PhotoWorld-Dubai 2006 focuses on booming market for digital imaging

The phenomenal growth is being driven by digital convergence, making imaging capability the dominant feature in almost all consumer products from camera phones to MP3 players.

Building on these market trends, the PhotoWorld-Dubai 2006 exhibition, taking place at the World Trade Centre on April 4-6, is ranked as a 'must see' event for photo studios and labs, retailers and distributors, advertising agencies, and professional and amateur photographers.

The show is the region's only event concentrating on specialised digital imaging and photographic equipment and brings together buyers, manufacturers of state- of- the-art imaging convergent products, new technology, and services from across the globe.

Exhibitors show include Epson, Adobe Systems, Apple, Acer, Sony Cybershot, San Marco (SMI) Digital Minilabs of Italy, AFIF - the Spanish photo manufacturers association that represents leading album and backdrop producers, Assofoto Italiana - the Italian association of album manufacturers, and participants from the USA, Belgium, Italy, Germany, China , India, and Taiwan.

Many more brand leaders and trade associations from several countries will attend as observers with a view to arranging a large presence at the 2007 edition of PhotoWorld-Dubai.

Justin Boutros, managing director of organisers Channels Exhibitions: "The Middle East market for digital imaging is growing at a tremendous pace, driven by a very affluent customer base with a high percentage of 'early adopters' who embrace the latest in imaging technology.

"They are young and tech-savvy and see digital imaging as a 'conversation' - where camera phones and digital cameras coupled with mobile connectivity enable them not just to capture memories but also share information in real-time whether through email, a mobile phone, or through an online album."

Industry analysts claim that 70 billion digital images were captured in 2005 by new and non-traditional imaging devices, highlighting the rapid changes in consumer behaviour in the imaging market.

Researchers also forecast strong growth in the photo-printing market that is expected to reach almost 70 billion digital prints worldwide by 2008 - more than double the 2005 figure.