Digital Transformation Accelerates

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The Middle East is a progressive and knowledgeable market. Premium printing is growing strongly, alongside increasing demand for sustainability. There is a sizeable analog-to-digital transformation with job size decrease and frequency increase. Larger volumes produced on conventional are on decline and this trend will remain. Premium printing is picking up demand; superior design, specialized media, special effects, improving overall impact of the collateral, targeted audience with personalized touch, faster turnaround have become the new norms of the printing business.”

With overall volumes declining in conventional print, short-run digital production is seeing significant incremental growth. Ansari predicts that in the coming years, digital will become the primary production method, while conventional (analog) printing will play a secondary role — even in traditionally offset-dominated sectors like packaging. “In my opinion, over the next few years, digital will become the primary source of production and we will see lower investments into conventional technology. Another emerging trend is the hybrid model, where print shops integrate digital capabilities into their existing operations. Smaller businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to operate independently due to rising costs and competitive pressures, leading to consolidation within the industry. Mid-sized businesses, supported by automation and digital capabilities, are expected to drive the next phase of growth.