Messe Düsseldorf integrates flagship fairs K, interpack, and drupa into Saudi Arabia’s leading plastics, print, and packaging exhibitions.
Messe Düsseldorf is accelerating its global footprint with the expansion of its flagship trade shows—K, interpack, and drupa—into the Middle East, marking a pivotal collaboration with the Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC). Through a new strategic agreement, the Saudi Plastics & Petrochem and Saudi Print & Pack exhibitions will now include regional editions of these world-renowned events, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s emerging status as a key player in the global plastics, print, and packaging industries.
The announcement was made earlier this week at Saudi Print & Pack trade sho at Riyadh (12–15 May 2025) which represents a major milestone for Messe Düsseldorf’s internationalization strategy. Over 500 exhibitors from the plastics, petrochemicals, packaging, and printing sectors participated in the 2025 edition, reflecting a 70% growth in exhibitor count since 2018. A formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed by HRH Prince Saud Turki Al Faisal Bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of REC, and Wolfram N. Diener, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf.
For decades, K, interpack, and drupa have defined the global trade fair landscape with their focus on technological innovation, market leadership, and international business development. Their integration into the Saudi exhibitions brings a new layer of relevance and opportunity to the Gulf region, fostering knowledge exchange and regional investment in next-generation packaging, printing, and plastic solutions.
Diener emphasized the region’s strategic value:
“We’re in the right place at the right time. The Middle East is diversifying rapidly, and this move positions us alongside the region’s economic transformation. Our expanded presence will unlock significant potential for exhibitors and visitors alike.”
Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets are experiencing robust economic growth, with consultancy jwc forecasting a 6% annual growth rate until 2029, outpacing both the EU and global averages. For the packaging and plastics industries, this creates fertile ground for expansion, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
According to Dr. Akram Masri, COO of REC:
“Our events have grown steadily in quality and relevance. Partnering with Messe Düsseldorf—home to the most influential global trade fairs—will give Saudi Plastics & Petrochem and Saudi Print & Pack new momentum and international visibility.”
This move builds on Messe Düsseldorf’s existing Middle East engagements. Since 2007, K has partnered with ArabPlastin Dubai, while pacprocess MEA and Food Africa in Cairo have deepened interpack’s presence in Egypt since 2019. The launch of a new Gulf Office in Dubai and a subsidiary in Türkiye in 2024 further supports the organization’s expansion into high-growth corridors between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
K, interpack, and drupa have long served as pivotal platforms for showcasing breakthroughs in sustainable packaging, digital printing technologies, and advanced polymer applications. Their entry into the Saudi market is expected to enhance local access to global best practices and foster deeper collaboration across the packaging, print, and plastics value chains.
This bold step not only aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals but also reinforces Messe Düsseldorf’s role in driving international trade and innovation ecosystems across the packaging spectrum.