Digital Transformation Accelerates

Nayyar Ansari, General Manager Production & Industrial Printing of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Middle East, highlighted the rapid transformation underway in the region:

 

“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.”

 

Konica Minolta’s Technology Showcase

 

At GPP 2026, Konica Minolta will introduce the AccurioPress C14010S production printer, featuring:

• Advanced colour management automation

• Automated media handling

• High-performance white toner reproducibility

• Expanded application flexibility

Automation remains central to productivity improvements, reducing operator dependency while increasing efficiency.

 

The company will also highlight its digital embellishment and digital label solutions as part of its expanding industrial business portfolio. As part of its regional expansion, Konica Minolta has established its Middle East headquarters in Saudi Arabia, strengthening its footprint across MENA and North Africa.

 

Regional Printers Focus on Efficiency and Growth

How some of UAE's  Regional Printers Are Navigating Market Conditions Through Efficiency and Growth

 

Lakshmanan Ganapathy, General Manager of Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing, emphasized a strategic approach to technology investment:

 

“We visit the exhibition with a clear objective: to identify technologies that help us produce market-relevant products faster, at competitive cost and with superior quality. Any machine or solution that improves production speed, enhances quality, or reduces unit costs is of strong interest to us.”

 

He noted the rapid advancement of inkjet technology, with improving print quality and steadily declining costs. “At the same time, rising labour costs make automation essential for long-term competitiveness. Demand for embellishments is also increasing as these processes become more cost-effective, while personalization and customization are gaining importance across multiple product segments. Having the right technology is critical to delivering these solutions efficiently and without errors. Therefore, we actively evaluate opportunities across all these areas.”

 

Export remains a key revenue pillar for the company, not only within MENA but across Africa. “Exports have always been a core pillar of Al Ghurair Printing’s business and remain a major source of revenue. We will continue to actively pursue export opportunities not only within the MENA region, but across the entire African continent as well.

 

While exports can be impacted by geopolitical uncertainties and foreign exchange challenges—particularly in certain African markets—a large organization like ours cannot rely solely on the local market for sustainable and diversified growth. Our scale, experience and risk management capabilities allow us to navigate these challenges while continuing to build a strong export presence.”

 

Al Ghurair continues expanding capacity for in-mould labels, offset-printed kraft paper bags and collapsible boxes, investing selectively in German and Japanese core printing equipment alongside cost-effective Chinese finishing machines.

 

“Our investment strategy is not limited to any single manufacturer,” clarified Ganapathy. “We selectively invest in German and Japanese printing equipment for core printing processes, complemented by Chinese finishing machines where they offer value and reliability. This balanced approach allows us to optimize performance, cost efficiency and return on investment.

 

When asked as an industry veteran what would be your advice to printshops to survive and thrive? Ganapathy explained: “Our strategic focus has always been to reduce print imports into the UAE rather than compete aggressively with fellow printers in the local market. Many UAE buyers continue to import printed and packaging products to remain cost-competitive, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity for local printers.

To survive and thrive, print shops must invest in the latest machinery, technologies and automation to achieve world-class cost efficiency and quality levels that can compete with overseas suppliers. Excessive price competition within the local industry is not sustainable and, in the long run, weakens the sector. Collaboration, specialization and continuous investment in efficiency are key to building a strong and resilient printing industry.”

 

Scaling Through Automation and Specialization

Large format printers Veesham Printing Press has invested in rigid box wrapping and digital die-cutting technologies to expand business. General Manager Prasanna Naidu said: “We look at automation, personalization, adding technology, embellishments, and competitive pricing as a way of scaling our business. About your question of AI integration into printing – so far there has been limited application, especially in context of designing or automation. For us, what is more important is how to increase profitability and productivity, adapting to smaller runs, improve our sourcing and reduce wastage. About twenty years ago rigid box packaging volumes were not that high, while now the volumes have increased quite significantly, adding to revenue streams.”