PhotoWorld-Dubai 2006 zooms in on booming digital imaging market

More than 70 companies from 15 countries have already committed to taking part in the event, the region's only expo concentrating on specialised digital imaging and photographic equipment.

Manufacturers of state-of-the-art imaging convergent products, new technology developers, providers of specialist services, and local and international buyers will be brought together over April 4-6 for the second edition of PhotoWorld-Dubai, rated as a 'must do' event by the global industry.

Top names in the business such as Kodak, Lexar, and Noritsu will be participating along with agents Emirates Photo Marketing that has been the UAE market leader for past 25 years.

Emirates Photo Marketing will showcase the latest digital mini lab from Noritsu, photo kiosks from Kodak, Kodak EasyShare digital cameras and home printers, and the Kodak and Lexar brands of storage media.

The highly visible Kodak Express Franchise programme has been a huge success story in bringing the threefold retail services - photo finishing, studio photography and retail products - to the consumer.

And Emirates Photo Marketing has already established the Kodak EasyShare range through all leading electronic and mass merchandising channels.

Exhibitors also include Epson, Adobe Systems, Apple, Acer, Sony Cybershot, Mitsubishi, 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, UK, Belgium, Italy, Germany, China, India, and Taiwan.

Intuit Technology will showcase Corel, specialized software from the UK used in digital photography; and Irma Trading-Dubai will exhibit jointly with the USA's Pinnacle Systems, a global leader in digital video broadcasting and production. Special deals will be available on the goods shown.

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 reports that the global digital imaging market is projected to grow to US $31 billion by 2009 with the Middle East and Asia claiming a 33 per cent share against the current 10 per cent.

"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," he says.

"Building on these market trends, PhotoWorld-Dubai 2006 is the ideal venue for photo studios and labs, retailers and distributors, advertising agencies, and professional and amateur photographers to experience the latest state-of-the-art technology."