Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation

Special Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation
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Live car wrapping, real-time product demos and the new Label, Saudi Signage expo promises an engaging visitor experience for three days. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Special Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation
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Visitors at the Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo 2025 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Special Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation
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Visitors at the Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo 2025 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Special Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation
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Visitors at the Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo 2025 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Special Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation
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Visitors at the Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo 2025 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Special Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation
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Live car wrapping, real-time product demos and the new Label, Saudi Signage expo promises an engaging visitor experience for three days. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Special Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation
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Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center spotlighting innovation. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Special Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation
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Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center spotlighting innovation. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
Special Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation
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Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center spotlighting innovation. (AN Photo/Rashid Hassan)
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Updated 20 May 2025
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Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation

Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo opens with focus on innovation
  • Explore over 2,500 products and solutions ranging from printers and LED displays to packaging automation, recycling equipment and labelling solutions
  • Live car wrapping, real-time product demos and the new Label, expo promises an engaging visitor experience

RIYADH: The Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo, the Middle East’s leading event for the digital, print, graphic and imaging sectors, opened on Tuesday at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, spotlighting innovation and new solutions in the signage and labeling sectors.

Held in conjunction with the inaugural Saudi Paper and Packaging Expo, it will run until May 22 and is expected to attract thousands of visitors from the retail, real estate, tourism, entertainment and hospitality sectors, fuelling demand for signage, labelling, paper and packaging solutions.

“The events arrive at a time of continued industry growth driven by infrastructure investments, a growing retail sector and a demand for modern, sustainable product solutions in the Kingdom. We look forward to cooperation with local partners,” Ashraf Bastawesy, executive manager at CMYK digital print solutions, told Arab News.

“Specializing in digital printing and signage, we have displayed our big machines here demonstrating our technology and innovation in the sector. From our experiences last year, and operations in Saudi Arabia, I am very much optimistic about this expo. Saudi market is growing now and we have many opportunities in digital printing and signage and labelling,” he added.

Commenting on diversity in product sectors, he said the expo this year is bigger and better, and that his company is happy to be here.

Bringing more than 150 top-tier brands from more than 15 countries, including Belgium, China, France, Turkiye, Italy and India, the exhibition presents over 2,500 products.

Visitors over the three days canill explore a diverse range of products and solutions in signage, printing, labelling, packaging automation, paper recycling and waste equipment as well as paper machinery and equipment to address evolving market demands.

Among the major features at this year’s expo are the live car wrapping and real-time printing demonstrations, offering attendees a chance to see industry skills and product capabilities first hand.

Some of the key brands presenting live demos of their solutions, latest machinery, materials and wrapping techniques include CMYK, Digital Star Machinery and Equipments, Euro Media, WellCare Trading, City Sign Trading Services and Al Rish Al Khaleeji.

Visitors will be able to watch live product demonstrations from exhibitors including Gulf Sparrows, a leading distributor of signage, advertising and LED solutions; Desert Sign Arabia, a leading distributor of a wide range of advertising, sign and graphics supplies, equipment and machinery; and Alnab Almoudei Trading, a leading supplier for advertising materials, display stands.

These demos offer a close-up view of new technologies in action, including printing hardware, digital signage, packaging and labelling systems.

Elsewhere on the exhibition floor, Label It, developed in collaboration with Lawazen Trading Group, will challenge participants to test their speed and accuracy in a high-pressure labelling showdown.

This interactive challenge invites visitors to race against time to match product labels to their correct containers. Winners stand a chance to earn gift vouchers worth SR500 ($133) and the title of labelling champion.

“We are proud to return with the second edition of Saudi Signage and Labelling Expo. This year promises three engaging days where we look forward to welcoming buyers who are ready to explore new ideas, opportunities and partnerships,” said Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president at DMG Events.

Abdul Wahab Al Marzouq, general manager of Kuwait-based K4 General Trading & Contracting Co. told Arab News: “We were here at the inaugural signage expo last year, this year we have doubled the size for commitment towards the signage and labelling, we are optimistic about the growing market in view of the transformation under Saudi Vision 2030. We are expanding our business in Saudi Arabia and this is a good opportunity to work with local companies.

“Our expectation is that we will be more engaged with Saudi companies to do mega projects here. We are here to show our capacity and capability on the projects that we have done in the region,” he added.

As a response to the Kingdom’s evolving demand for signage and packaging industries, the events come at a time when the country’s signage market is projected to reach $492 million by 2027, driven by increased adoption in the retail, hospitality, transport, healthcare and corporate sectors. At the same time, the paper and paperboard packaging market is estimated to hit $2.84 billion by 2029.


MWL introduces updated strategy and framework

MWL introduces updated strategy and framework
Updated 11 sec ago
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MWL introduces updated strategy and framework

MWL introduces updated strategy and framework

MAKKAH: Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa presided over the inauguration of the league’s enhanced strategic plan and updated governance framework.

The event, held at the league’s headquarters in Makkah, was attended by prominent Islamic figures, according to a recent report.

This comprehensive modernization initiative reflects the league’s commitment to adapting to the evolving global landscape and expanding the scope of its mission.

The plan particularly emphasizes expanding international programs to promote the “Charter of Makkah” and the “Charter for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.”

Al-Issa said the initiative advances the league’s vision, mission, goals, and values through a forward-looking strategy and governance model.

He also reaffirmed that the league’s founding principles, as set out in its statutes, remain steadfast and continue to guide its efforts to develop and modernize in service of the global Muslim community.


Saudi environmentalist builds eco museum in Asir to preserve natural, cultural heritage

Saudi environmentalist builds eco museum in Asir to preserve natural, cultural heritage
Updated 11 min 53 sec ago
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Saudi environmentalist builds eco museum in Asir to preserve natural, cultural heritage

Saudi environmentalist builds eco museum in Asir to preserve natural, cultural heritage
  • Al-Hadi said the museum project focuses on documenting rare trees, insects, birds, and traditional agricultural tools

RIYADH: In a valley beneath the Asir Mountains, local environmentalist Lahiq Al-Hadi is developing an educational environmental museum to raise awareness and attract tourists while preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Al-Hadi, from the Rijal Almaa governorate in the Asir region, said the museum project focuses on documenting rare trees, insects, birds, and traditional agricultural tools, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A section will highlight beekeeping and honey production, showcasing the local flowers that support bees, and the endangered seeds the museum aims to preserve and propagate, Al-Hadi added.

On the edge of his farm near the valley, Al-Hadi has replanted more than 68 species of local trees and plants that were once rare or threatened.

He spends time sourcing rare seeds and distributes them to interested growers, believing that “every seed planted means a new hope will sprout in the earth.”

Al-Hadi noted his efforts are showing results, with the environment improving. He has seen migratory bird species return after replanting the vegetation they depend on.

The museum also includes a pavilion focused on Asir’s traditional stone architecture, providing insight into the region’s cultural heritage.


Coalition program in Chad targets terror financing

Coalition program in Chad targets terror financing
Updated 21 min 36 sec ago
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Coalition program in Chad targets terror financing

Coalition program in Chad targets terror financing
  • The program includes a workshop on the effective implementation of UN Security Council resolutions

RIYADH: The Saudi-backed Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition will launch a Sahel countries program in N’Djamena on July 14-15, with the support of Chadian Minister of Armed Forces, Veterans and War Victims Issaka Malloua Ndjamous.

The program includes a workshop on the effective implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, UN conventions, and other relevant international standards, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It aims to build national capacities in the Sahel to combat terrorism financing and money laundering by equipping security, military, and regulatory personnel with tools aligned with international standards.

The program also seeks to enhance regional cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise among relevant agencies, the SPA added.

The workshop will gather experts from security, regulatory, financial and judicial bodies to discuss challenges, review successful models, and propose practical mechanisms for regional cooperation and implementation of UN resolutions and conventions.

The initiative is part of coalition efforts to strengthen national and regional measures against terrorism financing and to support security and stability in the Sahel through an integrated approach addressing ideological, media, financial and military dimensions.


Saudi Arabia hosts cultural week in Osaka

Saudi Arabia hosts cultural week in Osaka
Updated 13 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia hosts cultural week in Osaka

Saudi Arabia hosts cultural week in Osaka

OSAKA: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture is hosting a cultural week in Osaka, Japan until July 15, highlighting the Kingdom’s rich heritage and showcasing handmade products.

Taking place at the Expo Gallery EAST, the event coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia.

The week highlights the “Year of Handicrafts 2025” initiative, showcasing the Kingdom’s creative industries and the craftsmanship to Japanese and global audiences.

The event includes a photography exhibition depicting the history of the two countries’ bilateral ties.

Additionally, the Heritage Commission is hosting an exhibition of traditional Saudi crafts in collaboration with the Saudi Artisanal Co., according to the Saudi Press Agency, featuring live demonstrations of palm frond weaving, Sadu weaving, and clay pot making.

The culture week will also host traditional Saudi majlis paired with Saudi coffee and dates as well as a joint musical performance.

Saudi Arabia’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka will feature more than 700 immersive cultural activities, showcasing the Kingdom’s innovation and heritage, SPA reported recently.

The cultural week is a part of the Kingdom’s broader initiative to strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia, Japan and other nations.

• This article also appears on Arab News Japan


Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector

Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector
Updated 12 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector

Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector
  • Culinary Commission’s latest move is ‘a dream come true’ for chefs

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission has launched a freelance license for chefs via the Abde’a Cultural Licenses Platform.

The commission’s CEO, Mayada Badr, told Arab News: “The freelance chef license is a major milestone in empowering Saudi culinary talent, as it is opening the door for chefs to innovate and succeed independently while contributing to the Kingdom’s culinary sector.”

The newly introduced license will enable Saudi nationals aged 18 and above — and who hold certified culinary training and valid food safety or health certifications. (Supplied)

Abde’a, an e-platform developed to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, is operated under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture.

The newly introduced license will enable Saudi nationals aged 18 and above — and who hold certified culinary training and valid food safety or health certifications — to legally provide freelance culinary services, paving the way for wider freelance opportunities in diverse venues and events across the Kingdom.

The freelance chef license is a major milestone in empowering Saudi culinary talent, as it is opening the door for chefs to innovate and succeed independently while contributing to the Kingdom’s culinary sector.

Mayada Badr, Saudi Culinary Arts Commission CEO

The initiative will “support skill development and career growth in the sector, as well as recognition and credibility by reinforcing adherence to professional standards in the culinary field,” according to a statement.

Chef Rawan Al-Harthi, a Jeddah-based pastry chef, said: “This license gives us the freedom to showcase our culinary identity while working independently and legally. It’s a dream come true for chefs who want to grow their brand without being tied to a restaurant.”

Another chef, Faisal Al-Malki, echoed Al-Harthi’s sentiments. “Being recognized as a licensed freelance chef adds value to our profession and pushes us to raise the bar in terms of quality and creativity,” he said.

The launch of this initiative “underscores the commission’s commitment to expanding opportunities for local culinary talent, while fostering a culture of creativity and professionalism,” a press release stated.