Dubai, UAE – The first-ever Paperworld Middle East Awards unfolded at the prestigious Al Multaqua Ballroom in the Dubai World Trade Centre, recognizing innovation, technology, and excellence in the paper industry. Farook Rahimtulla, the visionary behind Farook International Stationery, received the coveted ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his enduring contributions to the stationery industry.
Established in Dubai in 1980, Farook International Stationery has emerged as the leading stationery brand in the UAE, renowned globally for its quality office and school supplies, diaries, and envelopes. Syed Ali Akbar, Show Director for Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East, commended Rahimtulla, stating that the award aimed to honor those who significantly impact the region’s paper industry.
An independent panel of judges, including industry figures like Purva Grover and Reesha Coutinho, determined the award winners. Metacil claimed the ‘Stationery Product of the Year,’ while Schneider Pens earned the ‘Arts and Crafts Product of the Year’ for the Paint It 040 Twin Marker. Other notable winners included Cloudline, Ittihad Paper Mill, Uni Mitsubishi Pencil, Pangulf Marketing, Trident Group, and Maped.
Underlining Paperworld Middle East’s commitment to sustainability, the ceremony featured the ‘Best Eco-Friendly Product of the Year,’ awarded to the Trident Group for the Spectra copy paper. The ‘Licensed Product of the Year’ was secured by Maped for the Harry Potter Colouring Suitcase, while S-Cool received the ‘Best School Bag Design Award of the Year.’ The accolade for the ‘Best Stationery Retailer of the Year’ went to Skribl Box.
Syed Ali Akbar emphasized that the Paperworld Middle East Awards would become an annual event, celebrating excellence and innovation within the paper industry. The event signifies a significant milestone in recognizing and honoring the region’s outstanding contributions to the stationery sector.