December 5, 2007 - The International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), a member TECOM Investments, announced it will showcase the rapidly evolving UAE printing and packaging industry at Drupa, the world's largest print media fair to be held from 29 May-11 June, 2008, in Dusseldorf, Germany.
The participation at the leading international industry event was announced by Sindabad Al Mahaire, IMPZ Director of Business Development at Drupa's Global Preview Tour in Dubai. The Middle East's first free zone for the printing, publishing, packaging (3P) and graphic arts industries was the support sponsor of the event that was held on 4 December, and attended by representatives of leading Middle East brands.
The Drupa fair is held once every four years. The 2004 edition attracted 1,943 exhibitors from 50 countries, of which 1,178 comprised international exhibitors from large corporations, start-ups and small and medium enterprises.
Sindbad Al Mahaire, said: 'IMPZ recognises Drupa's vital contribution to the industry in providing information and hands-on analysis about cutting-edge printing technologies. At Drupa 2008, IMPZ will seek to strengthen ties with leaders from the global printing industry, while seeking advanced technologies of relevance to this region.
'Along with IMPZ, four key business partners will also be part of the 90 sq metre stand that will spotlight the IMPZ brand, while driving the offerings of its business partners to a global audience.'
The printing industry in the UAE is growing at 15 to 20 per cent annually and is currently worth around Dhs10bn, according to Shuaa Capital Research. At present, it includes 500 registered printing presses, of which most have embarked upon ambitious expansion plans. Forecasts indicate the sector will generate about US$ one trillion worth of business by 2008.
The growing importance of the Middle East industry, especially the UAE, will be featured by IMPZ at the leading event, while highlighting its strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa, and its proximity to multiple markets.
Werner M.Dornscheidt, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, said: 'These figures underline the leading global importance of Drupa as a fair that is truly representative of the printing and media industries.'
Messe Düsseldorf, organizers of the leading global print, media, publishing and converging technologies fair, will host revolutionary new technologies in the field of graphic art industry.
The event will showcase 'All-in' solutions, demonstrating the possibilities of integrating various new innovations in printing technology into a single, optimised total workflow chain.
IMPZ seeks to create a unique cluster environment for media production companies from across the industry value chain and from around the world to interact and collaborate effectively.
Drupa 2008 will boast the largest exhibition space since its inception 50 years ago, featuring 1,800 exhibitors over 170,000 square metres of net exhibition space.