Dubai hosts the region's first PhotoWorld-Dubai 2005 Expo

The world's top manufacturers and suppliers of Imaging tools, technology and accessories will be represented, showcasing the latest developments in a technological revolution that is transforming the 164-year history of photography.

The expo is being staged by Channels Exhibitions, renowned exhibition organisers in the UAE.

Announcing the event today, managing director Justin Boutros said that PhotoWorld-Dubai 2005 is in natural response to, and seeks to capitalize on soaring interest in the new digital technology, both by professionals and enthusiasts.

Organisers are expecting trade visitors from across the entire Middle East, as well as from Africa, central Asia, the Indian sub-continent, CIS countries, Europe, and the Far East. Public attendance will be drawn primarily from the UAE and neighbouring countries.

"There's an excitement about digital imaging that extends across traditional boundaries between professional and enthusiast," said Boutros.

"The advances in Digital and Imaging technology create new horizons for both groups, and PhotoWorld-Dubai 2005 will enable them all to discover the latest equipment and the most modern developments in a dynamic industry that is constantly innovating.

"From personal cameras to specialist professional photo-lab equipment, this exhibition will bring everyone right up-to-date with what is new and exciting."

In Germany alone, more than 450 new digital camera models came to market last year - an average of two new products per workday.

PhotoWorld-Dubai 2005 will guide users through the complexity of equipment available, bringing together the diverse sectors that comprise the digital-imaging market, from manufacturers and suppliers to users such as advertising agencies, repro houses, design studios, photo studios, media houses, web publishers, and wedding photographers.

PhotoWorld- Dubai 2005 will establish Digital Imaging tools and technology into the same league as electronic and high-tech goods, which make Dubai the world's favourite shopping destination.

"Photography has never been more fun as shorter product life cycles, falling prices, higher performance and new features inside designer bodies all translate into fierce competition among manufacturers to gain market share and consolidate brand loyalty," said Boutros.

"Today, the digital photo camera and camera phone have become fashion statements, symbols of a modern lifestyle and also, of creative freedom. Computer literacy and the Internet are bringing a new, mature customer base to this innovation-driven market."

The popularity of digital imaging is underlined by the estimated market figures for 2004, when sales of digital cameras are expected to overtake traditional models for the first time, accounting for 80 million of total sales of 120 million.

More than one-third of the 130 billion pictures taken in 2004 were in digital form, and by 2008, an estimated 215 billion images will be digital, according to the German market research institute GfK.

Sales of accessories follow the same trend, with the value of photo paper sold forecast to grow by 25 per cent. Camera-phones have also become a vital accessory for many people, and some analysts predict that there will soon be more of these than there are stand-alone cameras.

"Converging technologies have spawned a tech-savvy network of micro-businesses in image processing, affecting sales, marketing, advertising and publishing," said Boutros. "PhotoWorld-Dubai2005 will highlight all the exciting products and processes that are triggering these new trends, challenges and opportunities."