Emirates Neon unveils hi-tech added-value indoor display screens at Airport Show

The company has joined forces with Belgian's Barco Media, one of the world's leading electronic display manufacturers, to showcase the screens which, Emirates Neon says, offer significant benefits over plasma-based versions used in many older airports.

"Major airport expansion is underway in Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar as government's seek to attract more visitors, particularly tourists. Every effort is being made to ensure all facilities, including indoor advertising, match those found in the world's leading airports," said Rehan Merchant, Executive Director, Emirates Neon.

"Our research tells us many regional airports are using displays based on plasma technology which has high maintenance and other associated costs. These new screens not only improve the image quality but also save operators and their clients money.

"We are confident, as more Middle East airports are redeveloped or expanded, or new and larger ones are built, these screens and our successful track record in the signage and indoor advertising sectors will enable us to win significant future business," said Merchant.

Barco Media, a division of BarcoProjection, specialises in developing customised visual communication solutions for the media and sports market. Recent projects include the installation of a revolutionary digital sign for Coca-Cola in London's famous Piccadilly Circus and 500 square metres of displays at the new Reliant Park Stadium in Houston, Texas, that will host the NFL's 2004 Superbowl.

"At Barco Media we are convinced that our display technology is changing the way mass communication is practised. Our networked or standalone display solutions lend themselves perfectly to be used as advertising medium and, as such, have already attracted the attention of many of the world's leading outdoor media companies," said Dil Akbar, International Sales Manager, Barco Media.

At the Airport Show, Emirates Neon is also spotlighting its growing regional reputation for high quality signage work and its ambition to win more overseas contracts.

"Prestigious projects, such as the Ritz Carlton, in Qatar's capital Doha, have underlined our capability to plan and execute signage projects outside the UAE and we intend to maximise the opportunities available, especially in the airports' sector," said Merchant.

"Recent work at Dubai International Airport, for Dubai Duty Free, has shown that our project management, technical expertise and signage manufacturing skills are second to none in the region.

"This, combined with our growing international experience, demonstrates our ability to undertake any contract, no matter how complex, in any regional country. We see great potential for growth outside the UAE," said Merchant.