PhotoWorld expo clicks on the digital revolution

The show was officially opened at the Dubai Trade Centre exhibition halls today by Abdul Rahman Al Mutaiwee, director-general of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and runs until April 6.

More than 70 companies from 15 countries are taking part, showcasing the newest developments in the technological revolution that is transforming the 164-year-old industry.

From high-performance digital cameras and camera-phones, to large-format printers, mini-labs for instant professional-quality processing, electronic storage and library systems, even a new look for traditional photo albums in tooled leather, PhotoWorld-Dubai 2006 caters for all photographic enthusiasts, whether professionals or happy-snappers.

The show is open daily from 11:00 am until 8pm, and special deals are on offer for the various products being exhibited.

Exhibitors 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.

Intuit Technology is showcasing Corel, specialised software from the UK used in digital photography, and Irma Trading Dubai is exhibiting with the USA's Pinnacle Systems, a global leader in digital video and broadcasting.

Many more brand leaders and trade associations from several countries are attending as observers with a view to arranging a large presence at the 2007 edition of PhotoWorld-Dubai, underlining the growing status of the exhibition and the world-wide boom in digital imaging

Justin Boutros, managing director of organisers Channels Exhibitions cites research by Info Trends/Cap Ventures projecting that the global digital imaging market will 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.