Gulf Print & Pack, the MENA region’s leading exhibition for the commercial and packaging printing industry, will take place at the World Trade Centre in Dubai from 9 to 11 January 2024.
Exhibitors will use the trade fair to showcase the latest machines, materials and software launches. Interested parties can also find out how new and profitable niche markets are being developed in the fastest growing areas of printing. The last Gulf Print & Pack took place in June 2022 and attracted leading suppliers to the graphic arts industry from around the world and over 7,500 international visitors.
Barry Killengrey, Event Director of Gulf Print & Pack, commented: “We are delighted to be back on the biennial calendar for the first time since the pandemic. In that time, the print and packaging printing industry has evolved enormously, with exciting new trends such as digital finishing, and this has increased the appetite for further advances in digital technology, automation and workflow capabilities.”
“Due to the milder climate, January is the ideal time to plan a business trip to Dubai and the best time to initiate new business here,” says Killengrey. “Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and has become a centre for trade and commerce in the Middle East.” Gulf Print & Pack 2024 offers print service providers, commercial printers and packaging manufacturers the opportunity to see a wide range of new technologies in action, including wide format printers, digital corrugators, cut sheet inkjet printers, packaging presses and digital finishing systems.
“The most important trend in the MENA market is the transition to digital printing, not only in terms of printing and finishing equipment, but also in terms of workflows,” commented Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director of Tarsus Labels and Packaging Group, which organises Gulf Print & Pack. “Conventional offset printers are now looking more closely at single sheet inkjet presses, while both flexo and conventional printers are seeing increasing automation in platemaking that is fully integrated with end-to-end colour management. Corrugated printers also have new digital options, both in the high-volume sector and in the further development of large-format presses and cutting tables.” Thomas-Emans points out that while the commercial print market as a whole is facing challenges, there are niche areas that are showing sustained growth, including on-demand production of books and photo books and digital printing of fabrics and floor tiles. All of these applications will be represented at Gulf Print & Pack 2024. “Commercial printers are also looking for opportunities in the booming packaging printing market, particularly in folding cartons and labels,” says Thomas-Emans. “We expect suppliers of flexo presses, digital presses and finishing equipment to have a strong presence at the show. Another important trend is the digital finishing of single-sheet commercial printing, folding cartons and labels,” says Thomas-Emans. “The replacement of conventional tools with high-resolution inkjet coating, laser die-cutting and digital metallisation technologies will change the value proposition for both commercial and packaging printers.”
Tarsus Group
Since its founding in 1998, Tarsus Group has provided B2B events, digital media and industry-focused publications worldwide. From small businesses to fast-growing start-ups and well-known brands, Tarsus Group events and media are used to launch products, build supply chains and raise brand awareness. The London-based company also aims to help businesses reach new audiences and build relationships through high-quality B2B events and media platforms.
