
Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East open tomorrow for the largest editions to date
Another new addition to the event is Battle of the Brushes, a community art competition held in association with Funun Arts, which concludes tomorrow
Dubai, UAE: Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East begin tomorrow, marking the largest-ever editions of the co-located shows. The events will feature over 600 exhibitors from 40 countries, with 12,000 visitors from more than 100 countries expected to attend.
Paperworld Middle East is now in its 13th edition and has become the fastest-growing event for the paper and paper products industry worldwide. This year's exhibition theme is 'Crafting Global Connections,' underscoring the event's role as an international hub for professionals in the paper, stationery, and office supplies sectors.
Syed Ali Akbar, Show Director for Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East commented: 'Paperworld Middle and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East are perfectly timed at the start of the industry buying cycle. Attendees of the co-located shows can look forward to unmatched networking opportunities, informative sessions, inspiring community art projects and a diverse array of products that reflect current trends and innovations.'
The product categories featured at Paperworld Middle East include paper and paper products, office supplies, school articles, stationery and hobby, craft and art supplies.
Paperworld Middle East will include country pavilions from India, Germany, China, Hong Kong, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan, showcasing key industry leaders and unique offerings from each market while providing a comprehensive overview of global trends in paper and stationery.
Paperworld Middle East has introduced a new Kraft and Packaging section this year, which addresses growing industry demands for sustainable materials. The new section will feature a diverse range of kraft papers, sustainable packaging materials, and cutting-edge printing techniques that produce exceptional quality while minimising environmental impact.
Now in its fourth edition, Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East offers a prime opportunity for businesses to discover a variety of gifting items. Part of the Ambiente family, Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East covers four product categories which include gifting, lifestyle, baby & kids and home and accents.
Returning event features at Paperworld Middle East include The Hub Forum, which gathers industry experts, thought leaders, analysts, and key players to discuss and debate the future of the paper, stationery, office supply, and gift industries. Over three days, the forum will host 17 insightful sessions and 30 speakers who will discuss topics such as sustainability, AI and consumer behaviour.
The second edition of the Paperworld Middle East Awards will take place on 13 November. The awards programme honours outstanding products and designs across 12 categories and is judged by an esteemed panel of international judges.
Adding further energy to the show floor, Battle of the Brushes, a new competition held in association with Funun Arts will showcase the talents of artists from around the UAE. The competition began in June and has included four exciting stages, leading up to the event.
Artists who have made it through to the final round will paint live tomorrow at Paperworld Middle East, where the official winner will be selected in four categories - Abstract, Realism, Pencil/Charcoal, and Watercolour.
The highly anticipated live art activation Signature Canvas will also return to the event, with contributing artists Shiba Khan, Jivan Hovhannisyan, Saida Banu, Stefania Pomillo and Rafah Abdul Razzak collaborating on a striking work of art which symbolises the UAE's role as a welcoming and unifying centre.
Sustainability continues to be a key priority across Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East and Project Sustainability will once again bring together a diverse selection of sustainable items, from recycled stationery to energy-efficient office supplies.
Curated for select senior buyers and key decision-makers in the paper industry, The Premium Club returns with an exclusive programme of complimentary benefits at the exhibition, streamlining and enhancing the purchasing process and fostering meaningful connections between key buyers and exhibitors.
Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East will be held from tomorrow until 14 November at halls 3,4,5,6, 7 and 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
More information is available at: www.paperworldme.com
About Paperworld Middle East
Paperworld Middle East brings together world-renowned brands, regional players, and promising innovators for an exciting three-day showcase featuring products ranging from office and school supplies, stationery, paper & paper products, to festive decorations and brandable merchandise. The next edition of the show takes place from 12-14 November 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre, co-located with Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East.
To learn more please visit our website.
About Messe Frankfurt
The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world's largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,300 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 28 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2023 were more than € 609 million. We serve our customers' business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt's key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability
With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).
Further information: www.messefrankfurt.com
About Messe Frankfurt Middle East
Messe Frankfurt Middle East's portfolio of exhibitions includes: Paperworld Middle East, Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, Automechanika Dubai, Automechanika Riyadh, Beautyworld Middle East, Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, Intersec, Intersec Saudi Arabia, Logimotion, Light + Intelligent Building Middle East. In the 2023/24 event season, Messe Frankfurt Middle East exhibitions combined featured 6,324 exhibitors from over 60 countries and attracted 224,106 visitors from 159 countries.
For more information, please visit our website.
Catherine Alltoft
catherine.alltoft@shamalcomms.com
Kate McGinley
kate.mcginley@uae.messefrankfurt.com
www.messefrankfurtme.com
www.paperworldme.com
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Gulf Today
03-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Anubha Kaw turns enchantment of silk into entrancement of art
Anubha Kaw spent the last decade exploring various subjects, mediums and techniques of art; however, it was during her sabbatical from a rewarding career in IT, she discovered her true love: silk painting. Nature, spirituality and the serene beauty of the mountains she grew up in Kashmir, are at the heart of her inspiration. She draws from them deeply and brings them to life on the soft, luxurious canvas of silk. Whether it is the emotions provoked by a landscape or quiet moments of reflection, her pieces strive to impart grace and meaning. Her silk creations have reached audiences far and beyond, gaining her international recognition. As a silk artist, Anubha blends tradition, craftsmanship and sustainability in her works. Specialising in hand-painted silk and intricate hand embroidery, she transforms fabric into living tapestries of movement, memory, and connection. Colours depicting Euphoria. Each of her pieces reflect an ongoing dialogue between the past and present, with ancient artistry meeting contemporary mores. Her works are a combination of abstract art on silk, touched and embossed by sinuous hand embroidery. Anubha has exhibited her works widely, including at ADIHEX (2021); #NOFILTERDXB with Artsmiley (2021); RANG with Funun Arts (2022); World Art Dubai with Funun Arts (2022); INDEX Dubai (2022); Group exhibition with First Wish Art Gallery, Tbilisi, Georgia (2023); Art UAQ and World Art Dubai, solo art exhibition (2025), among many others. The awards and recognition she has won include the Best Artwork Award conferred by the Ambassador of India to UAE Sunjay Sudhir at the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi (2022) and the Anni Albers Award for most outstanding Textile and Fiber Artist – Textile Sustainability - at Artistic Luminary Awards, Dubai (2024). She was also chosen to conduct the silk painting workshop at Ras Al Khaimah Art festival (2023). 'Silk is more than a canvas to me,' says Anubha. 'Through it, I explore the dialogues between tradition and transformation. My intention is to create work that not only adorns space, but also tells a visual story - one that bridges craft and fine art, tradition and innovation, personal memory and cultural continuity.' Anubha Kaw speaks to Gulf Today about her tryst with silk Can you tell us how you discovered silk painting? Primarily, I used to work with oil - a medium I love for its depth and richness. But one day, out of sheer curiosity and simply to enjoy a creative outing with my little girl, I booked ourselves a silk painting workshop in Abu Dhabi. The moment I felt the silk and touched the brush to the fabric, I was completely mesmerised. The fluid movement of the dye, the softness of the fabric and the way colours naturally bloomed and blended, felt as though the fabric was breathing with the paint. What began as a casual exploration quickly turned into a deep and evolving passion. What does painting on silk offer that other mediums like oil, mixed media or acrylic cannot? Painting on silk offers a sense of delicacy, spontaneity and flow that I haven't found in other mediums like oil and acrylics. The way the dye or the paint moves across the silk is almost alive. There's also a luminous transparency to silk that allows light to pass through the colours, adding a softness and dimension that feels almost dreamlike. How do you source the silk? I source my silk from trusted suppliers who specialise in high-quality natural fabrics. Whenever possible, I try to support small-scale or ethical producers, as sustainability and quality are both important to my practice. Who are the artists in your genre you find inspirational? Why are they so? I admire Karen Sistek for the way she redefines silk art with scale and emotion. Her beautiful floral paintings on silk capture both delicacy and vibrancy, and her mastery of the medium is truly inspiring. Another artist is John Martono, who influences me for transforming textiles and discarded materials into powerful visual narratives. Can you tell us how you blend cultural traditions and contemporary features? I draw inspiration from traditional textile techniques such as silk painting and embroidery, which carry a deep sense of history and craftsmanship. I also bring a modern perspective through abstract forms, contemporary colour palettes and personal narratives, that reflect the world I live in today. Anubha Kaw smiles at the camera. Why do you think embroidery enhances a silk painting? Silk painting captures movement, light and emotion through colour and natural sheen, whereas embroidery brings in texture, structure, and rhythm. The contrast between the softness of the silk and the precision of the thread, creates a beautiful dialogue that enriches the overall experience of the artwork. Besides landscapes, what are your subjects? My subjects often revolve around emotions, memories, and the unseen rhythms of daily life. I am drawn to abstract forms, organic shapes and subtle gestures that express inner states of being. Sometimes, a piece is inspired by a fleeting feeling, a conversation or even a moment of silence. I also explore the passage of time, movement and human connections that are deeply personal, but also universally felt. What are the stories your works narrate? They speak of transitions, physical and emotional, of places I have been, people I have encountered, and the feelings those experiences have left behind. Through colour, texture and form, I try to capture the invisible threads that bind us, stories of change, resilience, longing, and hope.


Zawya
13-11-2024
- Zawya
Innovation and AI are under the spotlight at Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East
Industry leaders, including Abdullah Al Khateeb, Managing Director of Ittihad Paper Mill LLC, have shared valuable insights at the event on the factors shaping the sector's future Topics highlighted at the show's discussion platform, the Hub Forum, include artificial intelligence, innovation and sustainability Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East continue until 14 November Dubai, UAE: Innovation has been a key topic of discussion at Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East as experts gather at the industry discussion platform, the Hub Forum, to discuss the trends shaping the future of the paper and gifting industries. Highlights from yesterday include a fascinating session on 'AI for Marketing' by Julian Weiland, CEO of The Scale Company, which provided insights on how artificial intelligence is optimising processes, enhancing product customisation, and refining quality standards in the industry. During his presentation, Weiland detailed how AI-powered solutions are helping businesses across the industry stay competitive by automating production processes, improving quality control, and enabling highly targeted marketing. Weiland commented: 'Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping the paper and stationery industry. Your competitors are likely already leveraging AI for growth and if you ignore AI, you might fall behind and lose opportunities - or even market share. 'AI can help you quickly identify buyer habits and emerging trends, such as which products will likely be popular in the upcoming season. By doing so, you'll be able to stay ahead of the curve. Modern AI solutions are not necessarily complicated to implement, they can often be built in as little as one afternoon.' Later on yesterday at the Hub Forum, Abdullah Al Khateeb, Managing Director and Ritesh Gupta, Area Sales Manager, Ittihad Paper Mill took to the stage to discuss 'Integrating best practices in paper manufacturing; innovations and opportunities', outlining the innovative practices adopted by the company, as the largest printing and writing paper production facility in the MENA region. Ittihad Paper Mill (IPM) caters to the growing regional demand for paper products, and also serves international markets. The company's facility is based on a 250,000 sqm plot in Abu Dhabi and has a production capacity of 325,000 tons per annum. IPM employs state-of-the-art machinery and software, enhancing product quality and minimising production times. The products manufactured by the company strictly adhere to global environmental standards, and their pulp is sourced exclusively from certified sustainable forests. Al Khateeb commented: 'From the very beginning, we have focused on selecting machines that make the most efficient use of water and gas resources. As a result, our cost per tonne is competitive with similar facilities worldwide. IPM utilises AI and robotics to minimise energy loss during production and our research and development efforts are aimed at becoming more environmentally friendly and economical, while maintaining high-quality paper production.' Project Sustainability continues to be a highlight at Paperworld Middle East, providing a snapshot of the environmentally friendly products featured across the show floor. By bringing together a diverse selection of sustainable items, Project Sustainability fosters a broader understanding of the importance of adopting eco-conscious practices. From recycled stationery to energy-efficient office supplies, attendees can explore a wide array of offerings that align with their values and sustainability goals. This year's featured products include the BAMFelt Box by Event Gift, a desktop organiser made from bamboo and rPET felt, an eco-friendly material from recycled PET bottles, and Schneider's Shine Up highlighter which has been produced using over 80% bio-based plastic, emphasising resource-friendly manufacturing. Elsewhere today, the Hub Forum will host an in-depth exploration of sustainability in the Middle East, with a special focus on the paper and stationery industry. The panel discussion, titled 'Navigating Sustainability in the Middle East - Local Challenges, Global Solutions', will address the unique environmental challenges faced in the region and present global solutions that can be adapted to address these local issues. The panel discussion will showcase an impressive lineup of featured speakers, including Richa Bansal, Founder, Ecobee; Namrata Budhraja, Co-Founder, Shift Eco; Sahar Karoubi- Founder, Bambuyu and Vikram Rana- Group Chairman & CEO, Red Ridge Global. The two-day Artistry Workshops feature begins today, welcoming artists, art school faculty, and enthusiasts to indulge in a diverse range of creative skills and techniques. From painting to sculpting and more, these workshops offer a unique opportunity to learn and develop artistic abilities from some of the UAE's most highly regarded artists. Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East concludes tomorrow, 14 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre. More information is available at: About Paperworld Middle East Paperworld Middle East brings together world-renowned brands, regional players, and promising innovators for an exciting three-day showcase featuring products ranging from office and school supplies, stationery, paper & paper products, to festive decorations and brandable merchandise. The next edition of the show takes place from 12-14 November 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre, co-located with Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East. To learn more please visit our website. About Messe Frankfurt The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world's largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,300 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 28 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2023 were more than € 609 million. We serve our customers' business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt's key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity. For more information, please visit our website at: With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent). Further information: About Messe Frankfurt Middle East Messe Frankfurt Middle East's portfolio of exhibitions includes: Paperworld Middle East, Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, Automechanika Dubai, Automechanika Riyadh, Beautyworld Middle East, Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, Intersec, Intersec Saudi Arabia, Logimotion, Light + Intelligent Building Middle East. In the 2023/24 event season, Messe Frankfurt Middle East exhibitions combined featured 6,324 exhibitors from over 60 countries and attracted 224,106 visitors from 159 countries. For more information, please visit our website. Catherine Alltoft Kate McGinley


Zawya
12-11-2024
- Zawya
Regional experts discuss global expansion strategies for paper and stationery brands
Representatives from the paper industry gathered today to discuss the globalisation of paper and stationery brands at the Hub Forum at Paperworld Middle East Market revenues for paper and paper products in the Middle East and Africa are expected to hit USD16.4 billion by 2030, according to 6W Research During the panel discussion, the speakers highlighted the importance of product customisation and working with local partners as elements for success Dubai, UAE: The globalisation of paper and stationery brands in the Middle East and Africa took centre stage today on the opening day of Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The topic was discussed in a session at the Hub Forum titled 'Beyond Borders: The Globalisation of Paper and Stationery Brands in the Middle East and Africa', providing a platform for industry leaders to delve into the unique challenges and opportunities that international brands encounter as they expand into ever-changing and culturally-diverse markets. Moderated by Nadia Swan, the panel featured a notable lineup of industry experts, including Swapnil Surve, Managing Director of Afro Fusion Group; Naynesh Pasari, CEO of Shree Krishna Paper Mills & Industries; and Parvesh Kapoor, Director of Alia Mohd Trading Co. LLC. The paper products and stationery industries in the Middle East and Africa are experiencing significant growth, primarily driven by the expansion of the office and education sectors. According to recent figures from 6W Research, market revenues for paper and paper products in the Middle East and Africa are projected to reach USD16.4 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4%. Commenting on the key factors for the success of paper and stationery brands in the region, Parvesh Kapoor, Director, Alia Mohd Trading Co. LLC, said: 'The Middle East and Africa is a vast region with numerous countries, cultures, and languages. When considering the market, it is essential to focus on brand positioning, pricing, quality, and customised design. There is significant potential in this region for paper and stationery products. Additionally, consumers want their products to be delivered quickly.' Swapnil Surve, Managing Director, Afro-Fusion Group, added: 'Economies of scale are crucial in international trade; a single brand cannot be efficiently exported to Africa using just a 40-foot shipping container. Dubai serves as a key hub for consolidating products before sending consignments to clients in Africa. This process helps reduce shipping costs and allows us to provide larger quantities of our products to wholesalers and retailers.' The session underscored the significant potential for international brands in the region, where consumer demand is rising and market growth is accelerating. By sharing real-world strategies and lessons learned, the panel aimed to empower other brands considering expansion to navigate the complexities of these diverse and promising markets successfully. Addressing the strategies for entering the Middle East and Africa, Naynesh Pasari, CEO of Shree Krishna Paper Mills & Industries, said: 'The buzzword now is sustainability and eco-friendliness. Everyone is looking for a solution where you are able to eliminate a certain aspect of single use plastic. Achieving success in part, depends on the way you are able to bring on a local partner who understands the market and can effectively communicate the value proposition to the customer.' Other topics addressed at Hub Forum today include 'Future-Forward Sustainability in Logistics Packaging', 'The Art of Corporate Gifting - Middle Eastern Traditions and Trends' and 'Integrating the Best Practices in Paper Manufacturing: Innovations and Opportunities.' Elsewhere today at Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East, the finalists of the new Battle of the Brushes competition, held in association with Funun Arts, will demonstrate their impressive artistic skills in a live painting challenge. A total of 17 artists have been selected across four categories for the competition which includes Abstract, Realism, Pencil/Charcoal and Watercolour. The winners will be determined later today by an esteemed panel of judges which includes UAE-based artists Khalil Abdul Wahid, Faisal AbdulQader, Atul Panase and Akbar Saheb. Paperworld Middle East is the largest international show for paper, stationery, arts and crafts, office supplies and school products. This year's theme is 'Crafting Global Connections', highlighting the event's position as an international hub for professionals in the paper, stationery and office supplies industry. Part of the Ambiente family, Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East focuses on corporate gifting and complements Paperworld Middle East's profile. Now in its fourth edition, Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East offers a prime opportunity for businesses to discover a wide range of gifting items. The co-located events continue until 14 November at Dubai World Trade Centre. More information is available at: About Paperworld Middle East Paperworld Middle East brings together world-renowned brands, regional players, and promising innovators for an exciting three-day showcase featuring products ranging from office and school supplies, stationery, paper & paper products, to festive decorations and brandable merchandise. The next edition of the show takes place from 12-14 November 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre, co-located with Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East. To learn more please visit our website. About Messe Frankfurt The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world's largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,300 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 28 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2023 were more than € 609 million. We serve our customers' business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt's key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity. For more information, please visit our website at: With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent). Further information: About Messe Frankfurt Middle East Messe Frankfurt Middle East's portfolio of exhibitions includes: Paperworld Middle East, Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, Automechanika Dubai, Automechanika Riyadh, Beautyworld Middle East, Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, Intersec, Intersec Saudi Arabia, Logimotion, Light + Intelligent Building Middle East. In the 2023/24 event season, Messe Frankfurt Middle East exhibitions combined featured 6,324 exhibitors from over 60 countries and attracted 224,106 visitors from 159 countries. For more information, please visit our website.