PhotoWorld - Dubai 2007 to showcase the booming digital imaging market in the Middle East

The exhibition promises to showcase the booming digital imaging market in the Middle East & Asia, which is set to reach $10 billion by 2009. The exhibition will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 17-19 April 2007.

The region boasts a consumer base of over 1.3 billion tech savvy consumers which is growing at 3% every year. According to market reports, between 2005 and 2009, digital prints are expected to grow 26% annually from 60 billion to 152 billion. And by 2009, digital print revenue is also set to grow exponentially. Reports also indicate that from the industry's point of view, more than 55% of those prints will be created at a retail location.

Justin Boutros, Managing Director, Channels Exhibitions said, "With the current economic dynamics and the growth of the media industry, we see a steady increase in the region's share of the international digital and imaging industry. The expo is an ideal platform for buyers and manufacturers of imaging and associated products to showcase their products and solutions. Last year we had over 4000 professionals and trade buyers from 60 countries in the region. With the positive response from both visitors & exhibitors, this year we foresee an increase of more than 15% on both fronts. "

On the trends internationally he added, "There is an increasing dependence on digital technology across all applications. The research by Info Trends/Cap ventures point to the fact that the global imaging industry will grow to $ 31 billion by 2009. "

The exhibition is open to all and will feature the biggest names in the industry including Sony Professional & Broadcast (Kiosks), Mitsubishi Electric, Almoe Digital Solutions FZ, Epson and Plug-ins with vendor participation from Al Futtaim- Panatech Showcasing Panasonic Digital Cameras, Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Hamma- Germany, HP with a special digital imaging presentation at the stand and many others. PhotoWorld- Dubai will showcase every category of digital imaging that includes digital cameras, multimedia devices, digital printers, digital photo kiosks, handycams, overhead projectors, imaging software, digital minilabs, photographic & printing paper, studio accessories, photo finishing chemicals and digital albums.

Also at the exhibition the Singapore Photographic Trade Association (SPTA) will make its debut in the region at the show with a national pavilion and The Qatar Photographic society and the Abu Dhabi based Lightchasers will be showcasing their work. Other groups include the Spanish national pavilion with 12 exhibitors who specialize in Digital albums / backdrops.

Another highlight of the show is the opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts from the media and the advertising industry to showcase their works at the expo. Entries are invited from media and advertising firms to submit entries before the 1st of April which will be displayed for the visiting public.

In addition to the trade show, there will be seminars and workshops on all days of the event. Organized by the Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers, the seminars will be handled by Mike McNamee, Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and the British Professional Photographers Association and Martin Grahame-Dunn, past MPA National President and Chairman of Qualifications. The themes will include Calibration, lighting, posing and Composition for the portrait photographer, photoshop masking etc.