Dubai Media City to embark on a special initiative to encourage the adoption of cutting edge printing technologies in the region

Speaking at a press conference held in Dubai today, Mr. Siegbert Holderried, Dept. Managing Director, Association of German Manufacturers of Printing and Paper Equipment and Supplies (VDMA) said that the 13th edition of the event will focus on showcasing "All-in" solutions that demonstrate the possibilities of integrating the various new innovations in the printing technology field into single, optimised total workflow chains.

"A mega trend at Drupa 2004 promises to be the digital workflow that pilots integrated production. Its objective is to streamline the entire order process, as well as linking up and automating the individual production stages," added Holderried. "Another trend to be highlighted at the event will be the development of "All-in" solutions. The suppliers of printing and converting machinery, as well as software developers will no longer provide isolated demonstrations of their machinery and products. Instead complete solutions on exhibit will allow visitors to analyse the potential of cutting-edge innovations, individually and integrated into the complete workflow chain. In essence, the challenge of integrating technologies and the various stages of the print processes have shifted from the potential user to the developers and suppliers of innovative technologies."

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Mohammed Bin Ghaleb, Project Director, Dubai Media City (DMC), endorsed the important contribution made by Drupa in providing information and hands-on analysis about cutting-edge printing technologies entering the markets. He indicated that DMC is keen to strengthen its ties with the German printing industry and expected it to have a high profile participation in its new initiative to encourage the adoption of cutting-edge printing technologies in the region.

"The printing industry continues to be a strong and indispensable part of the emerging knowledge economy. Recognizing this key role of the printing industry, Dubai Media City embarked on an initiative earlier this year to strengthen this sector in the region by creating a specialized environment and infrastructure for its development," said Ghaleb. "The new International Media Production Zone in DMC responds to the need for media companies to have specialized production facilities. While the Zone will cater to all media sectors, its first production cluster will focus on the printing industry. We believe the International Media Production Zone offers considerable opportunities for German companies to leverage cost efficiencies and business incentives by operating here."

"The printing industry in Dubai plays a very important role in the national economy. We estimate that this industry is ranked 5th or 6th for its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country," said Mr. Ahmed Bin Hassan Al Sheikh, Chairman, Printers Association of the UAE. "Established in the 1950s, the printing industry in UAE combines the use of cutting edge technologies with experienced printing professionals, thus becoming capable of delivering high quality results. The cost of a printing project executed locally is up to 20 per cent lower than if done in Europe. This has encouraged numerous international companies to bring their business to the regional printing industry. The Printers Association aims to increase its presence at Drupa 2004, as it expects to witness, firsthand, the launch of numerous new technologies for the industry."

Drupa 2004 will focus on the themes of cross-industry digitalization, automation in the classical printing methods, digital printing processes and integrated production through workflow networks. The event will also feature, for the first time, a programme of workshops, seminars and presentations, as well as guided tours of the fair. The drupa innovations arena, the software innovation park and the dynamic document park are expected to provide visitors with the opportunity to compare and analyse parallel and synchronous new technologies at a single spot.

Amongst the technology launch highlights for the 13th edition of the fair, will be UV exposure units that allow the step-by-step computer-to-plate process without raising the cost of the production of plates. Concentrated presentations, seminars and workshops will help the trade visitor to compare the potential of violet and thermo techniques of computer-to-plate technology. The trade visitors will also have the opportunity, to examine the compatibility of these technologies within the total workflow chain and decide whether the plate exposure units are mature for the market.

The press conference was also addressed by Volker Ohl, Project Manager, Drupa 2004. Stressing on the international nature of the fair, Ohl announced that while the exhibition space for the 2004 edition of the fair was already booked out, the organisers have also announced the dates for the 14th edition of the fair that will be held from May 29 to June 11, 2008.

"With financial experts and industry observers all predicting a gradual upturn in the print media and media industry for 2004, it becomes imperative for print and media technology users to keep themselves informed of the latest development in the field. Use of out-of-date technologies will not only mean higher production costs, but also ensure that loss of place to competitors in the media industry," said Ohl. "In the Middle East, and especially in the UAE, we have noted the trend for the adoption of industry leading technologies in every sphere of life. In keeping with this, the printed product originating from the region is usually the result of sophisticated printing procedures."

"The importance of the Middle and Near East markets and the significance of the trade cooperation between Germany and the UAE have been underlined effectively by the growing mutual relations between the two countries. To illustrate, the latest foreign trade figures for 2001 indicate that the Non-oil import and export between Germany and the UAE combined, touched nearly Dhs 8.5 billion, and this figure is expected to rise with increased participation between the two countries vis a vis exhibitions," said Bassel Amaneddine, UAE representative, Messe Düsseldorf.

"In order to raise international awareness about the UAE printing industry, it is imperative to further strengthen and intensify the UAE presence at these events. This will also complement the fact that the German industry presence in the Middle East exhibitions, particularly in the UAE, is among the most visible," added Amaneddine.

The drupa fair is held every four years, and the last event in 2000, attracted 428,248 trade visitors, 47 per cent of which were international visitors coming from countries across the globe. Of the 1,943 exhibitors from 50 countries, 1,178 were international exhibitors that included large corporations, start-ups and small and medium enterprises.