Labelexpo Global Series has announced the launch of Gulf Print & Pack in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that will take place in Riyadh early next year.

The new show that aims to build on the success of the established Dubai-based exhibition Gulf Print & Pack, will showcase the latest in commercial and package printing technology alongside packaging equipment and materials in the country.

The exhibition will take place from January 21-23, 2025 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition Conference Center (RFECC).

With this, Gulf Print & Pack will cement its position annually in the Middle East region comprising two events, Gulf Print & Pack 2025 in Riyadh to serve the burgeoning Kingdom of Saudi Arabia market and Gulf Print & Pack 2026 in Dubai for the GCC market.

The announcement of the event in Riyadh coincides with an investment boom across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with the country’s Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes sustainable growth across a wide range of industry sectors, a statement said.

This is expected to create major business opportunities for commercial printers and packaging converters as well as drive demand for automated packaging systems and sustainable packaging materials, organisers said.

The Saudi plastics packaging market, for example, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6% and reach $20.52 billion by 2030, while the value of the paper and paperboard packaging market is expected to reach $5.87 billion by 2028.

Jade Grace, Managing Director, Labelexpo Global Series, said: “We are launching Gulf Print & Pack in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia just as the kingdom scales up its plans to boost industrialisation by adopting advanced and sustainable technologies all of which will be showcased at the show.

“This will require major investment by PSPs, commercial and packaging printers and specifiers of automated packaging machinery and eco-friendly materials.”

Barry Killengrey, Event Director, Gulf Print & Pack, said: “We are excited to extend the Gulf Print & Pack series to Riyadh, where a vibrant consumer market is driving adoption of new digital technologies and packaging formats across the FMCG market.

“We see a huge potential for growth for all sectors of the print and packaging business supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s development goals.”

Osamu Miyauchi, Managing Director of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Middle East, said: "We are eager to participate in Gulf Print & Pack 2025 in Riyadh because it is a premier event for the industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offering insights into cutting-edge technologies, and a chance to showcase our innovations.

“Engaging with industry leaders in the Kingdom and potential clients will significantly boost our business’s growth and visibility."

Ayman Ali, Marketing Director of Canon Saudi Arabia, said: "The printing industry in Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid growth, highlighting the critical need for a professional exhibition like Gulf Print & Pack.

“This platform provides Canon Saudi Arabia with the ideal opportunity to engage with our customers and showcase the latest innovations in Canon's professional printing solutions."

Mohammed Azam Arabi, General Manager (West Asia) Afra Printechnik, said: "We are excited about Gulf Print & Pack 2025 that will be taking place in Riyadh.

“We see a huge potential for growth with the print and packaging business and look forward to showcasing our products in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our continued participation in the Gulf Print & Pack series remains paramount!"

Ahmed Fayez, General Manager, Al-Kharafi Co for Paper & Printing Equipment, said: "The decision to hold Gulf Print & Pack 2025 in Riyadh is not surprising.

“The packaging market currently is very promising, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on track to become an important regional hub in the coming years.

“We extend a hearty welcome to Gulf Print & Pack 2025, that will bring a new era of innovation and cooperation for the packaging market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

Ahmed Siddiqui, CEO, Zeej Print, commented: “Having witnessed the remarkable assembly of innovation and industry expertise at Gulf Print & Pack in Dubai, I am thrilled to welcome its inaugural edition to Riyadh. Gulf Print & Pack is not just a showcase of the latest in printing and packaging; it represents a pivotal moment for our region.

“It symbolises a bridge connecting the past and future of our industry and embodies the vibrant potential of the MENA region to lead global advancements in this space. We warmly welcome Gulf Print & Pack to our home, marking a new chapter of innovation and collaboration in the heart of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” – TradeArabia News Service