Dubai, UAE: The latest innovative trends and ideas shaping the future of the paper, stationery, and office supplies industries will be on show in Dubai next month, as the 6th edition of Paperworld Middle East returns stacked with a showcase of returning popular features.
Taking place from 1-3 March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Paperworld Middle East 2016 will open its doors to thousands of trade buyers from throughout the Middle East and Africa, while more than 290 exhibitors from 36 countries will display their latest products and solutions.
A notable feature at this year’s edition is the Green Office Area, which returns for the 5th year, and promotes sustainably produced and eco-friendly stationery and office supplies, such as pens and adhesives to recycled wood products, and even paper made from stone.
Double A from Thailand and Portuguese manufacturer The Navigator Company (formerly grupo Portucel Soporcel), are among the headline paper producers at the Green Office Area, both of whom will be eager to entice environmentally-conscious buyers in a Middle East market where, according to industry reports, paper and board demand was estimated to reach 9.2 million tonnes in 2015.
Also returning for its second year is the Paperworld Recycling Competition, where the global spotlight will shine on some of Dubai’s most environmentally conscious and creative school children.
The competition provides a platform for school children to reveal their creative talents, using recycled paper and stationery to create beautiful art work and sculptures, while highlighting the immense potential for recycling in everyday life.
Ten projects from 169 Dubai schools have been selected for the final showcase at Paperworld Middle East 2016, with the winning project to be decided on the final day of the three-day event.
Wrapping up the event features at Paperworld Middle East 2016 is Wrap Star, the UAE’s only gift wrapping competition. Major retailers, including Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdales, RM Retail, and Kiddy Zone will send their finest talent to the annual competition, where they will go head-to-head in live battles to be crowned the UAE’s champion gift wrapper.
Preliminary heats will be held on the first day of Paperworld Middle East, before the final showdown on the second day pits the very best against each other, with the ultimate winner decided by popular vote from trade visitors and exhibitors.
“Since its inception in 2011, Paperworld Middle East has grown into more than just a trade event for the paper, stationery, and office supplies industries,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Paperworld Middle East.
“It has developed into an annual source of inspiration, and we feel it’s important that the industry stays close to the markets it serves, whether schools, offices, retailers, or households. The event features at Paperworld Middle East encapsulates this vision, so that important business meetings are interspersed with a creative showcase of inspirational products, ideas, talents and minds.”
Paperworld Middle East brings together under one roof the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of paper, office supplies, toys, games, school items, and stationery, with more than 6,000 trade buyers from throughout the wider region.
International participation is spearheaded by country pavilions from Germany, Italy, and Portugal, while UAE participation is again strong this year, with 31 exhibitors taking part, including Farook International Stationery, Al Gurg Stationery, and Al Fahidi Stationery.
For more information, please visit www.paperworldME.com