From print press to powerhouse: Reimagining industrial innovation

Khaleej Times

20-05-2025

From its origins as United Printing & Publishing, the UAE's e7 Group has undergone a sweeping transformation. Rebranded and refocused, e7 is now an integrated industrial solutions powerhouse, expanding far beyond the printed word into high-tech manufacturing, identity security, logistics, and sustainable packaging. At the centre of this evolution is new management that describes the shift not as a cosmetic overhaul but a structural pivot aligned with the UAE's broader push for industrial self-reliance under the 'Operation 300bn' strategy.
'Our rebranding is not just a facelift — it's representative of how we now deliver value,' says Esteban Gómez Nadal, Group CEO. 'We're pivoting towards being an integrated, solutions-driven company without silos. Our goal is to offer end-to-end expertise that aligns with national priorities and global excellence.'
One company, one brand, 40+ solutions
e7's ambition is to eliminate the friction often encountered when working across fragmented vendors. From printing secure identity documents and personalised banking cards to supplying inflight magazines and educational content, e7 offers over 40 tailored solutions across five core verticals. 'The strategy is to provide one reliable partner from design to execution,' explains Gómez Nadal.
A standout example is e7's work with regional banks: 'We print your credit card, the accompanying letter, the marketing material, package it all with innovative designs, and deliver it straight to your door.' In the education sector, e7 offers a one-stop suite that spans textbooks, digital learning tools, and school operations systems. For airlines, it delivers custom-designed onboard packaging and entertainment material. 'Clients love that they can rely on one partner to elevate their brand experience,' says Gómez Nadal.
Going global, one passport at a time
A cornerstone of e7's growth is its prowess in secure identity solutions. With more than 10 industry-leading certifications and long-term contracts with governments in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, the company is becoming a serious contender in the global security printing space.
Its recent framework agreement with the Rwandan government exemplifies its strategic direction — delivering a full suite of identity solutions while establishing an advanced local manufacturing facility. 'This is how we plan to grow,' Gómez Nadal notes. 'First, by expanding the reach of our core offerings — passports, ID cards, tax stamps—and second, by becoming a full-fledged digital identity player through partnerships and acquisitions.'
With over one billion people worldwide still lacking formal identity documents, and governments increasingly digitising their ID infrastructure, e7 is targeting a sector with high barriers to entry and long-term growth potential.
Investing in sustainability, and returns
Sustainability is not a sideshow. 'It's a core tenet of our strategy,' says Gómez Nadal. e7 has launched an ESG roadmap backed by annual audits, board oversight, and aggressive decarbonisation goals. Over 70% of paper used in its commercial printing comes from recycled sources; its packaging arm relies on FSC-certified board; and eco-certified banking cards reflect its green commitments.
Social initiatives are equally prioritised. Emiratisation, gender diversity, and workforce welfare are core KPIs, alongside university partnerships aimed at upskilling the next generation of industrial talent. 'We view sustainability in its broadest sense — environmental, social and governance — and that's embedded in how we operate daily,' Gómez Nadal affirms.
Delivering on the 'Operation 300bn'
e7's transformation dovetails with the UAE's ambition to boost its industrial GDP to Dh300 billion by 2031. The group supports this goal on multiple fronts: investing in high-tech infrastructure, developing local talent, promoting in-country value, and reducing dependency on imports.
'Our packaging business grew 80% last year,' says Gómez Nadal, pointing to e7's success in aligning national industrial goals with private sector growth. With geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions redrawing the global logistics map, the company has built a resilient network of supplier partnerships across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, enabling it to balance localisation with cost efficiency.
Digital tax stamps and the next frontier
In 2025, e7 will enter the digital tax stamps market, backed by a Dh182 million investment to also scale its passport manufacturing fivefold. This move positions the company at the heart of a high-growth sector that tackles global issues such as illicit trade and tax evasion. With over 90 countries already deploying tax stamps on excisable goods, e7's move is both timely and strategic.
'The numbers are staggering,' Gómez Nadal says. 'An estimated $2 trillion is lost annually in counterfeiting and pirated goods. Our technology can help governments recover revenue, protect brands, and safeguard consumers.'
A financially fit, dividend-delivering company
In 2024, e7 reported a net profit before tax of Dh256.7 million, driven by 11% year-on-year revenue growth and a booming packaging segment. Over 70% of its revenue is recurring, underpinned by long-term contracts that offer high visibility and stability.
To mark its strong financial performance, e7 announced a maiden dividend of Dh147.1 million, equivalent to 70% of distributable net profit—well above its minimum payout commitment. The move signals confidence in both its balance sheet and growth outlook.
'Our return on investment isn't just financial,' Gómez Nadal explains. 'We evaluate partnerships and acquisitions based on strategic fit, innovation potential, ESG alignment and cultural compatibility.'