Industry leaders headline at Gulf Print event

With just two months to go, the organisers promise an event that will create headline news for the entire printing and graphics industry. New machines, new innovations and the latest technology will be on show. According to Project Manager, Dominic McGill, "it will be the largest event of its kind anywhere in the region with a current total of over 70 exhibitors attending from 41 countries."

It's not surprising therefore that Gulf Print will feature some of the largest names in the business, including Heidelberg - the world's largest manufacturer of printing machinery - along with HP and Creo.

In addition to international exhibitors, the UAE's own International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) will also feature heavily at the show with the world's first glimpse of a new model displaying the development of their unique free zone project. This is likely to be one of the highlights of the event with many investors keen to sign up for a slice of the free zone's action.

McGill explained that recent weeks have seen an influx of new exhibitors who previously took a lets see approach. "Prompted by the recognition that the Dubai show will provide reach to a variety of regional markets, like Iran and Saudi Arabia, Gulf Print has attracted the support of massive printing and graphics manufacturers", he said.

One such example is Italy's Cerruti, leading manufactures of Rotogravure and Flexographic printing presses for the publishing and packaging industries. Brazil will be represented for the first time with the participation of Industria Brasileira, specialists in pre press and post press consumables.

Esko Graphics from Belgium will present CTP solutions for the printing and packaging industry. Live demonstrations from their stand will appeal to visitors to both Gulf Print and its sister show, Gulf Pack, that is being held simultaneously at Dubai's Airport Expo.

Agents too have helped draw attention to the event with support coming from local companies like Techno Press Graphics. They will present a selection of printing machinery and equipment from Japan's Mitsubishi Printing Industry, post-press solutions from Baum USA, Germany's Sauer Graphic Rollers, Euro Graphic products, IKS, C&P Microsystems, Litec P.S Plate, Trenal & Torda Ink.

Another major name in the UAE's printing industry is Notronics who will present their range of print coding machines from Metronic AG, a KBA company, along with another of their principals, PTC Gmbh of Germany.

Visitors to Gulf Print will be able to learn a lot from the participation of a leading research and development organisation, Pira International. The UK based enterprise will present a range of publications and reports aimed at providing authoritative information about the packaging, printing and paper industries.

Another exciting feature of the event is the Upex Village, an international pavilion presenting the largest selection of used and reconditioned print machinery ever seen in the Middle East. The stand will feature 15 European companies keen to access the Gulf market.

Mike Steele, organiser of the UPEX stand said: "the Middle East market has always been of particular importance to the used machinery sector. Many visitors from the area have attended previous shows in the UK and this is an opportunity for them to meet dealers closer to home. GULF PRINT will provide the perfect venue to launch UPEX Village."

Apart from the exhibition, visitors to the event can take part in the many professional workshops and seminars. The daily programme includes presentations from HP, Heildelberg and Layout Middle East, the regions agent for Quark Express. The event's sister show, Gulf Pack, will feature a similar calendar of seminars including presentations made by leading packaging manufacturers, Tetra Pak and Clear Pack.

Apart from widespread industry recognition, one of the most significant developments that Gulf Print has achieved is the successful organisation of the first Graphic Design and Packaging Awards competition for students. Seven local UAE colleges have submitted nearly 100 entries covering five design disciplines. Judging was recently carried out under the watchful eye of Prof. Maureen Wayman, Dean of Graphic Arts from Manchester Metropolitan University. The official ceremony and announcement of the winners will take place during the Gulf Print event.