Saudi retail, hospitality sectors to boost global printing industry

Sharif Rahman

International Expo Consults (IEC), part of Falak Holding, stated that the investments in theme parks, infrastructure and retail in Saudi Arabia will further boost the billion dollar printing industry.
This sector is expected to grow exponentially across the MENA region due to the investment by governments in various sectors, especially infrastructure. As per the Smithers Pira report, the total printing revenues alone is forecasted to grow 7.2 percent per annum reaching $26 billion by 2018.
Demand for the latest standard of printing and digital signages is on the growth path. This growth translates into vast opportunities for printers, raw material suppliers and print equipment suppliers in the country.
Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of IEC, said: “The printing industry has witnessed a paradigm shift over the last few years. Technology innovation year-on-year has resulted in top quality results with regard to printing and signages. Today, attention grabbing digital and traditional signages are a must to attract the customers. These tools will further enhance the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.”
IEC is the organizer of the 19-year-old SGI Dubai show within the signage, digital signage, retail signage solutions, outdoor media, screen and digital printing industries.
“The printing press is regarded as one of the most important inventions of all times. New technologies have been redefining the process of printing, thereby helping GCC countries to expand their domestic industries and generate the desired awareness amongst its customers. Also the increasing specialization of Saudi Arabia’s printing sector has seen a tremendous growth in creation of new jobs as well,” said Sharif Rahman, CEO, IEC.
SGI Dubai 2017 show is bringing exhibitors and visitors from the United States, the UK, Germany, China and Japan, among others. The SGI Dubai 2017 show will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from Jan. 15-17.