The fourth Dubai International Print (DIP) Award, which started as an initiative to recognise companies operating in the GCC’s printing industry, has expanded to accept nominations from Lebanon, Egypt and GCC countries.

The DIP awards event was started by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (DCCI) Printing and Publishing Group (PPG) to reward quality, management efficiency and contemporary technological advancements in the print and publishing industry.

“Saudi Arabia represents one of the biggest and most important markets for the regional print and publishing industry,” said Ahmad Bin Hassan Al Shaikh, chairman of PPG.

“Last year we had an overwhelming response and we are expecting even more this year. The DIP Award has witnessed an increase in participation by 30 per cent in Saudi Arabia last year.”

He added: “This year we have not only added new award categories but also managed to spearhead this prestigious accolade in the Levant region. As our awards get even bigger we would like to thank all our local and regional sponsors for supporting this annual event.”

Dubai International Print Award have continued to grow in award categories as well as geographical region and taking up the reigns as main sponsors will be Masar Printing Press,  Heidelberg, Giffin Graphics , Xerox , Gimpex , Presstek , Prestige Graphics and Orchid for the fourth consecutive year.

“Despite the challenging economic environment we are expecting a strong growth in the printing and publishing sector across the region,” said Tarek Jawharji, vice-chairman of PPG.

“Over the years we have managed to brand this event as one of the most prestigious award functions for the print and publishing sector in the region,” he added.

“With the addition of the Levant, this year’s event is going to be even more exciting and challenging as we will get an opportunity to witness the best of technological innovations from the Arab world. I would like to thank our panel of judges, who in the coming month will have a paramount task of making some tough decisions and selecting the best work from all the nominations.”

The event will be held in 12 weeks across the region with the final award ceremony taking place on January 27, 2010 at Hyatt Regency in Dubai. – TradeArabia News Service