Page 17 - PWM2026_MARCH EBOOK

EVENTS

FESPA Middle East 2026 secures

position as market leader

F East’s most influential platform for global digital printing,
ESPA Middle East has confirmed its position as the Middle

textile, signage, and screen printing industries, with strong
attendance from senior decision-makers, increased invest-
ment intent, and the delivery of tangible commercial value
for exhibitors and partners across the three-day event.
Post-show analysis shows that more than 75% of visitors held senior
roles, including business owners, CEOs, directors and managers,
underscoring the high calibre of the audience. For exhibitors, 87% of
attendees were involved in the purchasing decision-making process,
with 50% holding final decision-making authority, ensuring that con-
versations on the show floor translated directly into real business
opportunities.
Investment was also a key factor this year: 50% of visitors actively
planned to invest in new equipment within six months, and 62%
planned to invest within the next 12 months. This momentum was
further reflected in budgets, with a 10% increase in average spend per
visitor, demonstrating growing confidence across the regional print FESPA Middle East confirms its position as Middle East’s most influential platform
and signage market.
The quality of attending companies also continued to improve. The
event recorded a 4% increase in visitors from organisations employing creating meaningful brand environments.
more than 50 people, reinforcing FESPA Middle East’s appeal to estab- Automation and future-ready production were also key focus areas, with a
lished, growth-focused businesses seeking scalable technologies and session titled “Future-Proofed Print: Steps Towards Automation,” which
long-term partnerships. examined how workflow optimisation, automation, and data-driven decision-
Bazil Cassim, Regional Manager (Middle East & Africa), FESPA, said: making can improve efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen long-term busi-
“FESPA Middle East 2026 delivered exactly what exhibitors are looking ness resilience.
for, and that is access to serious buyers with real budgets and clear invest- “The conference programme is designed to act as a knowledge platform for
ment plans. The data shows a highly engaged audience, with decision- the region, bringing together global insight, regional perspective and real-
makers actively seeking solutions they can implement in the short to world application. The strong engagement we saw across the sessions reflects
medium term. This reinforces the event’s role as a catalyst for growth and a market that is not only investing in equipment, but actively seeking the stra-
a platform where business gets done.” tegic thinking, skills and understanding needed to build resilient, future-ready
Beyond the exhibition floor, the conference programme proved a major businesses,” added Cassim.
draw. Individual conference sessions attracted more than 200 attendees,
with discussions on leadership, sustainability, AI, automation and future The event will return to the Dubai Exhibition Centre in 2027, taking
market opportunities. The strong engagement highlighted the industry’s place from 12-14 January.
appetite for strategic insight alongside technology investment.
Sessions explored how print and signage businesses can future-proof For more information, visit www.fespamiddleeast.com.
operations and unlock new revenue streams in a rapidly evolving market. The 3rd edition of FESPA Middle East held in Dubai, served as a powerful
Highlights included practical leadership insights from the FESPA
Leadership Exchange (FLEX), with sessions focused on scaling strategies, reminder that the region is not merely catching up to global trends but is
regional expansion and navigating economic change, alongside business- actively shaping them. The convergence of AI, digital print innovation, along-
led presentations such as Beyond the Hype: AI for Your Business, which side software and automation and a robust Saudi market has created a perfect
examined real-world applications of artificial intelligence across print storm of opportunity.
operations. Sustainability was a central pillar of the programme, with For business owners and industry professionals, the takeaways are actiona-
strong attendance at sessions such as Embedding Sustainability into ble: Invest in Agility: Whether through AI in the back office or digital tech on
Workplace Culture, which explored how organisations can align teams, the production floor, speed and flexibility are your greatest assets. Localise
processes, and values to support long-term environmental commitments. Your Strategy: particularly if targeting the Saudi market, presence and part-
Design-led discussions, including Storytelling via Design: Crafting a nership are key. Validate Your Green Credentials: Move beyond greenwash-
Seamless Experience, addressed the growing role of print and signage in ing and implement systems that measure and prove your sustainable practices.

www.printweekmena.com March 2026 PrintWeek MENA 17