(October 15, 2008) Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg), the leading print media solutions provider and developer of the innovative Anicolor inking unit, will showcase their latest printing technology offerings to the booming Middle East print market at Gulf Print 2009.

Heidelberg Middle East FZCO, the Dubai headquartered joint venture between Heidelberg and the major Saudi business group E.A Juffali and Brothers - will be using their Gulf Print participation to demonstrate a range of printing innovations including the Anicolor technology that delivers the best possible quality and colour stability throughout a print run by controlling ink volumes across the entire sheet without ink zones.

"At an exposure level, Gulf Print is an exceptionally important exhibition for Heidelberg Middle East as it allows us to bring in the technology for Middle East printers who are unable to visit us at the major European exhibitions." Mr Mazen Wafic El-Tibi, Heidelberg Middle East, said today.

"Heidelberg is the world's leading solutions provider for commercial and industrial customers in the print media industry and the Middle East is a significant growth market for us. We are investing heavily in the region, providing support for the industry with sales support, after-sales service, training and marketing."

Gulf Print, to be held at the Dubai Airport Expo Centre from April 6-9 2009, is strategically positioned on the printing industry's international event calendar and attracts exhibitors from across the world seeking to showcase the latest industry innovations to the buoyant Middle East print market.

"Recent research predicts that the Middle East print market, unlike many mature European markets, will continue to grow at a rate of 7.7% per annum. Gulf Print is catering specifically to this growth through an international format and specific targeting of regions that are experiencing the highest market growth," said Sue Rothwell, Group Event Director, Fairs & Exhibitions – organisers of Gulf Print.

"The rise of GDP across the region is fuelling demand for the newspaper and magazine market which in turn is increasing demand for quality, speed and colour innovation. Gulf Print attracts exhibitors who are offering the very latest technology to the market and this in turn, attracts visitors from this booming region interested in print innovation."

Gulf Print is held in conjunction with the Gulf Pack exhibition and Mr El-Tibi, commenting on the changing market dynamics in the printing for packaging market, added,
 
"Although the number of print houses specialised in box printing is somewhat limited in the Middle East compared to the rest of the world, we are seeing an increasing demand in this area. Another area in the printing for packaging market that is experiencing a healthy expansion is the flexible packaging segment where we have been involved in many installations of new presses in our region."

Heidelberg Middle East currently employs over 160 staff at braches throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. In 2009 Heidelberg will further expand their Middle East to respond to increased demand for service offerings resulting from increased sales and installations throughout the region.

Gulf Print, run in conjunction with the Gulf Pack exhibition, will be held at the Dubai Airport Expo Centre April 6 – 9, 2009. For further information see www.gulfprint.info.