Shutter-bugs in the frame for Dubai's first Photo-World expo

With sales of digital cameras soaring at more than 60 per cent a year - up from 11 million in 2000 to 18 million in 2001 to 30 million in 2002, 50 million in 2003, and an estimated 77 million last year - digital imaging is one of the world's biggest growth industries.
And Photo-World Dubai 2005 is showcasing the latest developments in the technological revolution that is transforming the 164-year history of photography.

Exhibitors have signed up for 17,500 sq m of floor space. They include AAA of Saudia Arabia, the Kingdom's leading chain of electronic and digital equipment suppliers; Huachang Photographic Backgrounds from China; Tenaui Minilabs from Singapore; A-One Industries, wholesaler and exporter of photographic items operating in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China; and market leader Henzo Photo Albums of the Netherlands. Retailer Plug-Ins of the UAE will drive consumer sales with leading world brands.

The show will be open to the trade and the public from 11am to 8pm and both sectors are responding enthusiastically to the opportunity to experience the very latest technology from the world's top manufacturers and suppliers.
Camera-phones are driving the dramatic increase in digital imaging and this year will overtake combined sales of digital and analogue cameras, says Justin Boutros, managing director of Channels Exhibitions, the organisers of Photo-World Dubai 2005.

Roughly 370 million digital cameras will be sold this year and more than three-quarters of them will be embedded in mobile phones. Sales of camera-phones have more than doubled every year since their introduction - rising from fewer than a million in 2000 to 180 million worldwide last year.

"People carry their mobile phones with them wherever they go," says Boutros. "If you've got a camera in that phone, it means you've now got a camera with you whenever a new photo opportunity occurs. 'Boy, I wish I'd had my camera!' becomes 'Look what I saw!'"

The ubiquity of camera-phones will mean an explosion in the number of pictures taken. Early studies indicate that camera-phone users take more than twice as many pictures as digital or film camera users, precisely why Photo-World Dubai 2005 is being staged.

"The market data underline the ideal timing of Photo-World Dubai 2005 to capture the phenomenal growth in consumer and professional demand for digital imaging," said Boutros, "giving professional photographers and enthusiasts unprecedented exposure to what is new in a highly dynamic industry.

"The new technology creates new horizons for both groups, and Photo-World Dubai 2005 will enable them all to discover the latest equipment and the most modern advances 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."

"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."

"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."