LFP - Large-Format-Printing
Experts discuss opportunities, challenges at SGI Dubai
Friday 10. May 2019 - Industry stakeholders discussed the impending opportunities and challenges faced by the digital display technology sector at the recently concluded fifth edition of SGI Dubai Knowledge Series, which was held in Dubai, UAE.
The forum had a representation from prominent international and regional brands including LG, GE, EPSON, Blue Rhine, Al Risq Advertising and ENO Digital Signage among others, said a statement from the organisers.
Currently, the global digital signage market is valued at $20.8 billion and is expected to grow to $29.6 billion by 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3 per cent. With several mega expositions and events being planned in the region, the digital signage industry is set to fast track its growth trajectory.
Participants at the 5th edition of Knowledge Series aired their views on having a consortium or a platform in the near future, that would have a database of verified vendors right from the hardware supplier to content developers and integrators.
Sharif Rahman, CEO, International Expo Consults, said: “Based on the discussion during the knowledge series, SGI Dubai has decided to create a dedicated Digital Display Technology pavilion that would include all the manufacturers and players within this ecosystem from across the globe.”
Several vertical industries including healthcare, hospitality, retail, education, aviation, exhibitions and events are the potential target market for the players within the digital signage marketplace. The participants also felt that the potential and the market share of the indoor digital display market will continue to remain higher in the UAE than outdoor.
“SGI Dubai 2020, the leading event for the printing and signage industry aims to play a significant role in the growth of the digital display market in the Middle East. This is the future and it will definitely redefine the way signages are going to be viewed in the next few years,” added Sharif.
As compared to other categories, the digital signage and display technology industry will prove to be a game changer and the segment is expected to grow further in the UAE and across the GCC region. Saudi Arabia is another huge market for the players within this industries due to the current reforms taking place within the Kingdom across several industries including the Cinemas and entertainment.
The rising demand of OLED displays, 4K and 8K displays and infrastructure development have also given a boost in the arm to this digital market. Furthermore, the need for eco-friendly alternate to signage as well as development of cost-effective technology is expected to play a major role in the growth of this segment.
The participants also felt that there is a global need for standardization and that organisations should collaborate to arrive at this solution. The lack of standardization in terms of technology, format and software has restrained the growth of the global digital display market.
“Currently retail sector is the most active vertical when it comes to digital signage, however other industries are evaluating the benefits of the same and they are fast moving towards adoption of these latest technologies. Artificial intelligence within these signages are also adding value to the retail,” added Sharif.
With the upcoming 23rd edition of the show, International Expo Consults, the organisers of the show would like to unveil a new format of the show, which is relevant and caters to the latest trends in the marketplace. SGI Dubai 2020 is scheduled to take place from January 12 to 14 in Halls 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
SGI Dubai 2020 will also include a creative competition – SGI Dubai Wall of Fame, a car wrapping competition – Masters of Wrap, seminars and workshops conducted by industry experts under the banner of Knowledge Series 2020.
Apart from the new categories, the show will be focused on several aspects of the printing and graphics industry including signage, digital signage, textile printing, screen printing, LED among others. During the previous edition SGI Dubai welcomed over 330 global exhibitors from across 30+ countries and registered thousands of trade visitors from around the world.