UPM Specialty Materials announced two separate paper packaging developments, partnering with Uteco and Siegwerk on secondary packaging

  Fujifilm announced a global strategic partnership with ePac Flexible Packaging on 19 October 2026 to introduce its J Press

    Dubai, UAE: Paper manufacturers in the UAE are adjusting their market strategies to prioritise domestic demand and neighbouring GCC countries, with a growing emphasis on supply chain resilience, regional opportunities and sustainable growth.     The UAE paper industry, valued at approximately US$2 billion according to industry figures presented at ProPaper Dubai 2026, is strengthening its focus on domestic and neighbouring GCC markets, with manufacturers prioritising regional opportunities and supply chain resilience.     The event was inaugurated by H.E. Fahad Al Gergawi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Foreign Trade, alongside H.E. Ibtisam Ali Al Saadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and representatives from the paper industry.     Industry representatives highlighted the role of government measures, including Green Corridors and alternative supply routes, in maintaining trade flows amid disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.     Majid Rasheed, Managing Director of Star Paper Mill, said: “Our immediate priority is to serve the domestic UAE market, where our products have received a positive response in terms of quality, service and reliability of supply. We have also begun exporting to neighbouring GCC markets by road. However, road freight remains expensive, while sea exports are currently commercially unviable because of the prevailing logistics disruptions and elevated shipping costs.”     Hamad Abdulla Al Ghurair, SVP, Special Projects & Commercial, PURL by Al Ghurair, emphasised the importance of supply chain preparedness.    

    Abu Dhabi, UAE: Eli Lilly and Company and Mubadala Bio announced an agreement on 20 October 2026 to