• The opening of new schools in the region and substantial investments in education will play a crucial role in the growth of the paper and stationery sector, according to the latest research
  • Paperworld Middle East, the largest international trade show for stationery, paper and office supplies, returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 12-14 November

Dubai, UAE: The expansion of the office and education sectors in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is driving significant growth in the paper products sector, according to findings from 6W research. They estimate that market revenues for paper and paper products will reach US$16.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.4%.

The office sector in the UAE employs 64% of the country’s workforce and contributes to over half of the nation’s GDP. In 2024, Dubai is expected to expand its office space by an additional 44,000 square meters, while Abu Dhabi plans to add 112,000 square meters. In Qatar, an additional 350,000 square meters of additional office space is planned this year.

A growing number of multinational corporations are choosing Riyadh as the location for their regional headquarters, where office occupancy levels are currently around 98%. Over the next three years, it is predicted that 676,000 square metres of office space will be added in Saudi Arabia’s capital, while demand for office space in Jeddah is also growing. 

“The increased demand for office space in the Middle East region will directly boost the office supplies industry, with paper, paper products and stationery being important components of this segment. As a result, we expect an uptick in sales of products such as writing printing paper, writing utensils and other office supplies equipment”, said Syed Ali Akbar, Show Director for Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East.  

The Middle East and Africa schools supply market is expected to rise from US$7 billion this year to US$8.9 billion in 2030. According to UNESCO, Africa needs at least nine million new classrooms and 9.5 million additional teachers by 2050, with new schools and classrooms already under construction.

In addition, three new British schools are set to open in Riyadh between 2024 and 2026, and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) International Schools Programme, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Investment, aims to attract major international schools to the Saudi capital.

Over 365,000 students are currently enrolled in private schools in Dubai, and due to population growth and significant investments in the sector in the UAE, the education market is expected to grow at a steady rate. In 2022, the UAE Government allocated $5.18 billion to the education sector, representing approximately 14% of the total federal budget.

“As investments in the education sector continue to grow and the number of schools and students rises, there will be increased demand for school bags, pencil cases, paper and paper products such as exercise books, blocks, folders and other stationery products in the coming years. Paperworld Middle East will meet this growing need by showcasing the latest products and innovations from around the world, under one roof”, added Ali.

Paperworld Middle East is the largest international trade show for stationery, paper, and office supplies. This year's event theme is "Crafting Global Connections," highlighting the exhibition's role as a central hub for the industry worldwide. The exhibition will feature over 480 exhibitors from 40 countries and is estimated to attract 12,000 visitors.

Paperworld Middle East showcases the full spectrum of paper products, including office supplies, school articles, stationery supplies, writing instruments, writing printing paper and arts and crafts products. A new addition this year is kraft paper and packaging, a segment that is growing in popularity due to the increased demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

Paperworld Middle East is co-located with Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East and is held in halls 5-8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

More information is available at: www.paperworldme.com

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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 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 Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East

Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, a vibrant platform showcasing the latest trends in lifestyle, accents, and gifts. Co-located with Paperworld Middle East from November 12–14, 2024, at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the event is the region’s premier showcase for mid- to high-end gift articles, baby and kid items, and lifestyle products.

For more information, 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 € 600 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

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.

James Lakie
james.lakie@shamalcomms.com

Kate McGinley
kate.mcginley@uae.messefrankfurt.com
www.messefrankfurtme.com
www.paperworldme.com