FESPA Middle East is set to return to the Dubai Exhibition Centre from January 13 to 15, 2026, with expectations of increased attendance and exhibitor participation compared to the previous year.
FESPA Middle East
The 2025 edition of FESPA Middle East attracted 2,700 visitors from 80 countries and over 100 exhibitors. For 2026, organisers anticipate around 3,000 visitors and 125 exhibitors, marking an 11% rise in visitor numbers and a 25% increase in exhibitors year-on-year.
This growth reflects strong demand within the regional and international print, signage, and textile decoration sectors for a dedicated platform to connect and explore new business opportunities.
Market trends
Industry reports support the event’s expansion. According to Grand View Research, digital printing in the UAE is projected to grow from US$655.5 million in 2023 to US$917 million by 2030.
Meanwhile, the digital signage market in the GCC is expected to reach US$842 million by 2035, based on data from Market Research Future.
Bazil Cassim, Regional Manager for the Middle East and Africa at FESPA, said, “This outlook highlights the strength of the regional print sector and emphasises the urgency for businesses to adapt. With its blend of technology showcases, forward-thinking education, and opportunities to connect with global leaders, FESPA Middle East is uniquely positioned as the event where print and signage professionals in the region can harness this growth and collaboratively shape the future of the industry.”
Event features
The 2026 event, themed ‘Your Industry. Your Community.’, aims to provide attendees with the latest technology, educational content, and business development opportunities. It will feature the FESPA Leadership Exchange (FLEX) with global business insights and the Sustainability Spotlight focusing on responsible practices and materials.
Following its successful debut in 2025, the AI Education Lab will return with expanded demonstrations showing AI applications in printing and signage.
The World Wrap Masters Middle East competition and live vinyl wrapping demos will also highlight creativity and technical skill.
Conference sessions will address key industry topics, including storytelling in design, practical uses of AI, and integrating sustainability into workplace culture. Speakers include Nita Odedra, Director of Strategy at Blue Rhine, and industry experts Rob Hayes and Carlo Pepe.
As with all FESPA events, revenue generated is reinvested into the print community. Since 2015, FESPA has invested over US$9 million in education, research, and grassroots initiatives through its global network, supporting long-term industry development.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
