digital imaging, and screen, digital and offset print sectors. Exhibitors from across the GCC, Egypt, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, India, Pakistan, East Africa, Europe and the US set up large-scale print equipment and interactive exhibition stands at the airport-based exhibition halls. “SGI’s location at Dubai Airport Expo enables companies to transport in even their largest format printers for exhibiting, with live demonstrations of large-scale industrial print technology available on the show floor. There is no other exhibition like it in the region,” explained Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of International Expo-Consults (IEC), the organizer of SGI Middle East. The exhibition showcases the latest products and emerging technologies from the industries of advertising, architectural hardware, banners and posters, digital imaging, electronic message centers, electronic signage, graphic imaging, graphic services, large format printing and signage. The list of exhibitors for SGI 2011 includes international companies like Epson, Hewlett Packard, AGFA and EFI, and regional print industry leaders such as Digimatrix, Gandy Digital, GSS, Giffin Graphics, Flex Europa and Colorbyte. Highlights of the 2011 show include the production and distribution of a Show Daily newspaper, produced by ME Printer and Intec Printing Solutions represented by Altech International FZE.
BUILD-A-CITY
“Build-a-City,” an exhibition created by Dubai and Cape Town-based MTE Studios is bustling with activity at Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science and Technology Center “SciTech” in Alkhobar. The activity zone for children is witnessing good turnouts since opening and it will run until mid-February. This is the second time Build-a-City is being hosted in Saudi Arabia after its success with children in the Kingdom during Ramadan. The ongoing totally interactive experience for children is fun, exciting and of great educational value. Children develop skills like planning and supervisionCor, problem solving, teamwork, leadership, coordination, hand-eye-coordination, use of equipment, vocabulary development and socializing and recognition. It also highlights the importance of natural awareness for a sustainable, quality living environment. SciTech Director General Mohamed Qarwan said: “Our main target is to educate the community, specifically the young ones, and expose them to the basics and applications of science. Build-a-city lives up to our expectation as it teaches the children in a simple way using interactive means making their visit to SciTech an enjoyable and memorable experience. Turnout at the activity zone has been good since the opening and we are looking forward to a successful event.” Build-a-City is a large, innovative, interactive exhibit where young children without the need for parental supervision learn the basic principles of construction and teamwork ethics while at play.
NISSAN PATROL
The 2010 Nissan Patrol won its fourth Middle East regional award since the launch in February 2010, with its recognition as the “4x4 of the Year” by Saudi Auto, a pan-Arab magazine. “We are thrilled the editors at the influential magazine Saudi Auto have chosen to recognize the Nissan Patrol as the best SUV in the 4x4 class”, said Atsuo Kosaka, MD, Nissan Middle East. “The Saudi market is the powerhouse of the Middle East automotive market and if a vehicle succeeds there, then it will be a success across the region,” he added. Meanwhile, AutoMiddleEast, an automotive bilingual website covering automotive news in English and Arabic in the GCC and MENA region, conducted a comparative test-drive for the Nissan Patrol versus one of its main competitors. The verdict by AutoMiddleEast was an overall victory for the Nissan Patrol 2010. “Overall victory in this test has to go to the Nissan. It's newer, nicer inside, more powerful and more comfortable on the road”, stated AutoMiddleEast. Nissan's flagship SUV has also been recognized recently as the “4x4 of the year” by Evo Middle East magazine. It also received the “Best Heavy Duty Elegant SUV – 2010” award from pan-Arab magazine and Lebanon-based Future TV. Less than 10 months since its exclusive global premiere launch in the GCC, the new generation Patrol has repeatedly lived up to its title as the “Hero of all Terrain”. The 2010 Nissan Patrol has also been recognized as the “Best SUV Award for 2010” by another regional automotive magazine, Car Express.
LG
For the ninth year in a row, LG Electronics (LG) was recently honored by the International Forum (IF) and the red dot design awards for excellence in design. With competitors from 43 countries and more than 2,700 products participating in this year’s IF Design Award, LG took home top honors for nine products. Among them were the Nano Full LED 3D TV, a front-loading washing machine, and LG Focus LED lighting. LG was also honored with the red dot: Grand prix for its reusable eco-package design. Only six out of the total of 6,369 entries received this exclusive award from the red dot jurors. The design was noted for using eco-friendly and recyclable materials as well as for its high versatility; the packaging can be reused as a photo frame or a pencil stand, among other purposes. “Design has been a part of LG’s DNA since our founding and being recognized with these prestigious awards year after year is testament that we must be doing something right,” said John. Lee, MD, LG Saudi Arabia. “But looking good has never been enough for us. What really makes products beautiful is how they improve customers’ lives.” Some of the key products recognized at the 2011 IF Design Award were: LEX8: Nano Full LED 3D TV, 24-inch front-loading washing machine: BIG-IN. This sleek, modern-looking washing machine makes life easier for consumers by letting them customize or change their laundry settings via a big LCD display and control pad. It comes with LG’s proprietary ‘Inverter Direct Drive’.