From left: Mazen El Tibi, Sales & Marketing Director, Heidelberg Middle East FZCO, Gold sponsor of DIPA; Chairman of the Printing and Publishing Group, Mazen Haj; Mahdi Al Mazim, Director, Customer Service Centers, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and an official of Khaleej Times, the event's Media Partner, during the announcement of the upcoming DIPA 2013. NOW in its seventh year, the 2013 edition of the Dubai International Print Award (DIPA) is set to be bigger and better than ever before. In collaboration with Dubai Chambers and organized by the Printing and Publishing Group, DIPA is the largest event of its kind in the region that recognizes exceptional talent, innovation and excellence in the regional printing industry. DIPA is taking place at the Madinat Jumeirah (Johara Ballroom) on April 9, where professionals from the region's printing and publishing industry are set to flock. The organizers of DIPA are expecting an increase in award entries from last year, where over 900 entries were received from 8 countries. A new category has been added for DIPA 2013, which seeks to find leadership in the flat-bed digital inkjet category. As part of this addition, flat-bed printer manufacturers will now be able to participate and demonstrate their Point of Sale free-standing unit printing materials. Chairman of the Printing and Publishing Group, Mazen Haj, said: “Dubai International Print Award is unique because it is the only print award in the GCC and has effectively positioned itself as the definitive platform from which to gauge the quality and excellence of the region's printing and publishing industry, and has done this for the seventh consecutive year.” “There are some exciting additions to DIPA 2013, such as the new venue and date, which allows printing professionals to attend the awards during their visit to the Gulf Print & Pack 2013 exhibition, the addition of a new award category, and the inclusion of entries from the Levant market,” he added. Mahdi Al Mazim, Director, Customer Service Centers, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The annual award, which caters to our strategic objectives of supporting the development of business and promoting Dubai as an international business hub, is a significant motivation for publishing companies in the country. It encourages all printing establishments to compete for quality excellence and receive their fair share of recognition in the industry, locally and regionally. We wish this seventh round of the award all the success.” — SG
