As Paperworld Middle East 2014 readies for a successful fourth edition, organiser Epoc Messe Frankfurt is expecting strong interest from the regional industry in the category showcasing school articles.

Education is both big business and a high growth sector in the Middle East, which is estimated to be among the fastest-growing regions in the world currently. Thanks to the region’s thriving economy and booming population growth, demand for educational facilities and institutions is expected to remain high.

According to Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the number of students enrolled in private schools in the emirate grew at an average of 7% over the last decade to reach 225,099 in 2012-13. Private schools account for around 80% of the total number of students in the emirate.

By 2020 the number of students in private schools is estimated to increase by another 60%, with the authorities estimating the need for 110 new schools to accommodate them. According to the Abu Dhabi Education Council, there will be another 133,000 new school places created in the emirate by 2020.

“Education is among the fast growing sectors in the region and draws high interest,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. “Paperworld Middle East showcases a number of leading suppliers and manufacturers of products made for school children and we expect this to draw good traffic from trade visitors.”

Paperworld Middle East 2014 will feature a number of leading suppliers of school products and stationery including: Farook International Stationery, Dubai Library Distributors, Gabol, Paxos and Sun Ce. The exhibition will also act as a launch pad for global phenomenon Smart Wall Paint’s latest addition – Clear Smart Wall Paint. Education customers of Smart Wall Paint to date include the University of Tasmania, Bristol University, the Royal College of Surgeons, Georgetown and the London School of Music.

Founder of Smart Wall Paint, Ronan Clarke, commenting on the newest addition to the portfolio, said: “We not only offer you a write-on, wipe-off area for all your brainstorming needs, but Smart Wall Clear promotes your original décor and design.”

With a wide range of school stationery, school bags, stickers & labels, water bottles, writing instruments and arts & crafts supplies, Dubai Library Distributors is a popular name among parents of school going kids in the UAE. With a strong presence at Paperworld Middle East 2014, the company is looking to strengthen brand awareness and seek out new markets.

“Paperworld Middle East gives us good access to a large pool of buyers and prospective clients from across the region, which is important to us in our efforts to increase our market reach,” said Mr. Rashed Al Kaitoob Managing Director of Dubai Library Distributors.

Paperworld Middle East 2014, which will run from March 4th to 6th, 2014 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, is expected to open at least 10% larger than the previous edition.

Paperworld Middle East brings the unmatched expertise, scope and reach of the Frankfurt-based parent show to key decision makers, buyers and customers in the region. Paperworld is a global brand for the paper, stationery and office supplies sector with successful platforms in promising markets: Germany, China, Hong Kong, Dubai and Russia.