Philips Vidiwall set to score with major Mid East expansion

A worldwide market leader in the installation of big screens at venues, Philips Vidiwall believes continuing private and public sector investment, in large-scale leisure facilities, will lead to lucrative business opportunities.

"The Middle East is emerging as a very important region for Philips Vidiwall. " said Johan Muijderman, Managing Director, Philips Vidiwall. "With the Asian Games 2006 scheduled for Qatar and the FIFA World Youth Championship for the UAE, in 2003, numerous stadium projects are underway or planned. We see considerable opportunities for high performance screens in these venues."

"As Middle East stadiums become better and more advanced, spectators expect more than just a sports match or other entertainment. They want nothing less than an event, and our video screens support the region's leisure industry in bringing action to the audience."

Philips Vidiwall will step up its Middle East market assault at Sign and Graphic Imaging 2003 - the only show of its kind serving the specialised signage, graphic imaging and screen printing sectors in the Middle East and North Africa - to be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC), from January 19-21.

A first time participant, Philips Vidiwall says it will work through established partners to execute projects but will direct its marketing through Philips Electronics' Middle East and Africa regional office in Dubai.

"Although major market developments in each country may vary, within the region overall we see vibrant growth potential in the coming years," said Muijderman.

Sign and Graphic Imaging will be 40% larger than last year, occupying 4,500 square metres, compared with 3,200 square metres in 2002.

"The event's substantial expansion mirrors that of the Middle East's signage industry, one of the fastest growing markets globally," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, of organisers International Expo Consults (IEC).

"The strength of the market, coupled with the downturn in the economies of the major industrialised countries, makes it very appealing to international suppliers."