The Middle East’s most outstanding lighting projects will share the spotlight next month in Dubai, when they contest for the ultimate accolade at the region’s only dedicated lighting design awards’ ceremony.
A stellar shortlist of 39 finalists from 150 entries has been selected for the Light Middle East Awards, with the winners across 12 categories to be celebrated during a gala dinner on Wednesday 5 November at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The rousing response from the regional lighting design community to the second edition of Light Middle East Awards reflects the importance being accorded to the competition, attracting lighting industry luminaries from across the world.
The awards are a feature of Light Middle East, the region's leading trade show and conference for the lighting industry, which takes place from 3-5 November.
Martin Valentine, Lighting Expert and Consultant from the Abu Dhabi Municipality, and a member of the judging panel, said: “The quality and quantity of entries were certainly very high this year, presenting an excellent reference for the regional lighting design industry.
“The products and projects on show were very innovative; those that we’ve shortlisted and the eventual winners will be seen as leaders in their field.”
Competition was the fiercest in the Public Lighting Project of the Year, Interior Hospitality Lighting Project of the Year, and the Exterior Retail Lighting Project of the Year categories.
The Houses of Parliament in Oman was one of the standout finalists in the Public Lighting Project of the Year category, while the recently completed outdoor development The Beach at the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) waterfront in Dubai will contest both the Public Lighting and Exterior Retail Lighting Project categories.
Other entries that shined bright in the Exterior Retail Lighting Project category were The Galleria in Abu Dhabi, The City Walk in Dubai, and the Wahat Hili Shopping Mall in Al Ain.
In the Interior Hospitality Lighting Project of the Year category, The Sofitel Dubai Downtown, SO Spa and the 31 Lounge, the Mint Leaf of London Dubai, and Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi will go head-to-head.
Dr. Riad Saraiji, Head of Architectural Engineering at UAE University, and another member of the four-strong judging panel was also impressed with the standard of the entries: “The projects that we’ve seen can compete on an international level, and in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if they went on to win international awards,” said Saraiji.
“The product categories were just amazing, with a lot of very innovative and high quality products, whether indoor or outdoor and it was very hard to choose the best. We are looking forward to seeing the winners next month.”
Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organiser of Light Middle East, said: “It’s important that lighting designers behind these impressive projects are recognised for their contribution to improving our everyday lives and this is what the Light Middle East Awards strives to accomplish.
“The competition highlights the spirit of creativity while focusing on energy efficiency, innovation, the adoption of new technologies and promoting good lighting environments in the Middle East.”
Light Middle East 2014, which will attract over 325 exhibitors from more than 27 countries, is the region’s premier exhibition and conference for lighting design and technology, attracting wide support from industry associations and regional authorities.
Other highlights of the three-day event include the two-day Light Middle East Conference on the 4-5 November, a high-profile gathering of global thought leaders in the lighting industry; and the Future Zone, a dedicated showcase of the most innovative lighting products that will shape the future of the regional lighting industry.
Show website: www.lightme.net