The global digital signage systems market is poised for solid growth with the global industry expected to hit $13.8 billion in the next five years, said a report ahead of a major graphics and imaging expo in Dubai next year.

Sign, Graphics and Imaging Show 2013 (SGI) is a leading event for exhibitors and visitors in the signage, outdoor media, screen and digital printing industries. It is being organised by International Expo-Consults (IEC), the exhibition arm of the Dubai-based conglomerate, the Falak Holding.

Digital signage is a form of electronic display that shows television programming, menus, information, advertising and several other messages, said the event organisers.
 
Digital signs such as LCD, LED or projected images can be found in public and private environments, such as retail stores, hotels, restaurants and corporate buildings, they stated.
 
With the advent of new technology the ‘Digital Signage’ industry is expected to grow exponentially in 2012 and 2013, said a senior official.

'We strongly believe that the digital signage industry is set to grow at a very rapid pace in the UAE and also across the Middle East region,' remarked Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, the chairman of IEC.

'Digital signage will form an integral part of the malls, large institutions and towers in the region. Everything is moving from plain static information to dynamic and interactive information model. This is an industry to watch in the near future,' he stated.

Digital signage, he noted, will no more be just an option but an important necessity as the industry unveils innovative offerings.

“SGI will have a dedicated Digital Signage pavilion to provide the right platform for the industry. This will enable both the exhibitors and customers to interact and take the industry to greater levels,” he added.

As per the research carried out by Intel Corporation, the digital signage industry worldwide is growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 26 per cent and also predicts the world to have over 22 million digital signs by 2015.

“Though this is an emerging technology, digital signage has rewritten the rules of marketing, enabling enterprises to deliver information to their employees and customers more effectively,' remarked IEC chief executive officer Sharif Rahman.

'Furthermore, digital media technologies have completely transformed the landscape in which enterprise and media companies operate by enabling them to optimize their business processes. New delivery mechanisms have also allowed marketers to use innovative strategies to reach their customer bases effectively,' he added.

Leading companies that were part of the ‘Digital Signage’ pavilion in SGI 2012 included LP Flex (Germany), FARTS.p.A neon (Italy), LED World, Lumiled, Amzan Neon and Robert Neon from UAE.-TradeArabia News Service