Technology and Sustainable Products are Driving the Corporate Gift Industry Forward

• As companies adopt more eco-conscious practices, the demand for environmentally friendly gifts is on the rise

• Technology products such as wireless chargers are among the most in-demand items

• The latest industry insights will be shared at Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East which takes place from 21-23 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre

The corporate gift sector in the MENA region is currently undergoing a transformation due to the growing demand for technology and sustainable products. According to leading regional players in the industry, businesses are now opting for eco-friendly items and technology-based products to create unique and memorable gifts for their clients and employees.

Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East

Figures shared by Forbes earlier this year estimate the current worth of the global corporate gifting sector to be USD 242 billion and the sector is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8%, to reach USD 306 billion by next year. Corporate gifting is particularly prominent in the Middle East, where gift-giving is an integral aspect of local culture.

The latest trends in the corporate gifts sector will be unwrapped at Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East which will be hosted alongside partner event Paperworld Middle East from 21-23 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Reflecting on the latest developments in the corporate gifts market, Syed Ali Akbar, Show Director for Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East said, “Over the past few years, there has been a significant shift in the decision-making and purchasing behaviour of consumers in the corporate gift sector. There is now a rising interest in environmentally friendly and socially responsible corporate gifting practices as well as a preference for technology-based products which has brought about new opportunities for the sector.”

Alpha Arts, one of the exhibiting companies at Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East this year, will present its ‘RPET’ collection at the event. The collection is made from Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate, a type of PET plastic that has been recycled and transformed into new products. PET plastic is one of the most widely used types of plastic, making it a significant contributor to environmental pollution. By promoting the use of RPET, the amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills or littering the environment is reduced and the material is given new life and purpose in a variety of products.

Commenting on current market trends, Mohammed Al Ayat, Managing Director of Alpha Arts said, “In the UAE, there is a strong emphasis on eco-friendly products, which aligns with the government's "Year of Sustainability" for 2023. Alongside our RPET collection, we will focus on our digital notebook at Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East, which has already gained popularity in the region.”

Fellow exhibitor, Krossover Gifts Trading offers a wide range of sustainable items which are made from materials such as RPET, wheat straw, bamboo and cork. Pawan Punjabi, Founder comments, “Sustainable gifts and tech products are the most in-demand today, with 50-60% of our products covering these categories. At Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East, we will be focusing on our wireless charging items, which is one of the most popular areas of our portfolio at the moment.”

According to Sam Haghi, General Manager of Magic Printing, one of the largest advertising and printing suppliers in the Middle East, the future of the corporate gift sector is an exciting one, “Businesses are increasingly recognising the positive impact of promotional gifts over other advertising channels and are becoming more eager to spend money on promotional products.”

During Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East, Magic Trading will showcase technology products alongside a new collection of eco-friendly bags, stationery and drinkware. The company offers a wide range of technology items including power banks, chargers, USB flash drives, headphones, speakers and accessories.

Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East takes place during the industry’s key buying season and gathers manufacturers, retailers and distributors under one roof. The exhibition gives visitors the chance to explore a comprehensive range of market-leading products and stock their inventory for the season of giving ahead.

More information is available at: www.paperworldme.com.