Emirates Neon to set up dedicated electronic street screen division

Emirates Neon is investing Dhs 10 million in setting up a new division dedicated to electronic street screens.

The company, which has won a Dhs 1.5 million contract for decorating Dubai streets for this year's Dubai Shopping Festival, says the expansion moves are in line with surging demand for outdoor signage.

"Under the new division we will add three new advertising screens around Dubai within the next two-three weeks and an additional two mobile screens will be added to specifically be used during DSF," said Rehan Merchant, Executive Director, Emirates Neon.

"We are very optimistic about the future of this sector and envisage a growth of 20% in turnover this year as demand for outdoor signage is increasing dramatically."

Emirates Neon's expansion was unveiled at the Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East trade show - the only one of its kind in the Middle East, which ended a three-day run at the Dubai World Trade Centre Thursday night.

The show, which spanned two DWTC halls, was the largest in the annual series with exhibitors from 25 countries and organisers International Expo-Consults (IEC) say the 2003 edition will be even bigger.

"We are booking an additional hall for next year's show in response to increasing exhibitor demand," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice Chairman, IEC. "Already we have received reservations for almost 2,500 square metres of exhibition space so expansion is needed."

And an Indian pavilion for Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East 2003 is now on the cards following a visit to this year's show by a leading committee member of the Indian Printing, Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers Association, Mr Narinder S. Manku.

"We have 200 members and see possibilities for them in this market which can be accessed via this show. There is huge potential throughout the Middle East and Africa with analysts predicting regionwide growth of between 15-20% for this sector. I believe Indian companies would fare well in the Middle East because of their experience and competitive pricing," said Manku.

Also on the cards for 2003 is official show participation from Japan. Visiting this year's show Mr Yasuya Kato, Chief Officer of the All Japan Neon-Sign Association said he would urge the organisation's 600 members to look at possible participation.

"I was surprised by the development of the signage sector in this country. There is a lot of construction work going on which is the first sign of growth and we believe there are great opportunities for the neon sign industry which we now want to enter," he said.

IEC, which says next year's show will also include a dedicated arena for the screen printing, digital imaging and colour separation sectors, says attendance at this year's exhibition ran at an estimated high of 50% on last year's record turnout of 3,387 visitors from 52 countries.

"Visitor figures are still be analysed and though a final total cannot yet be given, it appears to be well ahead of 2001," added Falaknaz.

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