Local manufacturers, suppliers book bigger, better stands at Paperworld Middle East 2015

UAE exhibitors are stepping up their presence at the Middle East’s premier trade event for paper, office supplies, and stationery, as they look to boost their presence in a regional market showing strong signs of growth.

Exhibition space occupied by UAE companies at Paperworld Middle East 2015 has so far increased by 10 per cent year-on-year, with 20 top names already booking more than 900 sqm of real estate at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Taking place from 2-4 March 2015, and organised by Epoc Messe Frankfurt, Paperworld Middle East has so far sold 85 per cent of available space four months ahead of opening, underscoring the inherent strength of the market for paper, paper products, stationery and packaging that exists in the wider region.

“We have noticed an upsurge of interest from UAE exhibitors keen to leverage Paperworld Middle East's capacity to generate business contacts and leads in the wider Middle East and Africa region,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

“Our view that the Middle East market for paper products, office supplies, stationery, and back-to-school items is showing encouraging growth is shared with local exhibitors at Paperworld Middle East, as demonstrated by their decisions to take out larger stands for next year.”

Among the local heavyweights returning to Paperworld Middle East 2015 with a larger presence is Al Gurg Stationery, which has increased its stand size by 29 per cent year-on-year.

“The larger space at Paperworld Middle East 2015 will allow Al Gurg Stationery to showcase an extended range of brands and products that offer comprehensive solutions to corporates and every business sector,” said Abdulla Al Gurg, Group General Manager of Al Gurg Stationery.

“Since Paperworld attracts visitors from the region, this is also an opportunity for Al Gurg Stationery to consolidate its expansion plans in other GCC states.”

Fellow UAE exhibitor Al Fahidi Stationery will present their wares in a stand that has grown by 66 per cent compared to 2014, while Clips Trading and Farook International Stationery’s stands have grown by 47 per cent and seven per cent respectively year-on-year.

“Paperworld Middle East provides us with valuable networking and business generating opportunities, which is why we are back with an even bigger presence,” said Mr. Ahmad Al Attar, Managing Director of Al Fahidi Stationery Centre. “We expect our range of school and office stationery to create strong interest in buyers from across the wider region.”

Other big UAE names already on-board at Paperworld Middle East four months ahead of the show with bigger stands include Capital Envelopes, April Fine, First Kid, Al Najmath, Al Dana, Liliya X, Olympia Industries and Papyrus Stationery.

“The Middle East and Africa has always been primary focus for April Fine.” said V. Sreenivasan, Regional Director of April Fine. “We will be launching an 85gsm digital cut size paper under our internationally renowned flagship Paper One brand as well as showcasing our improved offset papers at Paperworld Middle East 2015.”

Meanwhile local newcomers to Paperworld Middle East 2015 include Union Paper Products and NewBoy – one of Dubai’s largest toys and stationery distributors, which will display its vast selection of school bags with brands such as Frozen, Spiderman, Hello Kitty and their own brand, Fulla.

First Kid, another established stationery company in Dubai with licenses for big-brand names such as Disney, Marvel, Nickelodeon, is returning after a year’s hiatus.

Paperworld Middle East 2015 is expected to grow by at least 10 per cent year-on-year, having featured 271 exhibitors from 37 countries in 2014, attracting 6,429 visitors from 105 countries in the last edition.

Returning once again is the popular Green Office Area, a dedicated section that showcases sustainably produced essential office supplies from pens and paper, to more elaborate items such as paper shredders.

Paperworld Middle East also features Playworld, presenting regional trade buyers with the world of kids’ toys, games, and children’s lifestyle products.

Wrapping up the list of show features at Paperworld Middle East 2015 is Wrap Star - the region's only gift wrapping competition, giving employees at regional retail outlets and malls a chance to showcase their gift wrapping skills to a global audience.