Light Middle East, the region’s premier trade fair for the lighting industry, will open in Dubai next week under the patronage of the Dubai Municipality, presenting the perfect platform for global manufacturers to introduce their latest products in a market hungry for energy-efficient lighting solutions.
With the GCC lighting fixtures market estimated to grow between 8-10 per cent annually to reach US$ 3.7 billion by 2018*, the preference for green lighting solutions is on the rise, reinforced by government regulations mandating the use of sustainable options such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), or Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs).
And the industry is responding, as more than 325 exhibitors from 27 countries prepare to descend upon the 9th edition of Light Middle East, which takes place from 3-5 November at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“As the Middle East’s only trade fair dedicated to the regional lighting design and technology industry, Light Middle East is the most effective meeting place where regional buyers and industry professionals can network with top global manufacturers,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of organiser Epoc Messe Frankfurt.
“Over the years the event has proved to be the annual launchpad for the latest lighting technologies and innovative products by the world’s leading lighting manufacturers.”
The Future Zone at Light Middle East 2014, a fast-growing section dedicated to innovative lighting products and technologies, will be buzzing with trend-setting solutions previously unseen in the region.
Expected to attract much attention is Gold Sponsor Speclight Associates, the exclusive Middle East agency for global brands Civic; Optolum; Hess; Holophane; and Whitegoods, which will all showcase LED lighting products for indoor and outdoor applications.
Said Sawaf, Agency Principal at Speclight Associates, said: “The Middle East is a critical market which forms a big part of the Speclight range of brands’ business development strategies.”
“We are seeing growth in all our key verticals, whether for interiors, urban environments, public spaces, parks, and roads, and there is a growing demand for specification grade lighting integrating the latest in lighting technology and intriguing design.”
British manufacturer Orangetek, one of more than 30 exhibitors at Future Zone, will also launch its latest range of LED road lamps – which comes as the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy announces its Dubai Outdoor Lighting Programme that will retrofit up to 75 per cent of the Emirate’s existing street lights with LEDs by 2030.
Nigel Parry, the Principal of Orangetek, said: “Our ARIALED range of LED road luminaires have been successful in the UK with 100,000 units sold in last two years. With the concerted regional government push to utilise energy efficient lighting for streetlights and municipal buildings, we are confident of doing equally well in the Middle East.”
Other exhibitors launching new products at Light Middle East include Precision Lighting, Regiolux, Rovasi, Scientechnic, Tridonic, and Trilux, along with exhibitors at the UK Pavilion, which is making its first appearance at Light Middle East since 2006, and officially supported by the UK Lighting Association.
With wide support from industry associations and regional authorities, Light Middle East offers an unmatched interactive platform for manufacturers, architects, designers, consultants, engineers, construction companies, hospitality industry professionals, government officials and more.
The exhibition is being staged in tandem with the Light Middle East Conference on 4-5 November, creating a dual platform highlighting key issues that affect the lighting design industry, attracting 21 leading industry experts, thought leaders and regional specialists.
Enrique Peiniger, Founder and Principal at US lighting design company OVI, and a speaker on the second day, said: “This is the most exciting time for the regional lighting industry, as new and exciting projects come up presenting more challenges to overcome.”
“One thing that is particularly important to consider in the Middle East is the scale of the architecture. Super tall construction is developing at an incredible rate, and lighting designers must be agile and forward-thinking. It’s not our job to simply keep up with technology; we want to be one step ahead, actually shaping the conversation and helping determine the future of how these structures are realised.”
Other speakers at the Light Middle East Conference include Faisal Ali Hassan Rashid, Director of the Demand Side Management at the Supreme Council of Energy, who will speak about The Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030; Salim Hussein Al Rimawi from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), who will speak about the RTA’s initiatives towards LED street lighting; and Martin Valentine, Lighting Expert at the Abu Dhabi Municipality, who will give an overview of the new steps Abu Dhabi’s Sustainable Lighting Strategy.
Light Middle East 2014 will also feature the Light Middle East Awards, celebrating the region’s best and brightest lighting projects and products. A shortlist of 39 entries will contest for the ultimate accolade at a Gala dinner ceremony on the 5th November.
Show website: www.lightme.net