Dunes packaging design firm predicts region will become packaging design hub

Commenting on their participation in Gulf Pack 2009, Clive Howard, General Manager of Dunes, said that manufacturers are looking for local solutions to meet the specific demands of the local market.

Howard said:

"The product here is as good as is available in Europe and the USA both creatively and technically, and the Middle East offers distinct advantages in terms of similarity of language and working week and of course, geographic proximity. As the Middle East packaging market continues to develop we will increasingly see companies who would have traditionally had their requirements met in Europe or the USA seeking to have localised packaging actually developed in the region."

Dunes has been designing packaging for a range of clients including Nestle, Pepsi, and Almarai since their establishment in 1985. In 2009, they are participating in Gulf Pack for the first time in order to promote their service to manufactures, suppliers and end users from the Middle East, North Africa, Levant and Sub-Continent regions.

"Regional FMCG companies are looking to upgrade the quality and sophistication of their packaging and this will lead to increased demand for specialised, world-class packaging design services," Howard adds.

Fairs & Exhibitions, organisers of Gulf Pack 2009, says that the involvement of organisations such as Dunes in the exhibition demonstrates the commitment to regional growth held by industry stakeholders.

"Gulf Pack is a truly regional exhibition that caters to the entire range of participants in the printing industry across the Middle East. We are exceptionally pleased to have Dunes, who are truly committed to raising the standard of design services available in the region, participating with us this year," said Sue Rothwell, Group Event Director, Fairs & Exhibitions.

Dunes currently operates from offices in Dubai and Jeddah and offers a range of bespoke design services including graphic design, advertising, packaging and retail services. They will be located at W520H at Gulf Pack, running from April 6-9 at the Airport Expo, Dubai.