The digital print market, valued at $85.2 billion globally in 2010, is expected to reach 23 per cent growth by 2015, said the organisers of an upcoming sign and graphic imaging show in Dubai.

The 15th annual Sign and Graphic Imaging Middle East (SGI) will be held from January 31 to February 2, 2012 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Event organisers International Expo Consults (IEC), a division of UAE’s multi-faceted business conglomerate - Falak Holding, stated that the digital printing industry in the Middle East is set to experience a phenomenal growth with the advent of new digital printing technologies.

IEC reported that it has seen a dramatic increase in the number of exhibitors from across the globe and the Middle East region for SGI, a major event for exhibitors and visitors in the signage, outdoor media, screen and digital printing industries.

Over 296 exhibitors from 23 countries had participated in the 2011 edition of SGI and the numbers are set to grow further next year.

“The rapid development in the digital print market continues to accelerate and its growth is unrelenting,” said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of IEC.

“Over the next few years digital print industry volumes will grow as more traditional processes decline and it will become the dominant printing process across the globe and also in the Middle East. The new technologies have allowed it to evolve capabilities geared towards more customization, better document management, and environmentally conscious materials and methods.”

“We have received a tremendous response for our show from exhibitors from across the globe and this goes to show that there are several active participants who are going to further grow the digital printing industry in the coming years,” he added.

"The quality of visitors who attended the last edition of SGI Middle East was amongst the best we have ever seen and we expect the trend to continue into 2012,” Falaknaz continued.

“We had a strong turnout from across the GCC as well as East Africa, the Sub Continent, Europe, Asia among other geographies. SGI Middle East is the only show to receive visitors of such high calibre and as a result we continue to see year-on-year growth in both visitor and exhibitor numbers.”

Sign and Graphic Imaging Middle East (SGI) is an established 14 year old business forum that has generated sales amounting to billions of dollars for exhibitors serving the digital printing, signage and outdoor advertising industries.

The exhibitors and visitors can interact with sign makers, print and production manufacturers, architects, media agencies, real-estate developers, brand and image consultants among others. This forum will also include seminars and workshops conducted by industry experts.

According to a recent study by UK-based PIRA International (Printing Industry Research Association), digital printing has grown significantly from just 2 per cent in 2000 to over 12 per cent in 2009. – TradeArabia News Service