Technology & IT | Tuesday 15 January, 2019 3:00 am |

Visitors to ‘SGI Dubai 2019’, Middle East’s largest sign and graphic imaging show were more interested in learning about the potential of augmented and virtual reality technologies. Several exhibitors such as OKI and Epson showcased some of the finest AR and VR technologies at the show. According to the show organisers, International Expo-Consults nearly 200 million dirhams worth of machinery from across the globe were on display for the 3-day event.

The show, which was inaugurated by Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Director General of Dubai Government Media Office, also witnessed the unveiling of a 7x7 metre poster of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum created in partnership with SGI Dubai exhibitor Epson.

According to Sharif Rahman, CEO, International Expo-Consults, “The show has provided a wonderful beginning for 2019 for the sign and graphic industry and has set the right tone for SGI Dubai 2020. Today we have signage associations from China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Pakistan among other countries who are laying the foundation for the show in the years to come. We have several new technological breakthroughs showcased at the exhibition which includes something as unique as elevator marketing through projection technology, backed by analytics which has the potential to redefine the retail and marketing industry. We have visitors from across GCC and heavy footfall was seen on day 1 from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kenya, Nigeria and other African countries.

The MENA printing industry is valued at $35.1 billion as per a report by Smithers Pira. The market is estimated to see annual cross-segment growth at 9% to reach $54 billion by 2022.

Sharif added, “We are also delighted by the fact that we could produce a large poster of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and this initiative has been photographed by visitors from across 75 countries and is now trending on social media. We would urge the people from within the industry to visit SGI Dubai and witness the innovative products and solutions from the exhibitors.”

According to Anand V Joseph, Vice President - Sales & Product Management, Blue Rhine, “UV printing technology has established itself as the benchmark technology for Large Format printing in developed markets; it is safer for the print operators and the environment while providing competitively priced prints at a very high quality. Due to high initial costs required for reliable UV printers, the Middle East markets have been late to adopt this technology on a wider scale. Blue Rhine’s range of UV Printers can match the investment targets of Print houses to offer them faster ROIs depending on their print volume.

Madhusudhan Rao Tumpudi, CEO, Danube Group said “We are thrilled to participate in an internationally recognized trade show. From first day itself we got some brilliant response; with a complete cost effective solution display for signage with a wide range of Plastics, polycarbonate sheets, acrylic sheets among other material.  Our company Danube is a number one building material company in the region and we recently started a signage and acrylic division to meet the growing needs in the Middle East. “

Madhusudhan further added “We introduced ‘Glow in the Dark one way vision’ that is quite a delight to watch for all the visitors. It’s an application, that can be used effectively both for outdoor and indoor signage. Last but not the least, I am sure this will be a never-ending association as it’s a platform for like-minded people to build relationship and be aware of the new market trends”.

SGI Dubai is an ideal converging point where visitors and exhibitors can reach out with architects, sign makers, print and production manufacturers, media agencies, real-estate developers, brand and image consultants among others. This edition of the show will witness various event such as SGI Dubai ‘Wall of Fame’, live car wrapping demonstrations, panel discussion conducted by industry experts under the banner of ‘Knowledge Series 2019’.